The Place Beyond the Pines

The Place Beyond the Pines

Year: 2013

Runtime: 140 min

Language: English

Director: Derek Cianfrance

Budget: $15M

DramaCrime

A former motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks to secure his young son's future, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that intertwines the lives of a state trooper and the stunt rider's son years later. As the consequences of the initial crime ripple through the community, the boys grow up amidst the escalating violence and face a shared destiny, ultimately forging a complex and unexpected connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Place Beyond the Pines (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1997, 2012

The story unfolds over two key periods: the late 1990s and early 2010s. In 1997, social issues related to family and crime intertwine, setting the stage for personal tragedies. By 2012, the narrative examines the consequences of those early decisions affecting a new generation amidst changing societal landscapes.

Location

Schenectady, New York

Schenectady is a city in New York known for its rich history and as a center for the American industrial revolution. In the film, it serves as the crucial backdrop for Luke's attempts to reconnect with his family and navigate the complexities of his life.

🏙️ City 🏠 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Main Characters – The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)

Meet the key characters of The Place Beyond the Pines (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Luke Glanton (Bradley Cooper)

Luke is a deeply flawed individual whose desire to be a part of his son's life drives him to desperate actions. His journey from a stuntman to a criminal highlights the struggles between ambition and moral choices, ultimately leading to his tragic fate.

🏍️ Stuntman 🔫 Criminal 👨‍👦 Father

Romina Gutierrez (Eva Mendes)

Romina is caught in a difficult situation, torn between her past with Luke and her current life with Kofi. Her determination to provide a stable life for Jason while grappling with her feelings for Luke showcases her strength and resiliency.

👩‍👦 Mother ❤️ Love 😟 Torn

Avery Cross (Ryan Gosling)

Avery is a complex character whose journey from rookie cop to potential Attorney General illustrates the struggles of navigating ethical dilemmas in a corrupt system. His remorse over Luke's death complicates his drive for success and redemption.

👮 Officer 🌪️ Conflict 🙍‍♂️ Regret

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Major Themes – The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)

Explore the central themes of The Place Beyond the Pines (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔄 Legacy

The film deeply explores the theme of legacy, showcasing how the actions of one generation can reverberate through the next. Jason’s quest to connect with his father's past reflects the struggle to break free from inherited patterns of violence and crime.

💔 Family

Family dynamics are at the core of the narrative, illuminating the complexities of love, regret, and responsibility. The relationships between Luke, Romina, and their son Jason emphasize how familial bonds can be both nurturing and destructive.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is intricately woven into the plot, particularly through Avery's character as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions. It raises questions about accountability, the nature of heroism, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

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Explore Movie Threads

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.

Movies about crime and legacy like The Place Beyond the Pines

Stories where a single criminal act ripples through the lives of multiple generations.If you liked the multi-generational drama of The Place Beyond the Pines, explore these movies where the consequences of a single crime echo through time, connecting fathers and sons in a web of fate, violence, and moral ambiguity.

fatalisticsomberregretfultensemelancholicanxious

Narrative Summary

The narrative frequently employs a multi-part structure, jumping forward in time to reveal the full impact of an initial transgression. Central conflicts are driven by the burden of inheritance, as younger characters are forced to confront a violent past not of their making, leading to climactic confrontations that are both personal and symbolic.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their profound focus on legacy, their complex narrative structures spanning generations, and their somber exploration of how violence and moral failure are passed down, creating a cohesive experience of tragic, interconnected destinies.

Fatalistic crime movies like The Place Beyond the Pines

Gritty crime stories where characters are trapped by a cruel and inescapable destiny.Find more movies like The Place Beyond the Pines that capture a similar vibe of bleak fatalism. These gritty crime stories feature characters caught in a downward spiral, where violence feels inevitable and the endings are somber and bittersweet.

fatalisticgrittytensesomberanxiousregretfulbleak

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread often follow a character's desperate, ill-fated attempt to change their circumstances, which only tightens the trap of their destiny. The plot builds tension through a series of escalating, irreversible mistakes, culminating in a resolution that acknowledges the cost of their actions without offering full redemption.

Why These Movies?

They share a dark, gritty tone, a high level of tension and emotional weight, and a pervasive mood of fatalism. The viewing experience is defined by a sense of anxious dread and the sobering, bittersweet conclusion that follows a path of violence.

Unlock the Full Story of The Place Beyond the Pines

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The Place Beyond the Pines Summary

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The Place Beyond the Pines Summary

The Place Beyond the Pines Timeline

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

The Place Beyond the Pines Timeline

The Place Beyond the Pines Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Place Beyond the Pines Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Place Beyond the Pines

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Place Beyond the Pines: 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 The Place Beyond the Pines