Watch Live by Night

Live by Night is a 2016 American crime drama film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. Ben Affleck directed, produced, and starred in the movie as the protagonist, Joe Coughlin, alongside the likes of Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, and Zoe Saldana in pivotal roles. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the story revolves around Joe, the son of a prominent Boston police captain, who turns his back on his upbringing to become a notorious gangster. The film depicts Joe's life journey that escalates from a small-time thief running errands for the Italian mob to become the rum-running kingpin of Florida during the Prohibition era.

The movie opens with a bank robbery scene where Joe and his accomplice, Dion Bartolo (played by Chris Messina), rob a high-stakes card game held by a rival mob boss, Albert White (played by Robert Glenister). Joe falls in love with White's girlfriend, Emma Gould (played by Sienna Miller), leading to a series of events that results in betrayal, revenge, and murder. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, highlighting the plot's intense action and dramatic moments.

After serving a prison sentence, Joe moves to Tampa, Florida, where he begins his bootlegging business with the help of Cuban gangster, Maso Pescatore (played by Remo Girone). Joe's success is short-lived when the KKK, led by Robert Cooper (played by Matthew Maher), and the Miami police department interfere in his operations, leading to an all-out war for control. The conflict is further complicated when Joe falls in love with the daughter of a local sheriff, Loretta Figgis (played by Elle Fanning), who is a devoted Christian and opposes his criminal lifestyle.

Brendan Gleeson plays the role of Thomas Coughlin, Joe's father, who tries to dissuade him from his path but eventually accepts his son's choices. Gleeson's character arc adds a layer of emotional depth to the film, showing the relationship between a father and son who share different beliefs and values.

The movie's visual style and cinematography are a treat for the viewers, showcasing the grandeur of the 1920s and 30s. The costume design and set pieces, which include vintage cars, lavish mansions, and colorful nightlife scenes, transport the audience back in time.

Live by Night is a crime drama film that highlights the effects of power, greed, betrayal, and love. It provides a glimpse into the life of a criminal during the Prohibition era and the consequences of their actions on their families, friends, and society. The film's star-studded cast and intense action sequences contribute to a thrilling cinematic experience that should not be missed.

Live by Night is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 49.