Enthralling story with remarkable performances

Rating: 9/10 (20 November 2014)

This film follows Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) on his 'Training Day' with Det. Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) Jake has 24 hours to show Alonzo he has what it takes to do whats necessary to get the job done. But Alonzo's methods are questionable and sometimes illegal.
This film was amazing. The acting was fantastic, to watch this straight arrow cop have to do things every bone in his body is telling him not to, was completely enthralling. At times Ethan's performance reminded me Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad just the way he carried and handled himself in certain situations was superb. High praise indeed from me. Denzel Washington gives an Oscar worthy performance. To see somebody switch from borderline criminal to genuinely caring mentor and leader, was simply incredible. The story has twists right to the very end and what makes this film so special and separates the good films from the great. Is that you understand what Ethan's going through, how he sees Denzel's character, how he's conflicted between knowing whats right and what he wants. This is due to the marvellous work of Director Antoine Fuqua, the acting of the two lead roles and the script! The script was sensational it really was, it was dark and gritty throughout keeping a harsh realistic aspect to it. The cinematography was great, some of the shots of the gang driven streets of LA were beautifully done. Overall I loved this film and thought it was done incredibly well with outstanding acting, script that was directed really well. A 9/10 from me.