We Own the Night
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: October 12, 2007
6.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 92 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
51
Mixed:
26
Negative:
15
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
JaredC.Oct 31, 2007
In We Own The Night, Bobby Green(played by Joaquin Phoenix) the owner of a night club, finds himself, his police captain brother Joseph, his father, a police chief, and his girlfriend in the center of a crime wave due to gangsters and drug In We Own The Night, Bobby Green(played by Joaquin Phoenix) the owner of a night club, finds himself, his police captain brother Joseph, his father, a police chief, and his girlfriend in the center of a crime wave due to gangsters and drug dealers who are killing cops at an increasingly high rate. The movie was better than I expected, as I walked in not knowing what the movie was about(I had not seen the trailers or heard much about it prior to watching it). Joaquin Phoenix gave a good performance as the lead, but he didn't wow me as he did in Walk the Line(however, I don't blame him; His character felt underdeveloped to me, as did many others). Mark Wahlberg was just above average as Bobby's tough older brother who doesn't approve of his wild behavior. Eva Mendez plays Bobby's girlfriend and I found her part in the film almost pointless and her performance was just average. The movie drags in parts but for the most part it isn't boring and kept my attention. Although there was not much that really set the movie high above the average crime thriller, it did leave an impact on me at the end. I recommend the movie to those who are looking to pass the time.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
birdmannavyAug 8, 2014
It is difficult to see a movie this great and made so recently get so little love on the internet. James Gray is a superb filmmaker, though I don't really like, at all, his "Two Lovers", also with Joaquin. Anyway, he and the whole crew ofIt is difficult to see a movie this great and made so recently get so little love on the internet. James Gray is a superb filmmaker, though I don't really like, at all, his "Two Lovers", also with Joaquin. Anyway, he and the whole crew of Night don't deserve less than the highest plaudits.

I don't feel that I can carry the only positive user review on metacritic. At this writing only one other person has bothered to write a review with the dismal score of a 4/10. I haven't got the words because I am utterly bummed. Easily this could have been in the running for the Academy Awards had the critics made it their darling. This is proof that when they don't want you to like something, you--not me--won't like it. If they want you to love it, you'll love it. I have to wonder how they got pissed off, were they not invited to an advanced viewing? I wanted to see a whole row of 100's, but the top score is an 83!

To humor you, I liked this movie more than Cronenberg's Eastern Promises, also a Perfect Ten to me, also out in 2007. There is cop/crime/russians in Night and Promises both, and a familial connection as far as crime fathers are concerned and loyalty to them; but Night is far more personal and human with a literal blood family carrying the majority of the drama. If you like Promises you'll see that there are plenty of differences between the two films, and the similarities are only skin deep, so no slurs should be made about either one being the copy of the other. Also see the less similar but not less superb End of Watch.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
BenoitD.Nov 30, 2007
On of the best movie I ever saw. Everything is perfect.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
MattOct 26, 2007
The script in this movie is awful. It's just stupid. Why would the bad guys invite an outsider to their cocaine factory? How would the bad guy escape jail the day he is being brought to trial? Why would the NYPD make a civilian bar The script in this movie is awful. It's just stupid. Why would the bad guys invite an outsider to their cocaine factory? How would the bad guy escape jail the day he is being brought to trial? Why would the NYPD make a civilian bar manager a cop overnight. It was just a dumb nonsense script. The only thing that makes this movie bearable is Eva Mendes.. she is gorgeous.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
JoyceC.Oct 30, 2007
We Own the Night is a movie about how Martin Scorseses still does, don't expect a crime/drama, this is more of an action/adventure, wow was I sure wrong. Mark Walhberg is the most failing actor recorded in by book, his character is We Own the Night is a movie about how Martin Scorseses still does, don't expect a crime/drama, this is more of an action/adventure, wow was I sure wrong. Mark Walhberg is the most failing actor recorded in by book, his character is boring, and Joaquin Phoenix, did he ever copy leo in the departed. A total waste, the dumbest film of the year, James Gray wrote a story about the war upon night, and many clubs and characters. Sound like prohibition, but guess what, we don't have prohibition any more, it hasn't happened.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
Johnny2centsFeb 24, 2008
Surely there must be more than 8 planets in this galaxy ( Pluto has been declassified for all you geniuses who thought this was a great movie) because I was definitely in another galaxy. Implausibility after implausibility, even the Farrely Surely there must be more than 8 planets in this galaxy ( Pluto has been declassified for all you geniuses who thought this was a great movie) because I was definitely in another galaxy. Implausibility after implausibility, even the Farrely brothers don… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
SulH.Oct 17, 2007
This movie was beyond boring! The really good cast tried really hard to make it work, but the movie just didn't present them with any gripping scenes. Joaquin Phoenix never makes the audience really feel like he's progressed, only This movie was beyond boring! The really good cast tried really hard to make it work, but the movie just didn't present them with any gripping scenes. Joaquin Phoenix never makes the audience really feel like he's progressed, only that he's possibly going through the motions of being coked-up. And Avoid this one at all costs..… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
ArthurL.Oct 18, 2007
This film was a snore. Duvall slept thru his performance. The sex scene with Ms. Mendes was over-hyped. Wahlberg continues to perplex me; maybe he's still wearing CK's under his jeans. And Joaquin Phoenix, in not his strongest This film was a snore. Duvall slept thru his performance. The sex scene with Ms. Mendes was over-hyped. Wahlberg continues to perplex me; maybe he's still wearing CK's under his jeans. And Joaquin Phoenix, in not his strongest performance for a long time, still manages to dominate whatever emotive qualities there are in this porr imitation of The Departed.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
pocumtuckMar 14, 2011
This movie just didn't cut it. A guy (J. Phoenix) doesn't go from being a nightclub manager inside a drug den to becoming a decorated cop simply because his high-ranking father got killed. Mark Wahlberg gets shot execution style but lives...This movie just didn't cut it. A guy (J. Phoenix) doesn't go from being a nightclub manager inside a drug den to becoming a decorated cop simply because his high-ranking father got killed. Mark Wahlberg gets shot execution style but lives... only in the movies. The plot lines aren't well developed. The viewer never gets to identify with any of the characters because they're all generic stereotypes, and many of the scenes are incredibly boring. I'm glad I watched this on DVD and could use the fast-forward button; an hour-and-45 minute flick took just 45 minutes to watch, and it still lacked entertainment value.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
4
oniscoJan 25, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie gets progressively worse, so much so that several scenes and story turns from the second part had the effects of comedy (parody) rather than drama. The very last scene sees the brothers exhanging muffled affectionate words ("I love you") that close the movie on a supposedly positive note, while the parable followed by the main character looks like one of surrendering to family bonds based on guilt.

