Al otro lado de la ley

...from writer-director S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99). Various characters are on a collision course, including a pair of suspended cops (Mel Gibson & Vince Vaughn), an ex-con (Tory Kittles) and his brother (Michael Jai White), and a mysterious European (Thomas Krestchmann), as they all seek a big pay-out from a heist.

Zahler takes his sweet time developing characters before the big event goes down, as the heist doesn't occur until around the 90 minute mark in this 158 minute film. The dialogue is sharp and often funny, and the characters are all fully drawn. The performances are very good, with Gibson and Kittles the stand-outs. There are a few surprising moments, as well as the over-the-top ultra-violence that is a Zahler hallmark, although this one is less gory than his previous efforts. The film looks more professional, as well, with good, atmospheric cinematography. Recommended to fans of crime films and noir, but only if they have the patience for a slow build-up.

Hadn't heard anything about this film before it came up on my Netflix. When I saw the 2 hour and 39 minute runtime I almost took a pass on the film. I'm so glad I didn't. Honestly, once the film started I was drawn into the story by the characters and the acting. The characters are well developed and the acting is solid. Really interesting pairing of Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn, they work brilliantly opposite each other as do Michael Jai White and Tory Kittles. The dialogue reminded me of Quentin Tarantino. Though I really enjoyed the film, It is extremely slow paced and it could have used some more editing but over all this film is worth watching.

No way near the negative reviews...something kept you hanging on to it and you get to know the characters.... interesting to also include 2 German known actors....liked it....unusual movie these days...and like someone said...it's a movie movie where you have to put time in it....enjoy...

Another brutal film by director Zahler. He made a film again in his own style and with his own signature. It's also a great movie. At first, the film lasts too long and it seems to me that some scenes could have been shorter or cut out of the film, especially in the first hour or so. However, everything will be paid later. The story is not at all simple, there are a lot of characters and most of them have a good background and developed characteristics so that we can understand their choices. The film has several unexpected decisions, and I like that when the film is not predictable. Some really brutal and tense scenes in the last third of the movie. I can't understand the various criticisms of this film, the film follows some well-known rules, it looks very fresh and original. In addition, I have to praise Mel Gibson, one of his better roles, especially lately.

I just read about how this didn't get a theatrical release because it was too long, these suits have no vision. So happy this director trusted his vision enough to not let it be butchered by the studio. I would have loved to see this in theaters.

I think the pacing was awesome. Some people are saying it was too slow but I think the time it took to get us more indepth with each character paid off. If you really enjoy a good film and don't need action packed explosions to keep your attention, you will really appreciate this film.

I am now a fan of this writer/director as I don't find many who get it right. Often these writer/director films go off kilter and don't have the right checks and balances. This guy should be given the steering wheel more often and trusted whole heartedly by the studios.