When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelry store, the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that send them and their family hurtling towards a shattering climax.
Acting
Hoffman's sweaty desperation is a masterclass.
Direction
Lumet's final film — ruthless and precise at 83.
Editing
Time-jumps that tighten the noose perfectly.
Director
Sidney Lumet
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Andy Hanson
Ethan Hawke
Hank Hanson
Albert Finney
Charles Hanson
Marisa Tomei
Gina Hanson
Aleksa Palladino
Chris Lasorda
Michael Shannon
Dex
Amy Ryan
Martha Hanson
Sarah Livingston
Danielle
Brían F. O'Byrne
Bobby Lasorda
Rosemary Harris
Nanette Hanson
Blaine Horton
Justin
Arija Bareikis
Kathrine
Leonardo Cimino
William
Lee Wilkof
Jake
Damon Gupton
Doctor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lumet filmed chronologically so the actors could physically deteriorate — Hoffman's weight gain and Hawke's gauntness are real progression, not makeup.
The title comes from an Irish toast: 'May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead' — the brothers never get that grace period.
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