At Close Range

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At Close Range

R

Released Apr 18, 1986

1h 51m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Based on a true story, "At Close Range" follows the lives of the Whitewood family in rural Pennsylvania. Brothers Brad Jr. (Sean Penn) and Tommy (Chris Penn) are the sons of organized crime leader Brad Sr. (Christopher Walken), who draws his sons into his life of crime. After starting their own gang, Brad Jr. and Tommy are arrested in a failed robbery attempt, and are forced to face the truth: that their father will do anything to avoid being arrested for his crimes.

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Empire Magazine

Engaging performances by Penn and Walken can't quite turn this brutal curio into something more substantial.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 29, 2012

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

General audiences will respond to the very strong performances of the two leads, especially Walken in one of his best roles.

Aug 13, 2008

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Less than intoxicating.

Jun 24, 2006

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

Foley’s making a Greek tragedy, and he’s enlisted some acting gods.

Jul 26, 2024

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Director James Foley and screenwriter Nicholas Kazan expertly recreate that part of America that feels like it should exist under a rock with the clammy mud and scurrying insects, and their efforts are supported by an intense performance from Walken.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 9, 2023

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A grim true story thriller that never relents in its violence.

Rated: B

Mar 21, 2015

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Audience Member

Sean Penn and Christopher Walking give oscar worthy performances in this true story. This movie addresses unintentional consequences of selfishness, and how loyalty is diminished in people who are narcissist. Blood is not thicker than water and there's no honor among thieves. Mary Stuart Masterson gives a noteworthy performance. Madonna original music is beautiful and in my opinion her best music.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/25

Full Review

Noel L

What an interesting film, especially since it was based off a true story. I just wish it told us what happened to everyone at the end

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

Full Review

Mikey B

Based on actual events, this film features great performances by Walken and Penn. This one will stick with you after the credits roll.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

Full Review

William B. D

When people describe as movie as "haunting," this is where they get that from. Great cast, phenomal soundtrack, and it's dark and disturbing movie that always sticks with me a day or two after seeing it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/24/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Not sure what all the hype’s about this movie is boring and a waste of time.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

Full Review

chris h

Powerful,sad and tragically a true story.This is one of those 80s gems that ppl need to see.Holds up and a great cast.Must see

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/14/25

Full Review

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James Foley

Director

Sean Penn

Brad Whitewood Jr.

Christopher Walken

Brad Whitewood Sr.

Mary Stuart Masterson

Terry

Chris Penn

Tommy Whitewood

Millie Perkins

Julie

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Synopsis

Based on a true story, "At Close Range" follows the lives of the Whitewood family in rural Pennsylvania. Brothers Brad Jr. (Sean Penn) and Tommy (Chris Penn) are the sons of organized crime leader Brad Sr. (Christopher Walken), who draws his sons into his life of crime. After starting their own gang, Brad Jr. and Tommy are arrested in a failed robbery attempt, and are forced to face the truth: that their father will do anything to avoid being arrested for his crimes.

Director: James Foley
Producer: Don Guest, Elliott Lewitt
Screenwriter: Elliott Lewitt, Nicholas Kazan, Nicholas Kazan
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Vestron Video, Orion Pictures
Production Co: Hemdale Film Corporation [us]
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 18, 1986, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $560.7K
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround

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