The Godfather comes to mind as an example where a similar theme is developed in a more conscious and dramatically convincing way. (This is also true for the subordinate role of the main female characters.)

Here, the idea of a parallel between the police and the mafia family is not developed, but only casually hinted at in the final pathetic words spoken by the villain and his uncle ("Bobby", "I'm sorry"). These scenes, too, are ruined by an involuntary comedic effect.

Characters, including the main ones, are ultimately thin and barely developed.

The screenwriting is subpar.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
JayH.Feb 7, 2008
Imagine, a story about two brothers on opposite sides of the law..like that hasn't been done a million times before! Besides it's lack of originality, it has a negativity that leaves the viewer with a foul taste. It has one great Imagine, a story about two brothers on opposite sides of the law..like that hasn't been done a million times before! Besides it's lack of originality, it has a negativity that leaves the viewer with a foul taste. It has one great car chase, the rest is predictable and slow moving. The characters are poorly developed. It is well produced however, and the actors do indeed try.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JeffreyPOct 10, 2007
As a filmed drama, James Gray has achieved a very simple, classically Greek, tale of the inevitable hero that is certainly his most commercially accessible work to date (if not, perhaps, as deeply satisfying as The Yards or Little Odessa As a filmed drama, James Gray has achieved a very simple, classically Greek, tale of the inevitable hero that is certainly his most commercially accessible work to date (if not, perhaps, as deeply satisfying as The Yards or Little Odessa even as it revisits several of their common themes). The car chase sequence is one of the best and most believable in years and serves, for a change, to actually push the plot forward. That, in itself, is an accomplishment. Technically and artistically it excells on all levels: from the acting to the editing, it is first-rate.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JettN.Oct 19, 2007
Anyone who did'nt love this movie doesn't know what a good movie is. It is one of the most emotionally moving films i have seen i n a long time. Stellar performances by the whole cast, ignore these guys, go see it now.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ShimboL.Oct 13, 2007
Awesome flick...i liked it more than the departed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MarkC.Nov 6, 2007
First off, why all the Departed comparisons? Is it because of the stellar cast in an average movie with an anticlimactic ending. Because thats about all the comparisons that I noticed, well maybe the cops and badguys thing but C'mon. First off, why all the Departed comparisons? Is it because of the stellar cast in an average movie with an anticlimactic ending. Because thats about all the comparisons that I noticed, well maybe the cops and badguys thing but C'mon. This movie was just OK, not great but worth watching.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PeterK.Oct 16, 2007
A likeable movie because you care about its characters - in the same way that a good novel draws in its reader. See it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ChadS.Feb 18, 2008
Amada(Eva Mendes) is not a blondie; that's why "Heart of Glass" and "Rapture" throb on the soundtrack. This irony sets the stage for Amada's new life as a law and order man's girlfriend. But "We Own the Night" is dishonest Amada(Eva Mendes) is not a blondie; that's why "Heart of Glass" and "Rapture" throb on the soundtrack. This irony sets the stage for Amada's new life as a law and order man's girlfriend. But "We Own the Night" is dishonest about Bobby's father(Robert Duvall) and brother(Mark Wahlberg) in their dealings with Amada, the "brown-ie", the Puerto Rican who sticks out like a sore thumb at police functions. There's racism, but the film conceals it through editing. Since "We Own the Night" chooses to be cowardly about dealing with Amada's ethnicity, it's only fair that the writer hammers square peg attributes, such as integrity and a willingness to be law-abiding, down her round-hole essentiality. Amada likes being an outlaw, but "We Own the Night" doesn't want to Maria Conchita-Alonso her(she played a bad girl in Dennis Hopper's "Colors"), and reforms her party girl image. "We Own the Night" could've been an exceptional police procedural had Bobby(Joaquin Phoenix) insisted that the Grusinsky men accept Amada into the fold as one of the preconditions for his coaction in the family business.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LauraV.Oct 14, 2007
