Down by Law
1986, Comedy, 1h 46m
30 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
Funny, original, and thoroughly cinematic, Down by Law represents writer-director Jim Jarmusch at his most ingratiating and evocative. Read critic reviews
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Down by Law Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Zack
Jack
Roberto
Laurette
Bobbie
Gig
Critic Reviews for Down by Law
All Critics (30) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (4)
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Down by Law seems on occasion to be soliciting our approval.
March 27, 2020 | Full Review… -
Down By Law is oddly heart-warming, magnifying moments of unexpected camaraderie between kindred spirits who don't immediately ID each other as such.
September 11, 2014 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Down by Law is a delight, right down to the unexpected last scene.
September 9, 2014 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
The Jim Jarmusch penchant for off-the-wall characters and odd situations is very much in evidence.
January 11, 2008 | Full Review… -
On the whole I've had more fun in Cleveland.
January 11, 2008 | Full Review… -
After the initial establishment of character and atmosphere, the laughs come thick and fast, most notably from the marvellous [Roberto] Benigni.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Down by Law
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Sep 30, 2015Down By Law is another great Jim Jarmusch film. Like the others, you are either going to feel the vibe or you won't. I find myself agreeing with many of the negative reviews -- sometimes the acting feels ad-libbed, sometimes it does feel like it has a student film quality to it, sometimes it does not end up so cool as it wants to be. But then again, so what? The film has an authenticity to it and many great little moments that would probably not be in it if the cast and crew were not going for it. Down By Law is an all-time great comedy adventure.Robert B Super Reviewer
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Aug 31, 2012Odd tale with gorgeous cinematography. Benigni steals the show.Hugo S Super Reviewer
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Nov 29, 2011Jim Jarmusch is the king of cinematic understatement. His films -- at least, his early ones -- are always composed of long takes, nuanced characters and rambling dialogue, and they never really seem to be headed anywhere. "Down by Law" is in glorious black-and-white (courtesy of cinematographer Robby Muller) and features understated humor at its finest. John Lurie, Tom Waits and Roberto Benigni are great as Jack, Zack and Bob and give us one of the best movie trios of all time. Basically, the film itself is nothing more than these the lives of these characters before, during and after their time in prison, and it's just as enjoyable as Jarmusch's previous effort, "Stranger Than Paradise."Stephen E Super Reviewer
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Oct 27, 2011Jarmusch's greatest film in my opinion, it features great performances from the three lead roles (especially Tom Waits who is one of my favorite artists) and beautiful black and white shots of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou.Graham J Super Reviewer
Down by Law Quotes
| Roberto: | I'ma gooda egga. |
| Zack: | Buzz off. |
| Roberto: | Thank you. Buzz offa to you, too. |
| Jack: | Guard! Guard! Guard! Guard! Guard! Guard! |
| Zack: | Yeah, Bob's real good with the restaurant English. |
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