Year: 1996
Runtime: 108 min
Language: English
Director: Lana Wachowski
Following the death of their father, brothers Jason and Jim Koss find themselves back together, grappling with a shared, difficult history. They must navigate a complex landscape of painful memories and unresolved issues, ultimately facing a deeply emotional decision that will irrevocably change the course of their lives and their relationship.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Bound (1996), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Corky, an ex-convict portrayed by Gina Gershon, has just completed a five-year prison sentence and arrives at an apartment building for her new job as a painter and plumber. As she navigates the building, she meets her charming neighbors, Jennifer Tilly as Violet and Joe Pantoliano as Caesar. After Caesar departs, Violet flirts with Corky, ingeniously provoking her to help retrieve an earring that has fallen into her sink. Upon returning the earring, Violet confesses it was a deliberate ploy to connect with Corky, leading to a steamy encounter between the two.
The next morning, Violet reveals that her husband, Caesar, is a money launderer for the Mafia and that they’ve been together for five years. An unexpected twist occurs when Violet overhears Caesar and his mafia associates brutally torturing Shelly, a man who has been skimming money from their operations. Disturbed by this revelation, Violet turns to Corky for comfort, expressing her desire to forge a new life away from Caesar. Together, they devise a bold plan to steal nearly $2 million from Caesar, an idea that entices Corky yet raises suspicions about Violet’s true intentions.
The situation escalates dramatically as Shelly ends up murdered by Johnnie, Gino Marzzone’s son, resulting in Caesar returning home with a bag of blood-stained money. Fueled by anger towards Johnnie, Caesar begins the meticulous task of laundering the bloody cash. Violet explains the plan—when Caesar counts the money, she’ll offer him a drink to help him unwind, allowing Corky to sneak in during his shower and take the cash.
What was supposed to be a foolproof scheme spirals into chaos when Caesar discovers the money is missing and considers running away, convinced he’ll be blamed for the theft. In a panic, he tightly holds Violet by threatening her with a gun, escalating tensions as Corky waits anxiously next door. The plot thickens when Caesar’s fear leads him to confront Johnnie, sparking a deadly chain reaction that leaves multiple bodies in their wake.
Things take a sinister turn as Caesar ties up both Corky and Violet, intent on retrieving the stolen money while threatening their lives. The intensity peaks when Violet tricks Caesar into believing he’s receiving a call from Gino, convincing him to stall the dangerous situation. As greed and paranoia overshadow reason, Corky finds herself in a life-or-death struggle. Just as Caesar is about to end Corky’s life, Violet steps in with a gun, asserting her power with the crushing words, > “Caesar, you don’t know shit,” as she pulls the trigger.
In the aftermath, Violet, now free from the Mafia’s grip, is offered a new start from Mickey, a Mafia associate, but she chooses a different path—one that leads her towards a fresh beginning as she drives off hand-in-hand with Corky, leaving their past behind.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:23
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
High-stakes thrillers where romance and crime collide in a dangerous escape.If you liked the dynamic between Corky and Violet in Bound, you'll enjoy these movies where lovers become partners in crime. These stories feature similar themes of stolen money, dangerous escapes, and powerful, often queer, romantic connections set against a high-stakes thriller backdrop.
The narrative follows a couple who initiates or gets caught in a heist or other criminal act, forcing them to go on the run. Their relationship is the emotional core, providing the motivation for their actions, but it is constantly strained by paranoia, outside forces, and the threat of being caught or double-crossed.
These films are grouped by their core dynamic: a central romantic partnership forged and tested in the fires of crime. They share a tense atmosphere, high intensity, and a pacing that accelerates as the characters' plans inevitably spiral out of control.
Stylish, tense thrillers where meticulous plans unravel into betrayal.For viewers who enjoyed the stylish tension and criminal underworld of Bound, this list features similar neo-noir movies. You'll find films with clever femme fatales, complex heists, themes of corruption, and a constant feeling of paranoia and impending double-cross.
These narratives often begin with a seemingly perfect criminal plan, orchestrated by a sharp protagonist. However, the scheme quickly destabilizes due to unforeseen complications, greedy partners, or a fundamental miscalculation, leading to a chaotic chain of violence, revelations, and a desperate fight for survival.
They are united by a distinct neo-noir aesthetic and narrative structure: a fast-paced, tense plot involving a high-risk scheme within a corrupt world. The shared elements include moral ambiguity, stylish direction, and a focus on the psychological tension of betrayal.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Bound in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Bound is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Bound with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Bound. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Bound that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Bound: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Bound that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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