We Own the Night

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We Own the Night

R

Released Oct 12, 2007

1h 58m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

154 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In 1988, New York's police wage an all-out war on drugs, and guilty and innocent alike become casualties. Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix), manager of a nightclub that is often frequented by gangsters, tries to remain neutral but hides a potentially fatal secret: His brother (Mark Wahlberg) and father (Robert Duvall) are both cops. After his brother is wounded in an assassination attempt, Bobby can no longer remain neutral. He joins forces with his brother for an all-out assault on the mob.

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Critics Consensus

Bland characters, clichéd dialogue and rickety plotting ensure We Own The Night never lives up to its potential.

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Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

Gray steeps his tale in murky complication, and the staging of every scene, be it downbeat or frantic, is so assured that you barely notice the implausibilities.

May 23, 2022

Full Review

Adam Nayman

The Ringer

This is complex stuff, and Gray gives it a sense of gravity that comes through not only in the acting-with Phoenix's increasingly heavy-souled performance anchoring things in nearly every shot-but also the filmmaking.

Jul 5, 2018

Full Review

Andrew O'Hehir

Salon.com

An intriguing blend of mainstream audience-pleaser and a more subtle, even intellectual agenda.

Jul 6, 2010

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Though we’ve seen this film before in various forms, Gray concocts a well-laid plan for a satisfying crime drama. He may not be Scorsese, and this certainly isn’t The Departed, but it’s pretty damned entertaining.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 8, 2024

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Taylor Baker

Drink in the Movies

One of the top ten chase scenes of the 2000's...

Rated: 88/100

Aug 22, 2021

Full Review

Bárbara Escamilla

Cinemanía (Spain)

The talent of the three protagonists shines. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 5, 2020

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Tom M

It's carefully paced. It's a little far fetched with some of the plotting. Joaquin Pheonix is sometimes little more than a mumble. But I was fairly gripped.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

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John A

Fairly "old-school" in a sense. James Gray's crime drama is reminiscent of Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola while serving as a showcase for some nomination caliber performances.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/29/25

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Cfunk D

There is a reason this movie is never talked about and not aired on cable ever. It's a waste of time. A bunch of cliches. No great dialogue

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/26/24

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Jerod S

Both sides of the drug culture in New York - Wahlberg and Phoenix as brothers under long time cop Duvall as dad.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

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Huggy B

"We Own the Night" emerges as a thriller in the classic sense, masterfully intertwining the gritty elements of crime and drama that aficionados of the genre deeply appreciate. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an excellent performance, embodying the complexity of his character with an intensity that anchors the film's emotional core. Mark Wahlberg, on the other hand, doesn't quite hit the same mark, leaving something to be desired in his role. Robert Duvall, true to form, delivers a profoundly moving performance that's likely to bring tears to the eyes, reminding us of his veteran prowess and depth as an actor. The film doesn't shy away from the raw and real—emotions run high against a backdrop of violence, suspense, and adrenaline-pumping car chases, making for a riveting viewing experience. "We Own the Night" stands out not just for its stellar cast, but for how it skillfully balances these elements to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Highly recommended for those who love a well-crafted thriller that knows how to keep the heart racing while touching the soul.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/24

Full Review

Stoner J

I don't get the critic consensus, this movie is my favorite James gray movie by far, super deep and thrilling!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/24

Full Review

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James Gray

Director

Joaquin Phoenix

Bobby Green

Mark Wahlberg

Joseph Grusinsky

Eva Mendes

Amada Juarez

Robert Duvall

Bert Grusinsky

Antoni Corone

Michael Solo

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Synopsis

In 1988, New York's police wage an all-out war on drugs, and guilty and innocent alike become casualties. Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix), manager of a nightclub that is often frequented by gangsters, tries to remain neutral but hides a potentially fatal secret: His brother (Mark Wahlberg) and father (Robert Duvall) are both cops. After his brother is wounded in an assassination attempt, Bobby can no longer remain neutral. He joins forces with his brother for an all-out assault on the mob.

Director: James Gray
Producer: Nick Wechsler, Marc Butan, Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix
Screenwriter: James Gray
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: 2929 Productions, Industry Entertainment
Rating: R (Drug Material|Brief Nudity|Language|Some Sexual Content|Strong Violence)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2007, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 11, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $28.6M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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