Intense, realistic, entertaining action film

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2002)

After seeing this film on DVD, I was truly satisfied with the film; yes, the whole film. There are no plot holes as far as I'm concerned, although I agree that one should see the film again to catch the crucial conversations that reveal some background plot elements -- but it is isn't too hard to catch on to the storyline. Denzel Washington's performance is incredible; viewers will forget his past "good guy" performances as they are absorbed into the dark depth of this crooked, but experienced, narcotics officer. You will not look at the "crooked cop" idea in the same generic way after seeing this film. He deserved the "Best Actor" Oscar, but it's a bit disappointing (but not TOO much) that it was for a bad guy role, after all of his remarkable previous movie performances. Ethan Hawke's performance as the trainee was very believable as well, for his "training" was a true crucible in deciding whether ridding the streets of criminals took becoming a criminal. Though it's a rough movie in terms of language and thematics, the violence was not as pervasive. The disturbing imagery gives the film a serious but effective tone in encapsulating street life and the moral clashes between Harris (Washington) and Hoyt (Hawke), and their dealings with real criminals. Impressive and disturbingly powerful flick.