We Own The Night

We Own The Night gets its name from the 1980's slogan of the NYC police force, who was attempting to crack down on the drug trade that had been running rampant throughout the city for years. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Bobby Green, a nightclub owner who has many shady friends. He lives and thrives in the seedy underbelly of NYC. But his family connections are not known in those circles, because that could be deadly. You see, his father Burt (Robert Duvall) is a police Captain, and his brother Joseph (Mark Wahlberg) is also a cop. It turns out that Joe is the head of a new investigation unit, focusing on narcotics traffic, and guess where the kingpin they want to hit hangs out? That's right, Bobby's club. Bobby is caught between two worlds, his family and his desire to live a wild and crazy life. Where do his loyalties lie? Do people change?

We Own The Night paints a pretty clear picture of right and wrong: cops versus drug-dealers. Bobby must decide who he really is. By living this "other" life, he is in essence denying who he really is, his family and history. Does he have the courage and bravery it takes to switch sides, to help out the good guys? He is given an opportunity to inform for the cops, but how will that pan out? Which side will he choose?

I am reminded that God uses even our flaws for his glory, for greater purposes. Bobby has lived a bad life, made a lot of mistakes, and has a lot to regret. Yet, his flaws can be used for good, if he so chooses. He has vital connections; relationships with people that won't talk to the police. When takes something evil and turns it into good it is called redemption. But what will Bobby choose.

What jumped out at me was the idea that our private/personal decisions affect so many more people than we realize. Bobby's decisions throughout his life, including ones he makes during the course of the film, put his family and loved ones in danger. We are individuals, but we are not completely separate entities. Our choices affect more than just us. And this doesn't happen to just Bobby. At one point in the film we discover how even children are being put in harm's way because of the actions of another bad guy. Let's think about our choices, and not deceive ourselves into believing that they only matter to us.

This film also brings up the ever-popular theme in our society: revenge. There are many opportunities for revenge. When this idea comes up in film we must ask ourselves "Does this movie glorify revenge? Are we now inspired to go out and take revenge on our enemies?" Because, Jesus did not tell us to seek vengeance, but to love our enemies. Let us not be deceived. I think the ending of the film leaves room for interpretation on this one, so you be the judge.

We Own The Night is a well-acted, tight and intriguing cop-drama which delves into the themes of family, courage, morality, and loyalty.