Watch Last Exit to Brooklyn

Last Exit to Brooklyn is a 1989 film directed by Uli Edel and based on a novel of the same name by Hubert Selby Jr. It is an intense and often brutal portrayal of life in Brooklyn during the 1950s. The film follows a group of characters as they navigate the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and sexuality. The film begins with a group of young men hanging out on the streets of Brooklyn, looking for ways to the time. There's Harry Black, a union worker who is struggling to his wife and children; Georgette, a prostitute who roams the streets trying to make money; and Tralala, a young woman who uses sex as a means of escape from her bleak surroundings. All of these characters are intertwined in some way, and their stories are presented in a gritty and uncompromising manner.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to other characters, such as Vinnie, a factory worker who is secretly in love with one of his male co-workers; and Freddy, a gay man who runs a local bar that serves as a safe haven for other of the LGBTQ+ community. Each of these characters has their own struggles and desires, and the film does a good job of showing how these intersect and collide.

One of the standout performances in the film is Jennifer Jason Leigh as Tralala. Leigh brings a raw intensity to the role, portraying the character's desperation and vulnerability with a haunting realism. Tralala's story is one of the most heartbreaking in the film, and Leigh does an excellent job of bringing it to life.

Stephen Lang also gives a strong performance as Harry Black, a man who is struggling to find his place in the world. Black is a character who is full of contradictions - he's fiercely loyal to his family, but also has a violent streak that he can't seem to control. Lang does a good job of showing the complexity of the character, and his scenes with Leigh are particularly powerful.

Another standout aspect of the film is its cinematography. The film is shot in black and white, which gives it a stark and gritty look that perfectly matches the tone of the story. The camera work is often intense and frenetic, adding to the sense of unease that permeates the film.

Overall, Last Exit to Brooklyn is a powerful and uncompromising portrayal of life on the fringes of society. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, and is sure to leave an indelible impression on anyone who watches it.