Two working class brothers, Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell, run into financial trouble and go to their wealthy uncle (Tom Wilkinson) for help. But in return he wants them to do him a favor that is beyond moral bounds. Their struggles with loyalty to family, their ambitions, desires, and fears are what drive the movie forward.

I like the premise upon which this film is based, that families make and break the lives of their members. Woody Allen could have done a better job with the pacing…it does not deserve to be categorized as a “thriller.” The drama unfolds much too slowly and the tension is stretched beyond its limits. The ending was a let down, too, but the characters make up for these flaws, the romantic subplot develops nicely, and it is worth watching for some excellent acting as well as the moral questions it raises.