By the Gun
By the Gun
R | 05 December 2014 (USA)
By the Gun Trailers

A rising Boston gangster (Ben Barnes) endangers those around him when he starts to make moves without the knowledge of his boss (Harvey Keitel).

Reviews
SunnyHello Nice effects though.
Siflutter It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.
Cissy Évelyne It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Phillida Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
GUENOT PHILIPPE I won't say this film is a pure masterpiece but it is definitely a good film noir. I admit it is slow, sometimes a little too long on some scenes, such as this one in the warehouse and borrowed from RESERVOIR DOGS, with a little too much talking. But the story, even foreseeable and cliché on some points, reminds me Phil Joanou's STATE OF GRACE, remember, starring Sean Penn, another film noir involving friends, brother and the gang, where Ed Harris could be imagined in the Harvey Keitel role. Yes, I definitely love this little unknown, at least, not known enough, feature very dark, gloomy and not for all audiences. I have seen many of this kind and have hundreds of those in my huge Library. I will never get tired of that. Never, over my dead body.
Tss5078 When a man takes the oath to become a made guy in the Mafia, he promises to put the family before anything else. For most gangsters, this never becomes an issue, but for Nick Tortano (Ben Barnes) it becomes the basis for an impossible decision. A series of events lead Tortano into having to decide between his new family and his old one. Either choice means that someone he loves will become a target, and he has to decide, who in his life is the most expendable. Most films about the Mafia follow a very specific pattern, leading people to say all these films are the same. There is some truth to that, but By The Gun is certainly an exception. The film follows a new member is a small family and the story told from his point of view, giving us a very different look at La Costa Nostra. Ben Barnes stars in one of his first leading roles and was outstanding. Barnes, mostly recognized as an ancillary character from the Chronicles of Narnia series, finally steps into the spotlight and shows that he has what it takes to star. I was impressed with the story and setting of this film, but I wasn't crazy about the cast, in fact, there were several actors who really brought the quality of this movie down, but Ben Barnes wasn't one of them. His performance really added some legitimacy to this film and if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be recommending it at all. By The Gun is not your typical Mafia movie, because Nick Tortano isn't your typical gangster. He has a conscience that comes into conflict with his life of crime at every turn and watching him decide the fate of everyone he loves was really something worth watching.
Dennis Deitsch A Frustrated Review of the film, "By The Gun." I just saw the most boring tedious crime movie I have ever seem. With a great cast including Harvey Keitel, Toby Jones, Ritchie Coaster, and the neophyte actor Tully Banta-Cain you would think that it would have something. Some animus, action, story telling, violence and sex or some mixture of these elements. From the black background with white writing and no score during the opening credits. With the first scene of our star with two nude women asleep after a post party night to five minutes before the end it dragged. The whole movie was unplausible and stumbling. Every gangster movie fan, mafioso, talented actor or director will be staring at the screen and crying why! I do not know if it was the acting, screenplay, direction or a combination of all these elements but the plot and talents should have produced something better. It may be good for putting young children to sleep but I am so distressed that I had to write this review and send it out into the world. Movies like this convince me, that though I had my doubts, I could direct a feature film. If you are going to watch this bring along a puzzle book, video game or anything else to help keep you awake. If you happen to be a film masochist enjoy. Signed regretfully Dennis Deitsch
mac-ginty A young gangster (Nick) achieves his lifetime goal of joining the Mafia and we see the struggle it causes between his family, friends and girlfriend. This is a well acted piece with a nice turn from Harvey Kietal as a crime Boss. Nicks life is complicated by his long term partner in crimes gambling indiscretions and this leads to an explosion of violence where everyone is affected.Downbeat locations and realistic dialogue seem to add a feeling of doom for the Mafia lifestyle that is portrayed as dying out. The film is a bit reminiscent of The Town but on a smaller budget. Well worth the money as a rental but it is unlikely that you will feel the need to rush out and buy the Bluray. An all round solid effort.