I saw this movie without any plan. Me and my japanese friend just took off after work and the next we landed before the small theatre complex in our small city. We decided on the spot and went to see this movie. Main charm was Denzel Washington. We were delivered what we expected. He was awesome. I went back, told to my other friends. They went to see the movie on my recommendation and one of them was so angry with me.
Guys, the response was mixed. Some of them liked and some of them hated it to the guts. This movie is of different kind, not a thriller, not an action flick, not a comedy or heart warming romance. Quite a much hardcore life ahead of you. Its not a plight from the real life but even a deeper plunge which most of don’t get a chance of.
What exactly is it? Its a one man show, Denzel Washington’s show. I liked this guy always. he is on the top of my list. The character he plays is a dark character. This character is a cop, he is corrupt and crossed all lines in holding up. He does every damn thing to keep himself in the business. He has screwed up, and he is desperate. He has a day with a new recruit(Ethan Hawke). This guy is honest and has all the dreams, a new recruit can have. He want to work honestly and don’t have a clue about the world he is going into. He gets the real training. In just one day his life is turned upside down.
Movie is a little crude and you have to pay attention to understand whats happening.Somebody has responded back to one of the reviews on this movie as it being a filth. I am strongly against it. This movie is not a usual one. I should congratulate the director for making a good sensible movie of this script. It should have been really difficult to hold up together for a script like this. There are some places where you feel confused, but soon you get back into the movie.
What I liked....
Awsome Denzel Washington... he already got an oscar for it. I liked Russel Crow, but when I think it over, Denzel did excellent job in this movie. This character has so many shades, it changes every minute, he manipulates everybody and the way he did it, is excellent. You can just see the movie only for him.
Ethan hawk also did a good job, he was nominated for best supporting actor. He is the character who once seems to go in flow with the bad cop but soon finds the meaning of all. He admires this bad cop initially, treats him with respect, he is confused, but slowly he is enlightened but its too late.
All other characters are for small roles and not of much significance. They just are needed there for that small role.
If you wanna see the whole gamut of a really talented actor, do not miss this movie. But if you are into entertaining action flicks, or romantic stuff or looking for some heartwarming touch in the movie, dont see this movie. But believe me this movie is worth. We were watching Oscar’s, and when the oscar was announced for Denzel, I picked up on my friends, they agreed that this movie is good but a little too complex. So chances are you will either like it too much like me or will not like it at all. Make your choice.