Broken Law

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Broken Law
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Broken Law is an Irish crime drama with frequent strong language, drug use, and moments of violence. When Joe (Graham Earley) is released from prison his subsequent behavior causes both himself and his police officer brother Dave (Tristan Heanue) untold problems. Dave is generally honorable and trustworthy, although he is the midst of an affair with a married woman, Amia (Gemma-Leah Devereux). Joe in contrast is generally irresponsible and selfish, but does show genuine concern for others and feels remorse when his actions place people in danger. Characters are motivated by money and greed leading to arguments and violence. This includes various fights involving punches and kicks, although nothing that results in serious injury. A gun is fired at one point and during a robbery people are also threatened at gunpoint. Men also direct violent threats at women on more than one occasion. More frequent is the strong language, which occurs throughout and includes "c--t" and variants of "f--k." Drinking, drugs, and smoking also feature heavily. Characters are seen smoking marijuana, snorting powdered drugs, and drinking both socially and in moderation, but also to excess and even while driving.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
BROKEN LAW is the story of two Irish brothers on either side of the law who must deal with the aftermath of a robbery.
Is It Any Good?
This crowd-funded effort by writer-director Paddy Slattery packs a literal and figurative punch. Broken Law's story of two brothers, one wayward and one strait-laced, is nothing new. But strong performances from Tristan Heanue as compromised cop Dave and Graham Earley as his self-destructive outlaw sibling Joe are two of several watchable turns in this modest, Dublin-set crime thriller.
Where the movie falters is its rushed story, which is packed with convenient coincidences. Psychotic, drug-addled gangster Wallace (John Connors) is a compelling presence. But both he and Dave's love interest, Amia (Gemma-Leah Devereux), have relatively little to do as the plot pounds past any real character development on its way toward a neat but hurried ending. Given their constraints, everyone involved deserves credit for creating some tense, unnerving scenes, and the sense that with a more carefully crafted script and a bigger budget, this cast and crew could've created something truly memorable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in Broken Law. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted? Were they glamorized? Were there realistic consequences? Why is that important?
Discuss the violence in the movie. How did it make you feel? What did the movie have to say about violence? Did it glorify it?
Talk about the relationship between the two brothers, Dave and Joe. Did their differences remind you of any other famous stories about siblings?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 16, 2021
- Cast: Tristan Heanue, Graham Earley, Gemma-Leah Devereux
- Director: Paddy Slattery
- Studio: Reel 2 Reel Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: July 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love stories set in Ireland
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate