In 1931, the Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia, run a multipurpose backwoods establishment that hides their true business — bootlegging. Middle brother Forrest is the brain of the operation; older Howard is the brawn, and younger Jack, the lookout. Though the local police have taken bribes and left the brothers alone, a violent war erupts when a sadistic lawman from Chicago arrives and tries to shut down the Bondurants operation.
In 1931, the Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia, run a multipurpose backwoods establishment that hides their true business — bootlegging. Middle brother Forrest is the brain of the operation; older Howard is the brawn, and younger Jack, the lookout. Though the local police have taken bribes and left the brothers alone, a violent war erupts when a sadistic lawman from Chicago arrives and tries to shut down the Bondurants operation.
The film's central conflict critiques government overreach and corruption during Prohibition, championing themes of family loyalty, self-reliance, and violent resistance against an oppressive external authority, aligning with right-leaning skepticism of government.
The movie features primarily traditional casting, consistent with its historical setting in rural 1930s Virginia, without any explicit race or gender swaps of roles. The narrative maintains a neutral to positive framing of traditional identities, focusing on the struggles of its white male protagonists without incorporating explicit DEI critiques.
The film portrays Christianity as a respected part of the community and individual lives. Characters like Bertha Minnix embody genuine faith, which is depicted as a source of moral guidance and strength without being satirized or undermined. The narrative does not link the violence of other characters to their nominal Christian affiliation, nor does it critique Christian institutions.
The film 'Lawless' does not include any discernible LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Its narrative is centered on historical crime drama elements, focusing on the Bondurant brothers' struggles during Prohibition, without exploring queer identities or experiences.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film adapts a historical novel based on real-life male bootleggers and their associates. All major characters, including the Bondurant brothers and supporting roles, maintain their established genders from the source material and historical record.
The film "Lawless" is based on a historical novel about real-life bootleggers in Prohibition-era Virginia. All major characters, including the Bondurant brothers and other key figures, are portrayed by actors whose race aligns with their historical or source material depiction. No instances of a race swap were identified.
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