What Doesn't Kill You (2008)

Inspired by his own tough childhood on the unforgiving streets of South Boston, director/co-screenwriter (along with Paul T. Murray and Donnie Wahlberg) Brian Goodman's tough-talking crime drama follows the journey of two childhood friends as they attempt to sever their powerful underworld ties. Ever since they were just young kids, Brian (Mark Ruffalo) and Paulie (Ethan Hawke) have always watched out for one another. From the petty crimes and misdemeanour's of childhood to more serious criminal endeavours as they take their tenuous first steps into adulthood, the two sworn friends do their best to survive in the dog-eat-dog neighbourhood while gradually falling under the sway of powerful crime boss Pat Kelly (Goodman). Fifteen years later, Brian finds his drug addiction threatening to drive away his wife (Amanda Peet) while simultaneously taking a toll on his longtime friendship with Paulie. It seems that neither of the two men can break free of the vicious cycle that threatens to co