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Motherless Brooklyn 2019

In 1950s New York, Lionel Essrog, a brilliant detective struggling with Tourette’s Syndrome, seeks justice for his murdered mentor, Frank Minna. Driven by grief and his unique perspective, Lionel investigates a complex case that leads him through the city’s diverse neighborhoods. He navigates Harlem's vibrant jazz scene, explores the poverty of Brooklyn’s slums, and confronts dangerous power struggles as he uncovers a web of secrets and corruption.

In 1950s New York, Lionel Essrog, a brilliant detective struggling with Tourette’s Syndrome, seeks justice for his murdered mentor, Frank Minna. Driven by grief and his unique perspective, Lionel investigates a complex case that leads him through the city’s diverse neighborhoods. He navigates Harlem's vibrant jazz scene, explores the poverty of Brooklyn’s slums, and confronts dangerous power struggles as he uncovers a web of secrets and corruption.

Does Motherless Brooklyn have end credit scenes?

No!

Motherless Brooklyn does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Motherless Brooklyn

Explore the complete cast of Motherless Brooklyn, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Motherless Brooklyn

See how Motherless Brooklyn is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Motherless Brooklyn stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

70

Motherless Brooklyn presents a striking blend of accomplished craft and uneven narrative execution. Its visual and auditory elements earn consistent praise for detailed production and a compelling jazz-infused soundtrack, while performances, particularly by Edward Norton, anchor the film with nuanced portrayals. However, the plot is often criticized for its length and convoluted developments, which can dilute engagement. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s strong aesthetic and performances yield an overall experience that remains engaging though flawed.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Motherless Brooklyn

75
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, Motherless Brooklyn excels in its meticulous production design and thoughtful visual composition. Critics frequently highlight the period detail in props and costumes, noting atmospheric set pieces and inventive camera work that evoke classic noir. Some observers point to occasional modern set intrusions and uneven shot cohesion. Overall, it delivers a visually engaging frame that largely reinforces the film’s atmospheric intentions.

75
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

In terms of character and emotion, the film is anchored by committed performances, notably Edward Norton’s portrayal of Lionel Essrog. Many critiques commend the ensemble cast’s ability to convey mood and chemistry, with supporting roles adding textural depth. However, some reviews note uneven delivery in secondary characters and occasional wooden direction that hinders emotional resonance. Overall, the character work provides a solid emotional core despite intermittent inconsistency.

55
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, viewers often find the narrative’s ambition undermined by excessive length and complexity. Several critiques describe the plot as convoluted or bloated, citing confusing revelations and periods that feel overextended. User feedback similarly highlights predictability in the core mystery and pacing that erodes suspense. Overall, the storyline demonstrates intriguing noir elements but struggles with coherence and engagement throughout its extended runtime.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film consistently earns recognition for its rich soundtrack and cohesive visual tone. Critics frequently mention Daniel Pemberton’s jazz-infused score and atmospheric sound design that underscore period settings. The visual style, from costume choices to lighting, reinforces the noir ambiance, though occasional modern set inconsistencies are noted. Overall, the sensory elements effectively immerse viewers in the film’s mid-century world.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch value, responses indicate moderate appeal upon subsequent viewings, with strengths rooted in performance and style. Many viewers praise recurring appreciation for the detailed production and Norton’s committed portrayal, but note that narrative pacing and structural complexity diminish repeat engagement. The film’s atmospheric qualities may reward fans of period mysteries, though overall its lasting appeal is tempered by the story’s uneven execution.

Metacritic

60

Metascore

7.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

65%

TOMATOMETER

review

80%

User Score

IMDb

6.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

67

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.2

From 75 fan ratings

Movie Insider

2.67/5

From 6 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Motherless Brooklyn Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Motherless Brooklyn with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Motherless Brooklyn Quiz: Test your knowledge of the intricacies and characters of 'Motherless Brooklyn'.

What condition does Lionel Essrog, the main character, suffer from?

Awards & Nominations for Motherless Brooklyn

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Motherless Brooklyn, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Motherless Brooklyn and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


77th Golden Globe Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Original Score

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Motherless Brooklyn

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Read the complete plot summary of Motherless Brooklyn, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Set in the 1950s amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City, Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton) runs a detective agency with his companions Gilbert Coney (Ethan Suplee), Danny Fantl (Dallas Roberts), and Tony Vermonte (Bobby Cannavale). Their lives changed thanks to their mentor, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis), who rescued them from orphanages, offering them a sense of family and purpose. Although Lionel possesses a sharp mind, his struggle with Tourette’s syndrome gives him an air of eccentricity, leading to a rather reclusive lifestyle. However, his condition also affords him an extraordinary memory that proves invaluable in his detective work.

