One of the few films where Ethan Hawke gives a stellar performance

Rating: 8/10 (9 October 2001)

I had my hopes up when I went to see Training Day opening weekend. Thank god it didn't let me down. In fact, I was more impressed than I expected. Denzel Washington gives an amazing performance as a rogue cop who tries to recruit another. For a second, think back to Washington's Oscar-winning performance in Glory, and compare it to this film. Washington plays a great bad good guy. In Glory, he plays a racist black soldier for the Union, who eventually comes around and loses his prejudice. In Training Day, he plays nearly the same role, a disillusioned cop who makes the system and his role as an undercover narcotics cop work in his favor. However, in Training Day, he does not come to his senses. The contrast and conflict between Hawke and Washington is stellar, and the action and suspense is unbelievable. This is a must see for anyone who likes cop/military action movies. Don't miss it.