Lawless (2012) is a gritty Prohibition-era crime drama inspired by the true story of the Bondurant brothers — bootleggers who stood their ground against corrupt authorities and rival criminals. Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, and Guy Pearce, the film explores violence, loyalty, and survival in the lawless hills of Virginia.
Think you remember every ambush, betrayal, and backwoods deal? Take this 10-question trivia challenge and prove you’re the real boss of Franklin County!
Lawless (2012) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays the role of Forrest Bondurant in Lawless (2012)?
Correct Answer: Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy delivers a brooding and quietly intense performance as Forrest Bondurant, the eldest of the Bondurant brothers. Known for his stoic demeanor, low rasping voice, and brutal efficiency, Forrest serves as the backbone of the family — a symbol of silent strength and unshakable will.
- What is the Bondurant family known for?
Correct Answer: Moonshine production
During Prohibition, the Bondurant brothers became infamous for their large-scale bootlegging operation in Franklin County, Virginia. Lawless dramatizes their struggle to protect their territory and legacy while facing threats from law enforcement and rival gangsters alike.
- Which U.S. state is the film primarily set in?
Correct Answer: Virginia
Set in the backwoods of Franklin County, Virginia, the film captures the rural, lawless atmosphere of the 1930s American South. The setting plays a major role in shaping the story’s tone — harsh, muddy, and often brutal.
- Who plays the corrupt and sadistic Special Deputy Charlie Rakes?
Correct Answer: Guy Pearce
Guy Pearce transforms into the terrifying Charlie Rakes, a city-slicker lawman with a sadistic streak and little respect for rural folk. His performance, marked by slicked hair, pale complexion, and psychological menace, makes Rakes one of the most memorable and unsettling antagonists in recent crime cinema.
- What is the name of the youngest Bondurant brother?
Correct Answer: Jack
Played by Shia LaBeouf, Jack Bondurant is the youngest and most ambitious of the brothers. Initially inexperienced and timid, he seeks to elevate the family business with flash and flair — often clashing with the more traditional methods of Forrest and Howard.
- What business do the Bondurant brothers operate as a front for their illegal activities?
Correct Answer: Gas station and diner
The brothers use a modest gas station and diner as a front for their bootlegging. It becomes a symbol of their double life — blending into everyday society while running one of the most successful moonshine operations in the region.
- Who is Maggie Beauford in the film?
Correct Answer: Forrest’s love interest and waitress
Jessica Chastain plays Maggie, a former dancer from Chicago who comes to work at the Bondurants’ diner. She forms a complex and intimate bond with Forrest, representing both vulnerability and strength. Her presence adds emotional depth and highlights Forrest’s humanity beneath his hardened exterior.
- What violent act is Forrest known for surviving?
Correct Answer: Having his throat slit
In a brutal and pivotal scene, Forrest is ambushed and has his throat slit — yet miraculously survives. The moment cements his near-mythical reputation for being “invincible,” feeding the legend that keeps enemies at bay and inspires loyalty.
- Which character tries to elevate the family’s operation through flashier deals and style?
Correct Answer: Jack Bondurant
Jack dreams of wealth, power, and recognition. He starts dressing in flashy suits, driving fancy cars, and dealing with high-level gangsters like Floyd Banner. His rise introduces both opportunity and danger, straining the brothers’ relationships and exposing cracks in their operation.
- What is a central theme in Lawless (2012)?
Correct Answer: Family loyalty and defiance against corruption
At its core, Lawless is about blood ties and the refusal to bow to outside authority. The Bondurants’ loyalty to one another — despite internal disagreements — is what helps them survive. The film also critiques the hypocrisy of law enforcement during Prohibition, highlighting how those meant to uphold justice can become the most violent and corrupt.
