Motherless Brooklyn

2019 • 144 minutes
4.1
68 reviews
64%
Tomatometer
R
Rating
Eligible
Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn More

About this movie

Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, “Motherless Brooklyn” follows Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the powerful engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely-guarded secrets that hold the fate of the whole city in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls of New York's power brokers, Lionel contends with thugs, corruption and the most dangerous man in the city to honor his friend and save the woman who might be his own salvation.
Rating
R

Ratings and reviews

4.1
68 reviews
Michelle Ware-White
February 5, 2020
Saw it was ok but glad I didn't go to the show for this one. I wish Edward Norton would pick better movies since he he's such a great actor.
Did you find this helpful?
Joaquin Cano
May 19, 2020
Jonathan Lethem is an old friend of mine, I grew up across the street from him, we lived on State Street in Boerum Hill. Great novelist, good old friend I give the movie 4 stars, but give the book 5!
Did you find this helpful?
Jaisri Lingappa
September 4, 2021
Loved this movie! It is beautifully crafted with phenomenal acting, great characters, interesting storyline, music, and cinematography. I wish all movies were as creative as this one with their scores. For anyone interested in the history of New York City, in community battles to save neighborhoods, and in how racism was woven into the fabric of the twentieth century, this is a must-see movie. Edward Norton clearly knows a lot about how neighborhoods are destroyed. Yes, the movie is a bit long, but it had me engaged from start to finish. I wouldn't cut anything.
Did you find this helpful?

Rate this movie

Tell us what you think.