In depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, the bootlegging Bondurant brothers were legendary, known as ‘invincible,’ and the film Lawless almost has you believing this through the outstanding performances of the sibling trio by actors Tom Hardy (Forest), Jason Clarke (Howard), and Shia Labeouf (Jack). Chicago gangster Floyd Banner also plays a role in the movie, played by Gary Oldman, as well as two female supporting roles that nearly steal the show: Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain), and Bertha (Mia Wasikoska.)

Lawless is based on Matt Bondurant’s “The Wettest Country in The World,” a book about his grandfather and two great-uncles, moonshiners from the prohibition era who who soon find the long, corrupt arm of the law in the way of them conducting business as usual.

In the film, this unjust law movement was lead by Special Deputy Rakes, a character who proves to be one of the most despicable of all recent memory of film, deviously played by Guy Pearce. The Bondurants refuse to bow down and pay an ongoing fee to the corrupt law officials, and this is when things really turn ugly for the brothers.

It soon becomes all-out war in Franklin county, and it appears nothing is off limits for either side as unflinching acts of violence soon become prevalent throughout the film-this is not one for the squeamish.

In the midst of all the bloodshed and violence, something to note in the film is Jack, (Labeouf) the youngest of the brothers, and the boyish, almost nieve sense about him. There are a number of occurrences throughout the film that present the notion that he is not nearly the ruthless, bloodthirsty type of man his two brothers are, but rather a simple, whimsical type, lovestruck by Bertha (Wasikoska), eager to win her courtship. This is a very strongly-stated and interesting plot point in the film.

Although this film does have it’s fair share of beatings, bashings, bludgeoning, and blood by the gallon, it does not to take away from the the gorgeous panoramic scenes that are equally existent and altogether breathtaking in this film.

For anyone looking for great story, action, and can handle a bit of in-your-face action, Lawless is one perfect way to end your summer with a thrill.

Rating: 4 stars