The Hard Word Movie Review 2002

Pearce is Dale, the eldest of three criminal brothers who are enticed into one last job upon their release from prison. Since they've been pulling jobs all along, thanks to a "work-release" program cooked up by their slimy lawyer, Frank Malone (Taylor), and some crooked cops, it doesn't seem like a bad idea. Problems arise when Dale finds out that Frank is setting them up, and having an affair with his femme-fatale wife Carole (Griffiths). Aussie caper flick sizzles on the strength of lived-in performances by Pearce and Griffiths, as well as a grungy feel that makes the whole thing resonate with suspicion.

Distribution

CinemaNow, 4553 Glencoe Ave., Ste. 200, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, URL: http://www.cinemanow.com, Remarks: Formerly known as Lions Gate Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 102 minutes.
Originally from Australian, British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Down Under, Brothers & Sisters, Men in Prison, Betrayal, Marriage, Law & Lawyers, Ex-Cons, Heists, One Last Job, Femme Fatale

Screenplay

Scott Roberts

Cast

Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths, Robert Taylor, Joel Edgerton, Damien Richardson, Rhonda Findleton, Kate Atikinson, Vince Colosimo, Paul Sonkkila, Kim Gyngell, Dorian Nkono

Cinematography

Brian J. Breheny

Director

Scott Roberts

Music

David Thrussell

Other

John Schiefelbein, Martin Connor, Jeff Thorp, Terry Ryan, Paddy Reardon

Producer

Al Clark, Australian Film Finance Corp., Alibi Films International, Wildheart, Lions Gate Films