The Hard Word (2003)
Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Keeping the wheels of crime turning is their long-time criminal lawyer, FRANK MALONE (ROBERT TAYLOR), who combines flashy arrogance with a complete disregard for the proper process of the law. Frank's network of contacts enables him to play the brothers and the system to perfection. But success has clearly gone to his head when he starts screwing Dale's wife, CAROL (RACHEL GRIFFITHS). Dazzled by her physical attractiveness, Frank has severely underestimated the brain underneath the blonde. Carol is one of life's greatest operators and she is determined to get what's hers.
The brothers are out on bail, only long enough to do one job before they are back behind bars because of a problem with the 'paperwork'. Of course Frank will get them out but there's a catch. They must do a really big job if it is to be their last. Dale's festering suspicion about Frank's motives, and a bout with food poisoning, create an impossible situation leading up to a multi-million dollar heist. The job is to take place in Melbourne. Frank has lined up some local criminals to work with them, to the displeasure of the brothers. Up against the wall and with no way out, the boys proceed with the ambitious robbery, despite some dark misgivings. When it all goes wrong, the brothers discover the full extent of Frank's treachery as they make a desperate escape from the surrounding havoc. Breaking free of Melbourne in a hijacked car, the brothers have plenty of time to think on the long road back to Sydney. Although they have the money, they know Frank will not be far behind. And he isn't. And neither is Carol. [Less]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths, Robert Taylor, Damien Richardson, Joel Edgerton
DVD Info
Release:
Oct 7, 2003
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
A nearly unrecognizable Guy Pearce gives a solid performance in an otherwise forgettable film
You always get the feeling here that Roberts never actually knows where he's going with it.
Every heist movie trope is trotted out and given an Australian accent.
The film seems unsure what it wants to be about, only that it wants to be edgy while it’s doing it.
This Aussie thriller is all about characters -- interesting characters, and several of them could hold a movie on their own.
Not everything works... but Roberts' knack for realistic action, hard-bitten dialogue and finding humor in unexpected places keeps your attention to the finish.
The movie-jaded will dismiss The Hard Word as just another slick heist flick with a band of burglar buddies. Too bad for their cynical souls. They'll be missing a grand (theft) time.
The movie wants to be provocative but just comes off trashy.
Roberts stuffs the film with clever twists that keep us one step behind the plot, which is where you want to be in a heist picture.
The three Twentyman brothers are so good at stealing stuff you wonder why they couldn't have swiped a better heist movie.
When it's finally time to lay down the cards, we discover Roberts was simply trying to get by on his wit and charm, and he didn't have enough of either.
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