Lesser Prophets (1997)

Lesser Prophets Poster

The police have three bookies under surveillance, but they escape and set up shop elsewhere. By chance, one of the police finds them; instead of turning them in, he demands money that his brother, now a suicide, had lost to them

Film Overview
"Lesser Prophets" is an American crime drama movie released in 1997. The film was directed by William DeVizia, and it stars John Turturro, Scott Glenn, Elizabeth Perkins, and Amy Brenneman. The film is focused around a group of 3 small-time losers and the chaos they develop when a police officer, a bookie, and an ex-nun come into their lives.

Plot Summary
"Lesser Prophets" begins with the 3 primary characters; Leon (John Turturro), a police officer trying to ignore his criminal past; Iggy (Scott Glenn), a bookie attempting to preserve a low profile; and Derek (Jimmy Smits), an ex-hustler turned hipster. The trio, referred to as "the prophets", are a group of 3 hopeless, small-time crooks who take part in petty criminal offenses around New York.

Leon's life deviates when a strange woman, Police Officer Sue (Elizabeth Perkins), actions onto the scene. Sue is on an objective to find her missing brother, a fellow police entangled in a regional gaming operation. She highly suspects that Leon has understanding about her bro's disappearance.

Simultaneously, Iggy is gradually sinking into the world of gambling and has an enormous debt. He winds up crossing courses with cop-turned-priest, Francis (George Dzundza). Francis, disillusioned by the corruption within the police force, took on his newly found faith looking for redemption. He dislikes the minor crimes and turmoil developed by the prophets.

Derek, living a tranquil life away from the criminal scene, finds that his past returns when Leon and Iggy turn up at his doorstep. At the exact same time, Francis' younger sibling, Deborah (Amy Brenneman), participates in his life, making things more complicated.

Crucial Acclaim
Though "Lesser Prophets" did not gather extensive commercial success, it received mixed-to-positive reviews for its storytelling, character advancement, and performances. Turturro, Glenn, Perkins, and Brenneman's remarkable efficiencies were hailed, portraying the chaos of individuals stuck on the wrong side of the law.

Styles
"Lesser Prophets" explores themes of corruption, redemption, hope, and anguish. It shows the transformational journey common individuals undertake when challenged with battles and how they stubbornly hold on to their dreams, regardless of how unattainable they may seem.

Conclusion
Through the nuanced portrayal of its central characters, "Lesser Prophets" provides an unique point of view on the lives of small-time crooks and the circumstances that mold their actions. Despite their criminal activities, the protagonists are not lacking mankind and goal for a much better life. Through the entangled lives of its characters, the movie provides a grim portrayal of their desperate attempts to leave their present undesirable conditions. It illustrates the grey areas inherent within people, unveiling their vulnerability and indomitable spirit versus life's chances.

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