'Perfect' gangster film starring forgotten Hollywood legends has near perfect rating

Edinburgh Live

15-05-2025

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Decades on from its debut, the 1990 film is hailed as an "all-time classic" by fans, marking one of many hits from the successful Coen Brothers.
The American gangster film Miller's Crossing stands as a pivotal work by Joel and Ethan Coen, renowned for their cross-genre storytelling seen in acclaimed films No Country for Old Men and Fargo. Amongst their notable body of work, this particular film is lauded by viewers as the siblings' "greatest", resonating as a "hallmark" within the noir genre.
One Rotten Tomatoes critic says: "All-time classic. This has all the hallmarks of a noir. The script is very complicated but never convoluted to the point where you can't follow it, which is a testament to the masterful editing. My only real complaint is while the music is good, I wish it was used a bit more, but this really is never dry. Everyone should give this a try once."
Its narrative delves into the lives of two feuding gangs during the turmoil of the 1929 Prohibition era, with Albert Finney portraying Irish mob leader Leo O'Bannon who triggers a gang war in defence of his girlfriend's brother, Bernie, embroiled in conflict with a rival faction. Unbeknownst to him, his own partner-in-crime, Tom Reagan—portrayed by Gabriel Byrne—is entangled in an affair with his sweetheart.
Despite Tom's maneuvers to serve up his brother Bernie to the wolves, Leo's faith in his decision to safeguard him remains unshaken. However, with the rise of his Italian gangster nemesis Johnny Caspar, he requires the services of his trusted lieutenant now more than ever, until the bombshell revelation that he's been having an affair with his girlfriend, reports the Daily Record.
The film is peppered with grim humour and startling violence, questioning whether Tom harbours any real empathy. Ostracised by his mob and trapped between two relentless sides, he faces the dire task of assassinating Bernie himself – a test of whether his resolve matches his cold exterior.
A viewer praised the film, writing: "This may be one of the best gangster films I have ever seen. There's not much action, but the drama and acting are so on point. Gabriel Byrne and John Turturro are so freakin' good in this film. The Coen Brothers always make great movies, and this may be their biggest hidden gem."
Meanwhile, another said: "The violence, like the rest of Miller's Crossing, is poetically staged and strangely tasteful. But the movie's real firepower is the staccato slang of its script."
Another highlight is Gabriel Byrne's exemplary portrayal, recognised for standout performances in Hereditary, Little Women, and In Treatment. Renowned as a noteworthy talent who notably never received an Oscar nod, Byrne has nevertheless accrued numerous awards throughout his distinguished career.
Miller's Crossing boasts a talented ensemble cast, including John Turturro and the late Jon Polito, who amassed over 220 film credits throughout his illustrious 35-year career. The film's exceptional performances have prompted audiences to leave glowing five-star reviews.
One reviewer said: "With dialogue so sharp it should come with a safety warning, this movie is amazing. If I had to declare my favourite film across all genres, this would be a very strong contender. Wonderful performances from a truly super cast...so many standout scenes... and that script...close to perfect."
Another viewer added: "One of the greatest noir films of all time, Miller's Crossing is probably the Coens' greatest film. Byrne's performance is spellbinding and stands out among terrific performances by Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro, and Steve Buscemi. Brilliantly shot, blocked, and edited realisation of a great screenplay, it's one of the 100 greatest films of all time."
Miller's Crossing is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime, offering viewers the chance to experience this critically acclaimed gangster movie for themselves.