The Coen brothers made one of the best gangster films in history

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The Coen brothers made one of the best gangster films in history

Miller's CrossingOne of the greatest gangster films ever made, it is an extremely underrated film created by the Coen brothers. As one of the best directing duos of all time, the Coen brothers have directed classic films like The Big Lebowski, Inside Llewyn Davis, Fargoand There is no country for old people. Joel and Ethan Coen have directed a total of 20 films together, starting with the 1984 neo-noir crime film. Simple Blood.

After their film debut, the Coen brothers' second effort was the 1987 crime comedy. Rising Arizonawhich remains one of Nicolas Cage's most iconic roles. They then directed the showbiz comedy Barton Finksatirical comedy O brother, where are you?the black comedy Burn after readingand the instant classic Western True courage. The Coen brothers' last joint effort was in 2018 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

The Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing is one of the best gangster films ever made

It won almost universal praise from critics


Leo firing a machine gun in front of a burning house in Miller's Crossing

Although the Coen brothers are most recognized for their Oscar-winning films such as There is no country for old people and Fargoyour underrated film Miller's Crossing is quietly one of the best gangster films ever made. With a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoesis one of the most critically acclaimed films in the Coen brothers' filmography. Pedro Traves Rolling Stone said of Miller's Crossing: "The Coens' take on Depression-era gangster films is beautiful and showcases John Turturro's best performance ever."

Most critics agree that Miller's Crossing It's one of the greatest gangster films ever made. Variety wrote in his review: "Substance is here in abundance, along with the twisted, brilliantly controlled style on which filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen made their name.." Renowned film critic Roberto Ebert wrote in his review: "Miller's Crossing isn't as successful as it should be"recognizing it as an extremely underrated film despite its exceptional quality.

Why Miller's Crossover Isn't Discussed on the Same Level as Other Beloved Gangster Films

The Coen brothers were still years away from their best-known works


John Turturro in the woods at Miller's Crossing

Miller's Crossing has an excellent cast led by frequent collaborators John Turturro, Gabriel Byrne and Steve Buscemi. Although Miller's Crossing received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, the film was a box office failure, grossing just under $5 million against an estimated production budget of US$10-14 million.

These key factors likely played an important role in maintaining Miller's Crossing out of the set of definitive gangster classics like The godfather, Good companionsand Scar. Since the Coen Brothers didn't have a big box office hit until the release of Fargoit makes sense that Miller's Crossing It was not an immediate success, despite its praise.

Miller's Crossing is a crime drama directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), advisor to a Prohibition-era crime boss, as he navigates a volatile dispute between two rival gangs. Set against a backdrop of betrayal and shifting loyalties, the story delves into the complexities of Reagan's moral and ethical choices. Albert Finney and John Turturro also star in this intricate narrative of power and deceit.

Release date

September 21, 1990

Execution time

115 minutes

Director

Joel Coen, Ethan Coen