Films about rural gangs delve into the lives and crimes of outlaw groups and individuals operating outside urban areas, often highlighting unique challenges and dynamics specific to rural settings. These movies tend to explore themes of loyalty, survival, and the socio-economic factors driving people towards gang life, while also capturing the raw, often untouched beauty of rural landscapes juxtaposed with the violence and turmoil brewing within them.
“Out of the Furnace”, 2013
Director: Scott Cooper
Set in the Rust Belt of America, this film follows Russell Baze (Christian Bale) and his quest for justice against a ruthless local gang leader, Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson), who runs an illegal ring in the economically depressed rural community. The movie portrays the desperation and decay of American industrial towns that turn into fertile grounds for violent gangs.
Starring: Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana, Sam Shepard, Dendrie Taylor, Carl Ciarfalio, Nancy Mosser;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Out of the Furnace” on the website imdb.com
“Lawless”, 2012
Director: John Hillcoat
Based on the true story of the Bondurant brothers, this film is set in Prohibition-era Virginia. The brothers run a successful bootlegging operation but soon face threats from the authorities and rival gangs eager to cut into their profits. The narrative dives deep into the rural gang culture of the time, highlighting the violent struggles over alcohol distribution in the countryside.
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke, Jessica Chastain, Guy Pearce, Mia Wasikowska, Dane DeHaan, Gary Oldman, Chris McGarry, Lew Temple;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Winter's Bone”, 2010
Director: Debra Granik
This drama focuses on 17-year-old Ree Dolly as she navigates through the dangerous rural underworld of the Ozarks in search of her missing father. With her family's home at stake, Ree confronts the local criminal gang that dominates the area. The film explores rural poverty, familial bonds, and the presence of criminal gangs in isolated communities.
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Garret Dillahunt, Lauren Sweetser, Dale Dickey, Kevin Breznahan, Shelley Waggener, Sheryl Lee, Tate Taylor, Cody Brown;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Winter's Bone” on the website imdb.com
“The Proposition”, 2005
Director: John Hillcoat
Set in the outback of Australia during the late 19th century, this western follows Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) as he captures two members of the notorious Burns gang. To save his younger brother, Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce) must kill his older, psychopathic brother Arthur (Danny Huston), the gang's leader. The film depicts the brutal life and dynamics within and against outlawed gangs in a rural setting.
Starring: Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, John Hurt, David Wenham, Emily Watson, Richard Wilson, Noah Taylor, Jeremy Madrona, Jae Mamuyac;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: western, crime, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Proposition” on the website imdb.com
“American Honey”, 2016
Director: Andrea Arnold
Although not a traditional gang film, “American Honey” follows a teenage girl who joins a traveling sales crew, which operates much like a modern-day nomadic gang, hustling across the Midwest selling magazine subscriptions. This coming-of-age story explores themes of youth disenfranchisement, love, and freedom on the fringes of society, set against a backdrop of rural and suburban America.
Starring: Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, Riley Keough, McCaul Lombardi, Arielle Holmes, Crystal Ice, Veronica Ezell, Chad Cox, Garry Howell, Kenneth Kory Tucker;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, melodrama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 163 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “American Honey” on the website imdb.com
These films, through their diverse settings and time periods, offer a broad perspective on the theme of rural gangs, from historical to contemporary interpretations. Each story uncovers the complex interplay between individuals, their communities, and the law, providing insights into the human condition when faced with extreme circumstances.
In sum, films about rural gangs have carved an indelible niche within the cinematic landscape, offering audiences a visceral glimpse into the often overlooked complexities of countryside crime. These movies, through their gritty narratives and authentic portrayals, do more than just entertain; they educate and provoke thought regarding the socio-economic conditions that breed rural gang culture. From the raw depiction of loyalty and survival in “Winter's Bone” to the brutal realities of power dynamics in “American Honey,” this genre presents a multifaceted exploration of rural life that challenges stereotypes and demands a deeper understanding. As this selection of films demonstrates, the stories of rural gangs, though set far from the urban sprawl, are universal in their themes of struggle, aspiration, and the human desire for connection, offering a compelling, if at times harsh, window into the human condition.
