Lawless

Lawless

Year: 2012

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: John Hillcoat

DramaCrimeWestern

During Prohibition, in a rural Virginia, the Bondurant brothers run a successful moonshining business. As their operation grows, they attract the attention of corrupt law enforcement officials and rival gangsters, leading to violent clashes and dangerous alliances. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the fight for survival in a lawless landscape, inspired by a remarkable true story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Lawless (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lawless (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Prohibition Era (1920-1933)

The Prohibition era was marked by the illegal production and distribution of alcohol in the United States. This time saw the rise of organized crime and bootlegging operations, as law enforcement struggled to enforce the ban on liquor, giving way to a significant shift in American culture and society.

Location

Franklin County, Virginia, Chicago

Franklin County, Virginia, is known for its picturesque landscapes and rural charm, now overshadowed by its notorious past during the Prohibition era. Chicago serves as a bustling metropolis, a stark contrast with its vibrant nightlife and urban culture, providing the backdrop for characters seeking opportunity amidst illegal activities.

🏞️ Countryside 🌆 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Main Characters – Lawless (2012)

Meet the key characters of Lawless (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Forrest Bondurant (Tom Hardy)

Forrest is the strong and resilient leader of the Bondurant brothers, known for his unwavering determination to protect his family and their business. He is both fierce and principled, unwilling to bow to intimidation, which ultimately leads him into violent confrontations.

💪 Strength 🔫 Leadership

Howard Bondurant (Guy Pearce)

Howard is the more volatile and unpredictable brother, known for his ruthlessness when provoked. He balances his loyalty to his family with impulsive decisions that can lead to dangerous situations, reflecting the tumultuous life of bootleggers during this era.

🔥 Volatility 🛡️ Loyalty

Jack Bondurant (Shia LaBeouf)

Jack is the youngest brother who navigates the challenges of growing up in a world of crime. His journey toward maturity includes romantic pursuits and a quest for courage that ultimately leads him to confrontations that shape his character.

💔 Romance 🥊 Coming of Age

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Major Themes – Lawless (2012)

Explore the central themes of Lawless (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🍺 Brotherhood

The film explores the deep bonds of brotherhood among the Bondurant brothers, who rely on each other for support and protection in the face of adversity. Their loyalty is tested through violence and loss, highlighting the lengths they will go to defend one another against threats.

⚔️ Revenge

Revenge is a central theme as Jack seeks vengeance against the merciless Special Agent Rakes after his friend Cricket is killed. This pursuit of retribution propels the narrative, ultimately leading to tragic consequences that underscore the cost of violence and the cycle of retaliatory behavior.

❤️ Love

Amidst the chaos of bootlegging and violence, the theme of love emerges as Jack pursues a romantic relationship with Bertha, and Forrest finds solace with Maggie. Their relationships provide moments of tenderness and hope, contrasting with the harsh realities they face.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Unlock the Full Story of Lawless

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lawless 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 Lawless is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lawless Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lawless, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Lawless Summary

Lawless Timeline

Track the full timeline of Lawless with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Lawless Timeline

More About Lawless

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lawless: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Lawless

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