The Hard Word

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The Hard Word

R

2003

1h 42m

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

38%

Tomatometer

79 Reviews

40%

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1,000+ Ratings

Out of prison after serving time for armed robbery, brothers Dale (Guy Pearce), Mal (Damien Richardson) and Shane (Joel Edgerton) are set for a bank heist planned by their underhanded lawyer, Frank (Robert Taylor). But after pocketing his share of the cash, Frank, who's bedding Dale's wife (Rachel Griffiths), arranges to have them incarcerated again. Though he understands what his attorney is up to, Dale and his brothers agree to pull off a final robbery if Frank can get them freed once more.

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Critics Consensus

This caper flick lacks the originality necessary to elevate it above other films of its genre.

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Bill Muller

Arizona Republic

It is at most a middling effort.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 31, 2003

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Michael Booth

Denver Post

The movie-jaded will dismiss The Hard Word as just another slick heist flick with a band of burglar buddies. Too bad for their cynical souls. They'll be missing a grand (theft) time.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 31, 2003

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Tom Maurstad

Dallas Morning News

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, there's another disorienting jolt.

Rated: B

Jul 17, 2003

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Undemanding derivative caper film.

Rated: C

Jan 1, 2009

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Film Threat

Rated: 4/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Paul Sherman

Boston Herald

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 16, 2005

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Rodney W

Classic Aussie crime caper ditty. There’s enough verbal dexterity and kinetic behaviour between the cast to propel the story, and the soundtrack is exceptional, particularly at the climax. Suitably supported, Guy Pierce as always finds his home at home with his local accent coupled to the authenticity of good local writing and directing

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/04/25

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Jeffrey P

A character study of sorts that is lighter than expected and drags on a bit as the shallow plot basically repeats itself three times with a different twist each time, before a casual ending.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

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TheDrewtho

The Hard Word is a good movie, I have watched it more than once. Joel, Guy and Damien do a great job and are very authentic in the characters they play. They are very typical of Aussie crims.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/24

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Audience Member

Mildly entertaining. The three leads lift a rather drab affair

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

I thought it was a fun and entertaining movie with great acting from Taylor, Griffith, Edgerton and Pierce. Enjoyable for this genre. ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?ï¿ 1/2 1/2ï¿ 1/2Â?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

It looks totally out of date, even back then.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Scott Roberts

Director

Guy Pearce

Dale Twentyman

Rachel Griffiths

Carol

Robert Taylor

Frank

Joel Edgerton

Shane

Damien Richardson

Mal

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Synopsis

Out of prison after serving time for armed robbery, brothers Dale (Guy Pearce), Mal (Damien Richardson) and Shane (Joel Edgerton) are set for a bank heist planned by their underhanded lawyer, Frank (Robert Taylor). But after pocketing his share of the cash, Frank, who's bedding Dale's wife (Rachel Griffiths), arranges to have them incarcerated again. Though he understands what his attorney is up to, Dale and his brothers agree to pull off a final robbery if Frank can get them freed once more.

Director: Scott Roberts
Producer: Al Clark
Screenwriter: Scott Roberts
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Alibi Films, Wildheart Films
Rating: R (Strong Violence|Brief Drug Use|Sexuality|Language)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 13, 2003, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $422.7K
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo

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