One day, Frank is embroiled in a secretive job and enlists Lionel and Gilbert to keep an eye on him during an important meeting. As they eavesdrop over the phone, they learn that Frank is negotiating critical information linked to a powerful group consisting of William Lieberman (Josh Pais), Lou (Fisher Stevens), and a menacing henchman. When things turn chaotic, Frank is ambushed, leaving Lionel and Gilbert powerless to prevent his tragic fate.

In the aftermath, Frank’s widow, Julia (Leslie Mann), appoints Tony to oversee the agency. Fueled by a quest for justice, Lionel dons Frank’s hat and coat to channel his mentor’s spirit and delve deeper into the mystery surrounding his death. His investigation leads him to a matchbox and an African-American bar, prompting him to piece together fragments from Frank’s last conversation. He discovers Laura Rose (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), involved in a fight against gentrification, is key to Frank’s pursuits. Critically involved in this battle against displacement is Gabby Horwitz (Cherry Jones), causing Lionel to attend a public meeting where he encounters Moses Randolph (Alec Baldwin), the architect of the city’s gentrification.

Through clever disguise and determination, Lionel befriends Laura while exploring the complexities of the gentrification issue. However, a misunderstanding leads to a confrontation with her father, who mistakes Lionel for an adversary. After his rescuer, a club trumpet player (Michael K. Williams), provides refuge, Lionel uncovers evidence of corruption surrounding property dealings led by Moses and leverages this knowledge to protect Laura.

The stakes rise as Lionel receives a warning from Laura’s father, only to find him murdered upon arrival. Distressed, Laura confides in Lionel about her lineage, leading to shocking revelations about her true parentage. In a race against time, Lionel confronts Paul Randolph (Willem Dafoe), discovering his connection to Moses and the underlying schemes that threaten Laura’s life.

In a gripping confrontation, Lionel dodges danger and exposes Moses’s sinister history while demanding Laura’s safety and revealing the truth to the world. > “Motherless Brooklyn,” Lionel subtly deploys the clues and confronts various adversaries in a climatic journey filled with twists that redefine loyalty, justice, and the power of truth. Ultimately, he seeks not only answers but also a future for Laura, emphasizing that some battles are worth fighting, especially for those we hold dear. As events unfold, Lionel’s pursuit culminates in a confrontation that promises both resolutions for the past and hope for a new beginning as he drives to the property tied to Frank’s legacy, where Laura awaits.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Motherless Brooklyn

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Motherless Brooklyn. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Cars Featured in Motherless Brooklyn

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Explore all cars featured in Motherless Brooklyn, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Boyertown

Merchandiser

Boyertown

Merchandiser

Buick

1958

Roadmaster 75

Buick

1939

Special

Buick

1955

Special

Buick

1954

Super

Cadillac

1956

Ambulance

Cadillac

1957

Fleetwood 60 Special

Cadillac

1955

Series 62

Checker

1978

Taxicab

Motherless Brooklyn Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


neo noirmurderjazz musicbased on noveldetectivenew york cityracisminvestigationgovernment corruptionpolitical bosstammany hallnewspaper reporterracial segregationpoliticsconstruction companycity planningabuse of powerlaw schoolreal estate developmentsuicidestaged suicidepolitical machinepolitical candidatecorrupt mayordetective agencyproperty disputeland disputereal estate developerfistfightmurder investigationmiscarriage of justicesegregationracial discriminationracial prejudicetenementgentrificationracial tensionurban settingworking classsocial injusticethugengineerurban planningcommunity involvementpublic hearingfollowing someonehousinginfrastructurefriendshipurban decay

Motherless Brooklyn Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Motherless Brooklyn across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


無母之城 ברוקלין היתומה Les ombres de Brooklyn 머더리스 브루클린 Сирота Бруклін Brooklyn Affairs Motherless Brooklyn - I segreti di una città Huérfanos de Brooklyn 마더리스 브루클린 Οι Σκιές του Μπρούκλιν Сиротский Бруклин Sirota Brooklyn Temná tvář Brooklynu עיר יתומה Osierocony Brooklyn Brooklyn - Sem Pai Nem Mãe 布魯克林孤兒 Os Órfãos de Brooklyn 布鲁克林秘案 Öksüz Brooklyn Тъмната страна на Бруклин マザーレス・ブルックリン Árva Brooklyn Bruklina bez mātes Vienišas Bruklinas Thám tử siêu phàm Brooklyn brez matere Brooklyn bez majke สืบกระตุก โค่นอิทธิพลมืด Orfes de Brooklyn Üksildane uurija ehk Brooklyni afäärid

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