An intense, character driven cop film...

Rating: Null/10 (13 October 2001)

The most salient component in Training Day' is the intensity that stars Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke bring to the screen. Director Antoine Fuqua presents his third and best film yet that weaves a simple yet effective tale of human tragedy and morality. Fuqua's first cinematic foray was the ill-received The Replacement Killers'. In the film he proved he was a student of the art in which he displayed his flair for John Woo style visuals in this Honk Kong-type action flick starring Chow Yun Fat. From then on he went on to make Bait' a so-called action comedy that failed on almost every level. In this; his most mature film as of yet, he tones down his visuals and uses Washington's acting capabilities to the fullest capacity to create a rich, character driven film that is taut and tense. Training Day' is exactly what the title describes it as. The film unravels within the span of one full day and brings us into the heart of police corruptibility. Ethan Hawke stars as Jake Hoyt, a former rookie uniform officer on his first day in the narcotics department. Heading this department is Washington who portrays Alonzo Harris; a deviant and ruthless corrupt cop who has crossed the line of morality. Within a span of one day, Hoyt is literally thrown into the fire' as he is exposed to the dark underbelly of the Los Angeles Police Department Narcotics Unit while being trained' by Harris. Without spoiling the simple yet efficient script, these two men deliver great performances that catapult this otherwise regular film into a good film. Within the span of one day, Hoyt is exposed to massive gunplay, violent attacks, crooked drug dealers (such as Snoop Dogg), a loud-mouthed drug haven (Macy Gray) and plenty of foul language as Hoyt must come to terms with the disparaging image that being a cop is not all it was supposed to be. In terms of performances, this film packs it in mainly due to Washington's villainous turn as a cop who has crossed the line and who is attempting to recruit others with him. A welcome note is Hawke's turn as a young cop who holds his own against Washington in some tight and well acted scenes that add a certain level of intensity that completely captivate the audience. In addition to all this, a refreshing angle in this film is that unlike other films, we see the relationship between our hero' and villain' (notice the quotation marks) build up, blossom, and deteriorate before our very eyes. This leaves the relationship unmasked and we as the viewers get to experience first hand the detrimental characteristics of this unconventional relationship. As for the direction of this film, I mentioned it earlier. It is a substantial step in terms of Fuqua's respectability factor. Finally he won't have to be ashamed of one of the movies he has done. It is imperative to note that this is not an action film, nor a thriller. It is a pure dramatic piece that pits both antagonist and protagonist against one another that is highlighted by well-written scenes and great acting. Screenwriter David Ayer creates a fairly decent script that allows the audience to view a first hand glimpse at the audacity and cunningness of Washington's character. Furthermore, those of us who have seen the film know that there is a subplot that pits Washington against a deadline that forces our villain to commit these protruding acts all within the span of one day. This allows the audience to also view what means he takes to achieve an end. Without saying too much, Hoyt is exposed to the easy way to making Detective and the normal, arduous task that is of the legal and rewarding manner. In terms of its' worthiness as a film, it surprises on many levels. Perhaps due to low expectations this was a surprise but make no mistake  this is a well-made film that tells a tale with a surprising amount of intensity, tension and with an interesting graphic resolution.

Giancarlo's rating: **1/2