Starring
Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden

In Joel and Ethan Coen's acclaimed gangster drama two rival gangs vie for control of a city where the police are pawns, and the periodic busts of illicit drinking establishments are no more than a way for one gang to get back at the other.

Leo (Albert Finney), a tough Irish mob boss, and his partner-in-crime, Tom (Gabriel Byrne), are battling against the Italian mob faction that is still gaining its footing in the community. The feud does not please the violent Mafioso Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito) who has it in for Bernie Bernbaum (John Turturro), a small-time hood horning in on the Italians' action. Leo has sworn to protect Bernie from harm as a favour to Leo's lover, Verna (Marcia Gay Harden), Bernie's sister - who's also having an affair with Tom.

A problem drinker and gambler, Tom owes a huge sum of money to his bookie. After he and Leo come to blows over Verna, Tom is forced to align himself with Caspar. But how long will it last?

Directed by
Joel Coen