
In the heart of New Orleans, a DJ, a pimp, and an Italian tourist are unexpectedly united after escaping from prison. They must rely on each other as they evade the authorities and explore the city’s hidden corners. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters and face unexpected challenges, forging an unlikely bond amidst the vibrant and sometimes dangerous streets.
Does Down by Law have end credit scenes?
No!
Down by Law does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Down by Law, 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.
Discover where to watch Down by Law online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how Down by Law is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Down by Law stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
75
Metascore
7.4
User Score
88%
TOMATOMETER
93%
User Score
7.6 /10
IMDb Rating
73
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of Down by Law 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.
Who is the main character, a disillusioned radio DJ?
Zack
Jack
Roberto
The Mob Boss
Show hint
Discover all the awards and nominations received by Down by Law, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Down by Law and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
2nd Independent Spirit Awards 1987
Best Feature
Best Cinematography
Read the complete plot summary of Down by Law, 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.
The film opens with Zack, an unemployed radio DJ who is perpetually dissatisfied, having just been thrown out of his girlfriend’s apartment. Frustrated and despondent, he drowns his sorrows at a local bar, where he encounters a mob boss who hands him $2000 to drive a “clean car” from Point A (the bar) to Point B (the next city). Unbeknownst to Zack, the trunk contains a dead body. After hitting the road in a drunken haze, he is pulled over by the police, who conduct a search that leads to his immediate arrest.
Meanwhile, we catch a glimpse of Jack, a local pimp, as he attempts to broker a deal with a high-profile client known for his numerous enemies. The tension escalates when Jack receives a call from one of his adversaries, warning him about a girl interested in “working for him.” When Jack arrives at the hotel, he is shocked to discover that the girl is merely a child, revealing that it’s all part of a police sting operation aimed at taking him down.
As the narrative unfolds, we see Zack behind bars, where he meets Jack the pimp. Furthermore, they encounter Roberto, an Italian man serving time for manslaughter. After spending several months in prison, Roberto devises a plan for the trio to escape.
The bulk of the movie follows their thrilling attempts to evade the law, highlighting the dynamics between these three men as they navigate through chaos and desperation, ultimately revealing their fates and the choices they must confront amidst their run from justice.
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