Review of Miller's Crossing (1990) by Danny R — 14 Dec 2011

An extraordinary gangster epic brilliantly directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, it concerns a blacked-hearted mobster named Tom Reagan, played by Gabriel Byre in a superlative performance of great subtlety, Tom has his own personal code of ethics known only to himself, he is the right-man to a powerful Irish Mob kingpin and political boss named Leo O' Bannon, played to the hilt by the great British actor Albert Finney in a absolutely phenomenal performance, he steals every scene he is in.

Tom's secret relationship with Leo's gal pal, Verna Bernbaum played wonderfully played by Marcia Gay Harden in her screen debut will test his loyalty to Leo, he has a major falling out with Leo over Verna, he then forges a shaky alliance with Leo's chief rivals, a psychotic Italian mobster named Johnny Casper, played by Jon Polito in an impressive performance and his sadistic lieutenant Eddie Dane, played by J.

E. Freeman in a solid turn who are threatening Leo's racket. Impeccable supporting performances from Danny Aiello III, Joey Ancona, Michael Badalucco, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Dearie, and Esteban Fernandez, with special kudos to John Turturro who delivers a noteworthy performance, as Verna's slimly gay brother Bernie Bernbaum.

There is a tour-de-force scene of sheer filmmaking brilliance, when two Tommy gun armed assassins try to murder Leo in his own home, it is one of the finest gun battle action scenes I have ever seen, where Finney's kingpin character shows why he is still number one, it is a truly an unforgettable sequence.

The period recreation is flawless, a intelligent and fascinating screenplay by Joel & Ethan Coen, there is stunning cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld and a magnificent production design by Dennis Gassner, Carter Burwell's musical score is quite beautiful.

A must-see, intense and riveting a glorious entertainment. Highly Recommended.