Very good writing. I couldn't really guess how the film would trun out. Solid casting, especially the three main characters. I'm a fan of Von Sternberg's filmmaking, so I liked that aspect of the film as well. This probably not a film that would wow modern audiences, but if you're open to silent films and have an interest in gangster pictures, I'd recommend this one, as it is considered the first gangster picture by many.

Entertaining, but the hammy acting and pervasive cliches (granted, I know it had a hand in establishing those cliches, but still) take it down a notch or two. Still, a swift, fun ride.

One of Von Sternberg's earliest films shows few moments of his later greatness and the performances are not very good, but it moves along swiftly and is fairly entertaining. As a gangster flick it perhaps set the template for the genre... unfortunately, it's a genre I never cared for that much. I just wasn't that into it, which is a disappointment because the other two movies in Criterion's box set are among my favorites by JVS. Oh well.

Where the film fails in plotting and characterization, it makes up for in pure cinematic expression. Bull is a bit of a stubbornly one-dimensional character, and the entire thing ends with the sort of sensational and sappy set piece you might loathe in any film. But otherwise, it's noirish tone and moody realization are something to behold. Von Sternberg's literal storytelling may be shoddy, but his visuals communicate so effectively.

Fast paced exciting crime film. The performances and style are very good and make the film a lot of fun to watch. The ending feels a little forced but it works well with what precedes it and is satisfying.

"Josef von Sternberg's Underworld is a fascinating early cornerstone of both the director's worldview and the gangster genre." - Fernando F. Croce