What's it about:
New York, 1974. Fifty-year-old Chris has just been released on good behaviour after several years in prison following a gangland murder. Reluctantly waiting for him outside the gates is his younger brother, Frank, a cop with a bright future. Chris and Frank have always been different, and their father, Leon, who raised them alone, seems to favour Chris—despite all his troubles. Blood ties are the ones that bind, and Frank, hoping that his brother has changed, is willing to give him a chance—Frank shares his home, finds Chris a job, and helps Chris reconnect with his children and his ex-wife, Monica.
Chris’ inevitable descent back into a life of crime proves to be the last in a long line of betrayals, and, after his brother’s latest transgressions, Frank banishes him from his life. It’s already too late, as the brothers’ destiny is bound together, for the rest of their lives.
What the critics say:
If you hear an unearthly sound during Blood Ties, it might be Sidney Lumet's ghost attempting to contact his lawyer.
- Tom Huddleston, Time Out
The performers carry on - Owen is particularly good - but this bird doesn't fly.
- Tom Long, Detroit News
Everything is in place to have created a truly sensational piece of cinema, and yet you can't help feeling somewhat cold towards this film, despite the memorable, impactful finale.
- Stefan Pape, HeyUGuys
The film is too sprawling and unfocused to deliver real emotional clout, but there are are some gripping stand-offs along the way.
- Jason Best, Movie Talk
New York, 1974. Fifty-year-old Chris has just been released on good behaviour after several years in prison following a gangland murder. Reluctantly waiting for him outside the gates is his younger brother, Frank, a cop with a bright future. Chris and Frank have always been different, and their father, Leon, who raised them alone, seems to favour Chris—despite all his troubles. Blood ties are the ones that bind, and Frank, hoping that his brother has changed, is willing to give him a chance—Frank shares his home, finds Chris a job, and helps Chris reconnect with his children and his ex-wife, Monica.
Chris’ inevitable descent back into a life of crime proves to be the last in a long line of betrayals, and, after his brother’s latest transgressions, Frank banishes him from his life. It’s already too late, as the brothers’ destiny is bound together, for the rest of their lives.
What the critics say:
If you hear an unearthly sound during Blood Ties, it might be Sidney Lumet's ghost attempting to contact his lawyer.
- Tom Huddleston, Time Out
The performers carry on - Owen is particularly good - but this bird doesn't fly.
- Tom Long, Detroit News
Everything is in place to have created a truly sensational piece of cinema, and yet you can't help feeling somewhat cold towards this film, despite the memorable, impactful finale.
- Stefan Pape, HeyUGuys
The film is too sprawling and unfocused to deliver real emotional clout, but there are are some gripping stand-offs along the way.
- Jason Best, Movie Talk