A film finding its morals and giving a message (spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (2 October 2002)

This film was most certainly an exercise in placing contemporary urban morality. The tacit assumption about this film was that it was supposed to be some action filled, cops & robbers, kitschy cool look at undercover cops.
The real thing was an entirely different film. We are introduced to Alonzo and immediately we see the dangerous, brutal charm and power he wields. In many ways he appears to be what many men would strive to become; stoic, fearless, capable, clever, sexual, the list goes on. At the same time that we see this kind of cruel side to Alonzo as well. While we see Jack as a good man but very unexperienced and incapable. This is one of the most pivotal ways it breaks from being another trite cops & robbers film. By the end of the film we see the cracks in Alonzo's philosophy and the narcissictic nature that made him attempt to be this uber-man.
As the viewer we are placed in the moral conflicts that Jack is. He has to choose what is the appropriate answer to a bevy of morally broken scenarios. For the choices he makes are not simply right and wrong because Alonzo presents them in a much different light. While he is manipulating Jack's character to a certain extent he is also telling him the truth of the system. The problem with the choices that Jack has to make is that they are so easy to simply conform with what is wanted. I truly feel this is one of the core messages of the film. How difficult would it be for undercover agents to prey off of money from drug dealers and gangbangers? The answer in the film is not too hard. If money is seized who is to say that it is the correct amount. If you have some dirt on somebody how is it for you to put them in your pocket instead of in jail? This film is critical of police corruption but it also does not idealize the criminal aspect either.
Another point that was brought up was simple impression and respect. The gangs that were dealt with in the film were not insane, gun-toting, violence driven people rather they were pragmatic, scrupulous, gun-toting people. They are not reduced to something less then human rather they are people doing very incorrect things. The violent elements in their world are gotten rid of instead of being the mainstay of their organization. When they deal with Jack it quickly becomes an issue of would they rather deal with Jack who is respectful of those around him or Alonzo who will sacrifice anyone for his personal gain. Overrall I think this film is quite excellent but has a tendency to be judged on the outset rather then having a good hard look at what it is really trying to say.