Down by Law (1986)
Adult concepts, freuqent coarse language
Jim Jarmusch's highly aclaimed film is best summed up by his own words: a neo-beat-noir-comedy. Too laid-back to avoid a prison term for a murder he did not commit, Zack (Tom Waits), finds himself sharing a jail cell with a small-time pimp (John Lurie) and an effervescent Italian (Roberto Benigni) arrested for killing a man while playing cards. An eventual escape leads the eccentric trio into the depths of the Louisiana bayou with no salvation in sight. It isn’t until they land at the small home of an Italian immigrant (Nicoletta Braschi) that Zack, Jack, and Roberto learn to appreciate the beauty the world has to offer.
The enchanting chemistry of the lead actors combine with Robby Müller’s gorgeous black-and-white photography to create one of the most charming films to come out of America in decades.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 107mins |
| Origin: | GERMANY |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (17)
17 Member
Reviews
cambob101
says
An acquired taste if ever there was one (as with most of the director's movies!) but not without its charms. The pacing seems slow and one might argue the whole thing is a tad pointless, though I am just assuming that I in fact missed the point. It was pretty to watch though. 3 stars.
MN
says
This movie was an old favourite and we loved it when we first saw it. A bit slower paced than I remembered but Roberto Beningni is hilarious and provides the colour for this BW flick.
Andrea P.
says
An all time favourite - great to rewatch - waits is great - jarmusch a fine filmmaker
Andy O.
says
Low-key crazy, simple story told with quirkiness and character as you'd expect from director Jim Jarmusch; standout performances from Tom Waits,
Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi and Ellen Barkin among others. A story about sad, lost souls? Yes — but with the life force to keep on going, inspiring in a whacked out way. Loved it!
Godot
says
Cool flik. Rests on Jarmusch's expert direction, witty dialogue and the humourous portrayals by Benigni and Lurie, & Tom Waits is actually quite good too. This is a subtle film - it doesn't rely on special effects or lots of action.
Elizabeth O.
says
Doesn't seem to get off the ground-real slow stuff!
David P.
says
"Different" ,quirky comedy, but fantastic! I'd seen it before years ago and just HAD to get it out to see it again.
Owen R.
says
Alexander D.
says
Barely watched 10 minutes worth. 10 minutes wasted!
Carl H.
says
This movie should have bored and infuriated me. It was long and slow paced, but of course it had the characteristic Jarmusch beauty that captivated me. There's some great subtle comic moments. I believe there is a special place in hell for Roberto Begnini, but he's a good addition to this film.
Freddy
says
I would only advice this movie to a fan of Roberto Benigni
Adrian F.
says
if you're a jarmusch fan. slow paced beat aesthetic, benigni adds comic action. lots of interesting camera work, set shots that let the movement permeate the screen, adding texture and presence to story.. could be boring for those not interested in more technical aspects or not familiar with his work. stranger than paradise probably a better entry
Kel H.
says
a quirky little film with a charming performance from Roberto Benigni
Rafael A.
says
Xilef
says
Pointless. Three guys get in prison, escape, and walk away. So what?
There are some funny scenes, but the whole movie would easily fit in 45 minutes.
says
Paul P.
says
This is a great movie, that is worth watching just to see the hilarity of Tom Waits in a hairnet doing a weather report!