Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Two brothers, on either side of the law, face off over organized crime in Brooklyn during the 1970s.
Blood Ties is a competent 1970s crime drama anchored by a strong ensemble cast including Clive Owen, Billy Crudup, and Marion Cotillard, who elevate the material considerably. The period recreation is solid but unremarkable, and the central sibling rivalry premise feels well-trodden in the crime genre. The film is a remake of the French film Les Liens du sang, which further limits its novelty. The acting is the clear standout, with Owen delivering a particularly magnetic performance as the ex-con brother. The plot and ending are serviceable but don't transcend genre expectations.