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Our take
A Prohibition-era outlaw builds a rum-running business in Florida and runs into rival gangs and the Klan. Live by Night takes its time between loud shootouts; racism, gambling and heavy drinking are woven through the story. There is strong language and some sexual content too. We would keep it for 16 and up.
Uplifting themes
Loyalty and a person's wish to change are touched on, but the film mostly shows crime paying very well. The leading man is rarely made to answer for what he does The main character is charming and sometimes fair to others, yet he is a crook who bribes and kills. Few characters here are worth copying, and the better ones are not given much room Gives a look at the Prohibition era, organised crime, and racism in 1920s America. Teens who like history may find plenty to ask about afterwards
Story (may spoil tone)
A group of Boston-bred gangsters set up shop in balmy Florida during the Prohibition era, facing off against the competition and the Ku Klux Klan.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Shootouts, car chases, beatings, and killings run through the story, in…
Shootouts, car chases, beatings, and killings run through the story, including several large gunfights. Some deaths are cold and sudden, and the lead is a violent criminal who faces few real consequences
Language Strong swearing is frequent, especially the f-word, in gang arguments a…
Strong swearing is frequent, especially the f-word, in gang arguments and threats. Ethnic put-downs aimed at Irish and Italian characters appear as well, along with a few other insults
Sex / nudity There are several sex scenes, including one in a car. The camera shows…
There are several sex scenes, including one in a car. The camera shows movement and we hear moaning, with bare backs and shoulders visible. Topless photographs of a woman also appear. Affairs and sexual talk are part of the story
Drugs / alcohol Rum, whiskey, and wine flow in nearly every scene because the plot is a…
Rum, whiskey, and wine flow in nearly every scene because the plot is about Prohibition bootlegging. Drunkenness and smoking are everywhere, and the heroes get rich selling alcohol with few consequences
Frightening Threats, ambushes, and Klan intimidation create sustained menace, and t…
Threats, ambushes, and Klan intimidation create sustained menace, and the final stretch is tense. Nothing supernatural happens, but the dread feels very real
Bullying / discrimination The Klan and racist locals threaten people because of race and religion…
The Klan and racist locals threaten people because of race and religion, and Irish and Italian characters face insults. Racism is a real part of the plot and drives some of the film's worst violence
Gore / death / weapons Gunshot wounds, blood and bodies appear in the fights, and guns are pre…
Gunshot wounds, blood and bodies appear in the fights, and guns are present through much of the action. The deaths are clear and realistic, though the gore is not extreme
Gambling Card games and a planned casino are a big part of the criminal business…
Card games and a planned casino are a big part of the criminal business, and gambling is shown as a way to get rich. Much of the talk is about getting it made legal
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- The main character thinks of himself as an outlaw, not a gangster. Do you think that is a fair way to see him?
- The film shows prejudice against several groups in 1920s America. Which parts of it do you think still happen today?
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Live by Night
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