I loved this movie. I saw al the conflits that James Gray was trying to convey about Bobby. Bobby wants the fun life and the higher salary with the gorgeous girl. Police make less money, it's harder work and their women don't look I loved this movie. I saw al the conflits that James Gray was trying to convey about Bobby. Bobby wants the fun life and the higher salary with the gorgeous girl. Police make less money, it's harder work and their women don't look that great. Yet his father did instill in him honor which is what makes him do the right thing. I think the reason why people don't see the same things in the way the character was written is because they understand that kind of sense of honor. I couldn't do what Bobby did because I'm a coward, but I understand his sense of honor. I would wish I had that courage and that's what the mesaage in this movie is about. Departed is about police corruption. This is about family loyalty. Leonardo wanted to be a police officer to avenge. Bobby was forced to become a police officer to avenge. It would have been better to end it to find Bobby a club again though. But, it's the writer's choice to end the story his way. And Joaquin is terrific in all the different ways he had to show his emotions in this movie as he had to change from playboy to police. He's turning into one of our finest American actors (even though he was born in Puerto Rico, I'm pretty sure we can consider him an American).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
jN.Oct 14, 2007
I like this movie. Although all the leads are excellent Joaquin Phoenix excels as the charming annoying Man who grows up and becomes a valiant crime fighter. Story is familiar for the Genre but the story is interesting and pulls you in as it I like this movie. Although all the leads are excellent Joaquin Phoenix excels as the charming annoying Man who grows up and becomes a valiant crime fighter. Story is familiar for the Genre but the story is interesting and pulls you in as it goes along to its climax. Worth a look.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MadhuM.Nov 6, 2007
Great movie. But it leaves you wanting more. Great acting by a great cast. Some really intense scenes, but the ending was just "okay" for me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
fatsmileyOct 16, 2007
Calling this film unoriginal would be a serious understatement. I had hoped these were going to be dark and complex characters, but they weren't, they were whiney and annoying. And you couldn't care less about the problems of these Calling this film unoriginal would be a serious understatement. I had hoped these were going to be dark and complex characters, but they weren't, they were whiney and annoying. And you couldn't care less about the problems of these 2 brothers or what happens to them, since all we know about them is that ones a cop and one is a night club manager - and dad favors one over the other. It's almost like you're dropped into the middle of this film, like you missed the first hour. Also, I thought this film would have strongly benefited from more camera angles, sharper editing and most importantly, heavier mood music ....something, ANYTHING to bring you into this bland story.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JavierR.Oct 26, 2007
This movie was the best movie i have seen all year it reminds similar to the movie The Departed both movies were great, this movie will have you glued to your seat like it did tom me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
BillC.Feb 13, 2008
I would have been much more pleased if it weren't so aggressive with the effects, it is so unhip and pleased with itself that James Gray just simply gives up and offers only a weak attitude for things. I was left disappointed, no wonder I would have been much more pleased if it weren't so aggressive with the effects, it is so unhip and pleased with itself that James Gray just simply gives up and offers only a weak attitude for things. I was left disappointed, no wonder there is very little reviews for this film, because it looks like a Departed sequel. With a stolen actor playing an extremely similar character. It is truly predictable, and the story is obvious in terms of violence, conflicts, and reactions. It went the weak way of things and turned great and powerful gangster fun into a craphole of darkness where bitterness, and nothing can be seen. The thought of nothing and discomforting positions, where you become guilty of watching this film, it doesn't just have straight sex, it is obsessed with it. And the script felt like it was written by a 12-year-old, who makes things clearly simple enough for a seven-year old to understand. But with the addition of drugs, sex, violence, and -beepin- language, we get a restricted acomplyse. For me, this is Octobers worst big-hit since never. This is unique, but no one is pleased due to the terrible acting from Mark Walhberg, and his showing of age in his career during his previous productions Shooter film, which let most users down. From that, no one is willing to see this film because he is just not doing well. Anyways, if you have seen Shooter, DON'T, and if you do, DON'T see this either. Because their both the same, both sharing easily constructed plots, predictable ends, dull traits, and boringly pretty much the same thing as the trailer. Which shows only the best parts, and you don't realize that those really amazing parts are TOTALLY WASTED from poor direction. Wow was I sure mislead.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
