Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.
Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.Miller's CrossingA movie brief.
1990 / neo-noir gangster film / Directed by Joel Coen
Loyalty is tested in a world of organized crime.
What is Miller's Crossing about?
In 1929, Tom Reagan is the right-hand man for Irish mobster Leo O'Bannon. A power struggle between two rival gangs sets off a chain of events that puts Tom in a difficult position.
Five things to know.
Setup
The film is set in 1929 during Prohibition and revolves around the power struggle between two rival gangs in an unnamed U.S. city.
World
The film features a gritty, atmospheric portrayal of a corrupt city during Prohibition, with intricate details of organized crime.
Pressure
Tom Reagan, the protagonist, faces immense pressure as he navigates the complex web of gang politics and loyalty tests.
Craft
The film showcases exceptional cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld and a haunting score by Carter Burwell, contributing to its distinctive style.
Viewing Note
The film's intricate plot and dense dialogue may require close attention, but its slow-burning tension and atmospheric setting make it rewarding.
A thought to take with you.
Tom's position between Leo and Caspar makes neutrality impossible once rival loyalties become dangerous. The film's tangled dialogue and shifting favors turn a gangster conflict into a study of how much control a strategist can keep when everyone believes he is using them.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a stylized Prohibition-era crime story with dense dialogue and shifting alliances. Its deliberate pace rewards attention to who owes what to whom.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked October 3, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach