Down by Law

Down by Law

Year: 1986

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Jarmusch

DramaComedyCrime

In the vibrant underbelly of New Orleans, three unlikely characters - a charismatic DJ, a smooth-talking pimp, and a charming Italian tourist - find themselves on the lam after a daring prison break. As they navigate the city's gritty streets, their misadventures lead to unexpected encounters and revelations.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Down by Law yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Down by Law (1986) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Down by Law (1986), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

The film opens with Zack, an unemployed radio DJ who is perpetually dissatisfied, having just been thrown out of his girlfriend’s apartment. Frustrated and despondent, he drowns his sorrows at a local bar, where he encounters a mob boss who hands him $2000 to drive a “clean car” from Point A (the bar) to Point B (the next city). Unbeknownst to Zack, the trunk contains a dead body. After hitting the road in a drunken haze, he is pulled over by the police, who conduct a search that leads to his immediate arrest.

Meanwhile, we catch a glimpse of Jack, a local pimp, as he attempts to broker a deal with a high-profile client known for his numerous enemies. The tension escalates when Jack receives a call from one of his adversaries, warning him about a girl interested in “working for him.” When Jack arrives at the hotel, he is shocked to discover that the girl is merely a child, revealing that it’s all part of a police sting operation aimed at taking him down.

As the narrative unfolds, we see Zack behind bars, where he meets Jack the pimp. Furthermore, they encounter Roberto, an Italian man serving time for manslaughter. After spending several months in prison, Roberto devises a plan for the trio to escape.

The bulk of the movie follows their thrilling attempts to evade the law, highlighting the dynamics between these three men as they navigate through chaos and desperation, ultimately revealing their fates and the choices they must confront amidst their run from justice.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:19

Similar Movies to Down by Law
Discover movies like Down by Law 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.