A top-notch murder mystery that overwhelms you with the numerous key details.

Rating: 10/10 (6 November 2002)

Sharp and stunning crime-noir gem based on the novel by James Ellroy that shows three L.A. policemen (Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce) each of whom get entangled in a tricky yet treacherous web of nasty homicides, sizzling personal affairs, and corruption in the department.
Director Curtis Hanson ("Wonder Boys") and his writers have unveiled an impressive but puzzling whodunit-type of thriller. The first time that I watched this movie, I was hooked on right from the get go, and "L.A. Confidential" packs more tension and suspense than Roman Polanksi's "Chinatown". Even the dialogue has little doses of humor that would leave you giggling with delight.
The three leads here (Spacey, Pearce, and Crowe) remarkably hold their ground here as does the supporting cast (Danny DeVito, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, David Straithairn, etc.). Basinger won an supporting Oscar here as a woman who draws the attention of the Crowe and Pearce characters.
A top-notch murder mystery that overwhelms you with the numerous key details.