GilbertA.Feb 13, 2008
Nothing Special whatsoever, I was letdown by its chunky execution. It is a lifeless, mechanical, easily let-out bore with no effect of engagement at all. Its cool look is not enough. It felt way too quick, it was fast-paced, and didn't Nothing Special whatsoever, I was letdown by its chunky execution. It is a lifeless, mechanical, easily let-out bore with no effect of engagement at all. Its cool look is not enough. It felt way too quick, it was fast-paced, and didn't explain much, or in better terms enough. It went so fast, it felt like an easy 80 minutes. The back did say 2 hours, but no way, it must have been way shorter than that. It wasn't just really rushed and fast, it was super-short as well, the plot went by like there is something missing. Most might disagree, but don't expect a departed sequel, it is pretty much like what people have been saying for Eragon 2006.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
NickD.Feb 19, 2008
Startlingly boring. Oh, was that car chase awesome? I wouldn't know, I was asleep by then. Sure the movie's opening was promising with Blondie's "Heart of Glass" playing in the background as Eva Mendes's exposed breast Startlingly boring. Oh, was that car chase awesome? I wouldn't know, I was asleep by then. Sure the movie's opening was promising with Blondie's "Heart of Glass" playing in the background as Eva Mendes's exposed breast was being fondled, but after that the only thing that kept me riveted was the promise of an inevitable love scene between Scarface and Marky Mark which was sadly scrapped on the cutting room floor to make room for more pointless conversations about tables and table accessories. I give this movie two coughs, a yawn, and a pack of mules.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
LoRevisorJan 5, 2015
Um filme recheado de brilhantes atuações Joaquin Phoenix,Robert Duvall,Eva Mendes e Mark Wahlberg.
Um super filme,a ovelha negra da família (Joaquin Phoenix) se coloca nos eixos entra para polícia depois que seu irmão é quase morto porUm filme recheado de brilhantes atuações Joaquin Phoenix,Robert Duvall,Eva Mendes e Mark Wahlberg.
Um super filme,a ovelha negra da família (Joaquin Phoenix) se coloca nos eixos entra para polícia depois que seu irmão é quase morto por aqueles que eram seus amigos.
Agora junto com o irmão (Mark Wahlberg) e o pai (Robert Duvall) ambos da polícia combatem traficantes que enfestam a Nova York dos anos 80.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
eva3si0nSep 12, 2021
We Own The Night is not a bad crime drama to watch once. A good cast and the simplicity of the main story, one can even say its commonplace. I want to cancel the acting of Joaquin Phoenix, he plays perfectly here. They also surprisinglyWe Own The Night is not a bad crime drama to watch once. A good cast and the simplicity of the main story, one can even say its commonplace. I want to cancel the acting of Joaquin Phoenix, he plays perfectly here. They also surprisingly showed Russians not cliched, there is almost no "Russian cranberry"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
bataguilaNov 8, 2018
Buena, los picos dramáticos son muy buenos. La típica película de policías y ladrones, pero la historia esta muy ágil, creíble y emocionante.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
HurQlezJul 25, 2019
A bland cop movie that doesn't really stand out as much as I remember. The acting was as bland as the blue filter they placed in the movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
NickTheCritickNov 7, 2021
I'm surprised how this film has been rather lukewarmly received. This metropolitan detective movie has actually some quality, the shots are interesting, the story too and the acting of Phoenix and Duvall is fantastic. It may be not an halfI'm surprised how this film has been rather lukewarmly received. This metropolitan detective movie has actually some quality, the shots are interesting, the story too and the acting of Phoenix and Duvall is fantastic. It may be not an half masterpiece of its genre but the film is more than pleasant.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

59 Critic Reviews

6.2 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL