3/5 This Movie owned to much of my night!!
  by MARCOLA (Somewhere in Time...)
This movie was ok, But it reminded me of a democrat how they flip flop so much!!

4/5 Typical cops vs. gansters flick, but I still like it
  by Eric S. Kim (Southern California)
It's sometimes clear that We Own The Night lacks some originality. There are some elements that are borrowed from other films like The Departed and even Mean Streets. But while this crime drama is a bit unoriginal, I can't help but like it. It's one of the better films I've seen in 2007, and it's got a whole lot of things in store. First off, it's not your typical Hollywood atmosphere, where there are quick shots and loud background music. It's a very violent and sometimes eerie setting, and it's almost perfect for late 80's Brooklyn. The orchestral music is tranquil, which is a break from all the loudness and bombast from other Hollywood action music. The pace is slower, which is a good thing since you're able to absorb and understand the characters, and why they are the way they are. The action is never in-your-face, mainly because the story is the main focus here, not the action. The only flaw I found in We Own The Night is the climax. I expected a more satisfying final confrontation, but it didn't really turn out as I expected it to be. Still, it's a very good film. It's got a fascinating plot and some memorable performances from Phoenix, Wahlberg, Duvall, and Mendes. I can look past the unoriginal elements, and enjoy the film from beginning to end.

5/5 A crime saga on the same level as Michael Mann's HEAT, superbly told and rich in scenery and authenticity.
  by Anonymous (United States)
A crime saga on the same level as Michael Mann's HEAT, superbly told and rich in scenery and authenticity.

A well told and gritty story without gratuitous violence, the transparency of 1970's New York City and the burgeoning Heroine culture is told through the perspective of a Police Chief and his two sons, the prodigal son and police officer played by Wahlberg is a strong character who concedes nothing to his bar manager brother played by Joaquin Phoenix.

The cinematography does for the story the way Friedkens To Live & Die In LA told details unseen in American cinema, We Own The Night accomplishes the same with everything from a nail biting car chase shot in the rain to the finale which deserves viewing instead of spoiling.

We own the night is a long movie which doesn't feel long, the sub plots and seemingly unrelated characters are given just enough play to make their significance pertinent, Dennis Hopper's performance is the courageous lead with human flaws and likeable characteristics that he uniquely delivers.

The story is rich in detail and tempts the viewer to watch it repeatedly and focus on their attention on a dimensional level for the goal of digesting the film in layers.

5/5 AMAZING CRIME DRAMA
  by Dan Klesh (dantheman)
Great acting. Great story. Great sets. Great attention to detail. What can I say this movie is great.

4/5 Above average cop drama
  by Bradley F. Smith (Miami Beach, FL)
You've seen these characters and these settings about a million times before, but the actors here are still compelling enough to make this come to life. Joaquin Phoenix is great as the conflicted nightclub manager forced to jilt his druggie business associates and join forces with his cop family to bust a big drug deal in 1980s NYC. You know the plot and the outcome already, but this is still quality entertainment. Robert Duvall is great as the police chief father.