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Poster for L.I.E.

2001 | 97 min | Drama, Crime

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Mysterious Skin or Once Upon a Time in America, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
What might put you off
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

With his mother dead and his father busy at work, Howie feels adrift in his New York suburb. He and his friend Gary spend their time burglarizing their neighbors' homes — until they make the mistake of robbing the house of Big John, a macho former Marine who is also an unrepentant pedophile. He propositions Howie, who declines, but the two eventually develop an unlikely and dangerous friendship.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $2 million worldwide on a $700K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 71K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Michael Cuesta

  • Paul DanoHowie Blitzer
  • Bruce AltmanMarty Blitzer
  • Brian CoxBig John Harrigan
  • Billy KayGary
  • James CostaKevin Cole
  • Tony Michael DonnellyBrian
  • Walter MastersonScott
  • Adam LeFevreElliot
  • Chance KellyPrison Guard
  • Marcia DeBonisGuidance Counselor