32 quotes
A Moment of Gratitude in Adversity
John Rooney
I'm glad it's you.
[to Michael, right before dying]
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Reflections on Fatherhood and Choices
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
I saw then that my father's only fear was that his son would follow the same road. And that was the last time I ever held a gun. People always thought I grew up on a farm. And I guess, in a way, I did. But I lived a lifetime before that, in those six weeks on the road in the winter of 1931. When people ask me if Michael Sullivan was a good man, or if there was just no good in him at all, I always give the same answer. I just tell them... he was my father.
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A Lesson in Caution and Awareness
Michael Sullivan
Look out for the tractor, Mike. Michael... look out for the tractor. You're coming up now. Watch out for the tractor. Watch out for the tractor! Watch out for the tractor!
[teaching his son to drive]
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
We made it!
Michael Sullivan
Oh, yeah, yeah. We made it.
[sarcastically]
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A Unique Perspective on Identity
Harlen Maguire
I'm something of a rarity.
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A Father's Love and Perception of Favoritism
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
Did you like Peter more than me?
Michael Sullivan
No. I loved you both the same.
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
You were always... different with me.
Michael Sullivan
Was I?
Michael Sullivan
Well, I suppose it was because Peter was just... such a sweet little boy, you know? And you... you were more like me. And I... didn't want you to be.
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A Cautionary Exchange Between Two Characters
Michael Sullivan
You gonna frisk me?
Frank the Bouncer
Should I?
Michael Sullivan
It's a good idea.
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A Proposal for Unseen Actions
Michael Sullivan
I'd like to work for you.
Frank Nitti
Well... that's very interesting.
[Chuckles]
Michael Sullivan
And in return, I'd like you to turn a blind eye to... what I have to do.
Frank Nitti
And what is that?
Michael Sullivan
Kill the man who murdered my family.
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Expressions of Regret and Apology
Michael Sullivan
(last words) I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry... I'm sorry.
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Perspective on Death and Responsibility
Harlen Maguire
I shoot the dead. Dead bodies, that is. I don't kill them.
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A Question of Intentions
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
What are you going to do?
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The Humor in Dark Situations
Peter Sullivan
Why are you always smiling?
Connor Rooney
Cause it's all so fuckin hysterical.
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A Message for Mr. Rooney
Jack Kelly
Think, Mike. Don't be stupid. I'm just the messenger.
Michael Sullivan
Then give Mr. Rooney a message for me.
[lowers his gun]
Jack Kelly
What is it?
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Negotiating a Financial Agreement
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
So when do I get my share of the money?
Michael Sullivan, Sr
Well... how much do you want?
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
Two hundred dollars.
Michael Sullivan, Sr
Okay. Deal.
[Michael Jr. stops eating and thinks for awhile]
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
Could I have had more?
Michael Sullivan, Sr
You'll never know.
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The Value of Loyalty Beyond Work
John Rooney
What men do after work is what made us rich. No need to screw them at work as well.
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A Conversation Between Michael and John
Michael Sullivan
Hello John.
John Rooney
You're a smart man, Michael.
Michael Sullivan
I wanna talk.
John Rooney
Here?
Michael Sullivan
Downstairs.
John Rooney
I didn't think I'd see you again.
Michael Sullivan
Read this. Connor's been stealing from you for years. He keeps accounts open under the names of dead men. Men like the McGoverns. I stood there and helped him kill Finn to line his own pockets. I thought was I working for you, but I wasn't.
John Rooney
You think I'd give up my son?
Michael Sullivan
He was betraying you.
John Rooney
I know. Now, listen to me. I tried to avoid more bloodshed. You wouldn't accept that, so I did what was necessary. But I've always loved you like a son. And now I'm telling you, leave before it's to late.
Michael Sullivan
Think. Think. They're protecting him now, but when you're gone, they won't need him. This ends with Connor dead regardless.
John Rooney
That may be. But you are asking me to give you the key to his room so you can walk in, put a gun to his head, and pull the trigger. I can't do that.
Michael Sullivan
He murdered Annie and Peter!
John Rooney
There are only murderers in this room! Michael! Open your eyes! This is the life we chose, the life we lead. And there is only one guarantee: none of us will see heaven.
Michael Sullivan
Michael could.
John Rooney
Then do everything that you can to see that that happens. Leave. I'm begging you. It's the only way.
