Law Abiding Citizen Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, Where to watch and more

"Law Abiding Citizen" concludes with a dramatic and intense ending that resolves the film's central conflict. The ending is a culmination of the film's themes of justice, revenge, and morality, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the final moments.

by Th

Updated Feb 29, 2024

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Law Abiding Citizen Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, Where to watch and more
Source: Fresherslive.com

Law Abiding Citizen

"Law Abiding Citizen" is a 2009 American vigilante action thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray, written by Kurt Wimmer, and starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, who also served as a co-producer. The story is set in Philadelphia and revolves around a man driven to seek justice for his family's murder, targeting not only the killer but also those who have contributed to a corrupt criminal justice system. His quest leads him to plan assassinations of individuals supporting the system. 

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The film was shot on location in Philadelphia and was theatrically released by Overture Films in North America on October 16, 2009.Despite grossing $127.9 million worldwide, "Law Abiding Citizen" received mostly negative reviews from critics. 

However, it managed to secure a nomination for a Saturn Award as the Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film of the year. Additionally, Jamie Foxx received a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, and F. Gary Gray was nominated for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture.

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Law Abiding Citizen Ending Explained

"Law Abiding Citizen" is an explosive revenge movie that delves into the vigilante justice theme. The film follows Clyde, played by Gerard Butler, who witnesses the brutal murder of his wife and daughter. When the justice system fails to deliver adequate punishment to the killer, Clyde takes matters into his own hands. He begins a calculated campaign of revenge, targeting not only the killer but also others involved in the case.

The movie raises questions about the justice system and plays with the audience's sympathies. Initially, viewers may empathize with Clyde's desire for revenge, given his tragic loss. However, as Clyde's actions become more extreme and monstrous, sympathy shifts towards Jamie Foxx's character, Rice, a prosecutor who was involved in the case.

As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Clyde has a background in the CIA and is skilled in planning and executing elaborate murders. He orchestrates his revenge from within prison, using a tunnel he built himself to sneak out and commit his crimes.

The climax of the movie comes when Rice confronts Clyde in his cell, offering him a chance to surrender. When Clyde refuses and activates a bomb, Rice locks him inside the cell, ensuring that he pays for his crimes. The movie ends with Rice finding closure for his own loss, attending his daughter's music performance.

"Law Abiding Citizen" challenges viewers to consider the limits of justice and the consequences of seeking vengeance outside the law. It is a gripping thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

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Law Abiding Citizen Cast

Actor

Character

Jamie Foxx

Nicholas "Nick" Rice

Gerard Butler

Clyde Shelton

Viola Davis

April Henry

Bruce McGill

Jonas Cantrell

Leslie Bibb

Sarah Lowell

Colm Meaney

Detective Dunnigan

Regina Hall

Kelly Rice

Michael Kelly

Bray

Michael Irby

Detective Garza

Roger Bart

Brian Bringham

Christian Stolte

Clarence Darby

Gregory Itzin

Warden Iger

Emerald-Angel Young

Denise Rice

Annie Corley

Judge Laura Burch

Richard Portnow

Bill Reynolds

Josh Stewart

Rupert Ames

Law Abiding Citizen Plot

In "Law Abiding Citizen," Clyde Shelton witnesses the brutal rape and murder of his wife and daughter during a home invasion. Prosecutor Nick Rice makes a deal with one of the killers, Clarence Darby, to secure a conviction, leading to a light sentence for Darby. Feeling betrayed by the justice system, Clyde plans a meticulous revenge. Years later, during another convict's execution, Clyde manipulates the lethal injection to cause excruciating pain, implicating Darby. Clyde then lures Darby into a trap, paralyzing him and torturing him to death. Clyde surrenders and is imprisoned.

In prison, Clyde bargains for privileges in exchange for information, manipulating events from behind bars. He coerces Nick into securing his special requests, using them to exact further revenge on those involved in his family's case. Clyde's past as a skilled assassin for the CIA is revealed, adding to the complexity of his character. As Clyde's actions escalate, Nick and others realize the extent of his meticulous planning and manipulation.

Clyde's ultimate goal becomes clear: to expose the flaws in the justice system by demonstrating how easily it can be manipulated. Despite efforts to stop him, Clyde continues his vendetta, leading to a series of deadly events, including bombings and assassinations. The film's climax sees Clyde attempting to bomb a government building, only to be thwarted by Nick, who locks him in his cell with the bomb. Clyde's final act of defiance is to trigger the bomb, ending his own life.

In the aftermath, Nick reflects on the events and the toll they have taken. Despite stopping Clyde, Nick is left with a sense of unease, knowing that the system failed both Clyde and his family. The film ends with Nick attending his daughter's performance, highlighting the personal sacrifices he has made in pursuit

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Is Law Abiding Citizen Based on a True Story?

"Law Abiding Citizen" is not based on a true story. The film is a work of fiction, written by Kurt Wimmer and directed by F. Gary Gray. It tells the story of Clyde Shelton, a man who seeks revenge against the justice system after his family is murdered and he feels betrayed by the legal system's failure to deliver justice. 

The events and characters in the film are purely fictional and not based on any real-life events or individuals. While the film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the flaws in the legal system, it is not grounded in reality and should be viewed as a work of entertainment.

Where can I watch Law Abiding Citizen?

"Law Abiding Citizen" is available to watch on various streaming platforms and rental services. You can stream or rent the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube Movies, Vudu, and iTunes. 

Additionally, you may find it available on cable or satellite TV providers, or you can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray.

However, availability may vary depending on your location and the specific streaming service. It's always a good idea to check your preferred platform for the most up-to-date information on where to watch "Law Abiding Citizen."

Law Abiding Citizen Trailer



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Law Abiding Citizen Ending Explained-FAQ

1. What motivates Clyde to seek revenge in "Law Abiding Citizen"?

Clyde seeks revenge after his wife and daughter are brutally murdered, and he feels betrayed by the justice system's failure to deliver adequate punishment to the killer.

2. How does Clyde execute his revenge plan in "Law Abiding Citizen"?

Clyde plans and executes elaborate murders from within prison, using a tunnel he built himself to sneak out and commit his crimes.

3. How does the audience's sympathy shift throughout "Law Abiding Citizen"?

Initially, viewers may empathize with Clyde due to his tragic loss. However, as Clyde's actions become more extreme and monstrous, sympathy shifts towards Jamie Foxx's character, Rice, who is trying to stop him.

4. What role does the justice system play in "Law Abiding Citizen"?

The movie raises questions about the justice system's effectiveness and plays with the audience's perceptions of justice, as Clyde takes matters into his own hands due to his dissatisfaction with the system.

5. How does "Law Abiding Citizen" end?

The movie ends with Rice confronting Clyde in his cell, offering him a chance to surrender. When Clyde refuses and activates a bomb, Rice locks him inside the cell, ensuring that he pays for his crimes.

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