When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelry store, the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that send them and their family hurtling towards a shattering climax.
At a time when family movies are usurped by fantasies of sentimental feelgood, Lumet's latest -- the mangled-heist melodrama Before the Devil Knows You're Dead -- delivers a swift kick straight to the jewels.
– Geoff Pevere,
Toronto Star,
16 Nov 2007
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You feel Before the Devil Knows You're Dead more than you watch it. And the feeling is far from warm and fuzzy.
– Chris Vognar,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Nov 2007
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As the Shadow used to say, the weed of crime bears bitter fruit, and Lumet has made a delicious pie out of it.
– Jonathan F. Richards,
Film.com,
28 Nov 2007
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Superior fare, packed with insight and suspense.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
11 Jan 2008
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The movie's title comes from the Irish toast, 'May you be in Heaven half an hour before the Devil knows you're dead.' Unfortunately, everyone in the film is running about 35 minutes late.