Michael Sullivan
And if I go?
John Rooney
Then I will mourn the son I lost.
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Unexpected Encounters in a Remote Location
Betty the Waitress
So what brings you guys to the middle of nowhere?
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
We're bank robbers.
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The Dream of Passionate Work
Michael Sullivan
Is that, uh... your profession or... your pleasure?
Harlen Maguire
Both, I guess. To be paid to do what you love... ain't that the dream?
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A Toast to Honor and Redemption
John Rooney
Let's drink to Danny's honor. Let's wake him to God and hope he gets to Heaven... at least an hour before the devil finds out he's dead.
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Loyalty and Gratitude in Relationships
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
Does Mama know?
[after seeing his father kill Finn’s bodyguards]
Michael Sullivan
Your mother knows I love Mr. Rooney. When we had nothing, he gave us a home... a life... and we owe him.
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Trust in Unexpected Places
Mr. McDougal
You really trust me not to say anything?
Michael Sullivan
Always trust a bank manager.
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Unexpected Withdrawal from the Safe
Mr. McDougal
Well this is a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting another deposit until the end of the month.
Michael Sullivan
Actually, I'm making a withdrawal.
Michael Sullivan
And I want dirty money only, everything you're holding for Capone that's off the books. Open the safe.
Mr. McDougal
You're insane. You know they'll find out who you are.
Michael Sullivan
The name's Sullivan. You want me to spell it?
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The Importance of Value in Business Negotiations
Alexander Rance
What do you think you're going to accomplish by interfering with our business, Mr. Sullivan?
Michael Sullivan
This has nothing to do with your business.
Alexander Rance
It's all business. That's what you fail to grasp. And in business, you must have something to trade. And you, Mr. Sullivan, have nothing to trade. Especially not for anyone as valuable as Connor Rooney.
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A Tense Exchange Over Food Quality
Alexander Rance
It's open. Top marks for speed, no marks for cookery.
Alexander Rance
What, may I ask, do you call this?
Michael Sullivan
Put it down.
Alexander Rance
Mr. Sullivan!
Michael Sullivan
Mr. Rance.
Alexander Rance
How did you find me?
Michael Sullivan
This is the best hotel in the area and you are so very... particular.
Alexander Rance
Yes, indeed, Mr. Sullivan.
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The Importance of Honor and Integrity
John Rooney
A man of honor always pays his debts... and keeps his word.
[After losing a dice game to Michael Jr., he hands over a silver coin]
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Consequences of Our Chosen Path
John Rooney
This is the life we chose, the life we lead. And there is only one guarantee: none of us will see Heaven.
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Reflections on Michael Sullivan's Complex Legacy
Michael Sullivan, Jr.
There are many stories about Michael Sullivan. Some say he was a decent man. Others say there was no good in him at all. But I once spent 6 weeks on the road with him, in the winter of 1931. This is our story.
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A Heated Exchange on Independence and Capability
Connor Rooney
I can look after myself.
Frank Nitti
No, you can't! This is the point. You're a big baby who doesn't know his thumb from his dick!
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A Demanding Request in a Lavish Setting
Alexander Rance
This is Mr. Rance in the bridal suite and before you proffer your phony congratulations there is no Mrs. Rance residing with me and I'm all the better for it. Now, listen carefully because I am in no mood. I'm going to say this only once. I would like a boiled egg and I want it runny.
Alexander Rance
Finally, Top marks for speed. No marks for cookery.
Finn McGovern
You rule this town as God rules the Earth.
[to John Rooney]
Speakeasy employee
All the money for frills and twists and none at all for food or neccessities. Sometimes I think I am dealing with a different species.
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A Failed Attempt at Apology
John Rooney
You would like to apologize? Try again.
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The Burden of Sons on Fathers
John Rooney
Natural law. Sons are put on this earth to trouble their fathers.
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The Thrill of Danger and Mortality
Harlen Maguire
You ever seen one?
[after Maguire tells Sullivan about his profession]
Michael Sullivan
Yeah.
Harlen Maguire
Sorry for you. Terrible thing... but it sure makes you feel alive, don't it?
Michael Sullivan
I'll drink to that.
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A Father's Bitter Regret
John Rooney
I curse... the fucking... day... you were born. I curse it!
[beating Connor]
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