Great Performances

Rating: 8/10 (26 March 2002)

Training Day is a gritty character-based crime drama. It focuses on a rookie cop, Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) hoping to make a strong impression on the leader of a group of LAPD undercover narcotics officers, Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). As Hoyt's training day unfolds he is faced with moral dilemmas with what he was taught in his past training and what Alonzo says and does. Alonzo's policing methods toe the line between "good detective work" and "illegal."
The interaction between these two characters is really the heart of the movie, and Washington and Hawke play their roles brilliantly. Washington definitely deserves his Oscar for this performance, as he constructs Alonzo as a very over-the-top cocky veteran who believes that his way is the only way of doing things. Hawke's character is a perfect foil to this, as he's subdued and uneasy as he faces tough choices but also hopes to make a strong impression on Alonzo to advance his career.
The plot develops very nicely, and I recommend watching the movie twice because the second time around, there are small details that you notice which all tie in to the "chess game" that develops in the film. Also watch the DVD for insightful directors commentary from Antoine Fuqua. It provides interesting background on the acting of Hawke and Washington and the realism of the undercover cop and gangbanger characters. Strong acting by musicians Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Macy Gray in their limited roles. Each created memorable characters.
To sum it up, great acting, great directing, and a great movie. It's a shame I missed it on the big screen.