Rating: 7.5/10
Review date: April 29, 2002
Well, what I can say about this movie is that Denzel Washington is in here and he won the Oscar for this. Let’s start with the storyline.
Ethan Hawke stars as Jake Hoyt, a rookie cop who is supposed to get his narcotics training on that day (hence the title) from an older, more veteran cop named Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Regardless of its rather simple storyline, the movie actually forces the audience to ponder the actions performed by the two main characters into a deeper extent (which you have to watch yourself to understand).
Acting-wise, the two main actors deliver strong solid performances here with Washington showing his ability to act again and again (never expect to see him in such role). Generally, the characters in the movie shows good acting skills especially with the two lead characters although Washington managed to steal the show for himself.
The feel of the movie is also wonderfully done with the right dialogue and the right tone. There couldn’t have been more swearing in the movie but it doesn’t really matter since they fit the setting really well.
There aren’t anything much to say aside from what I had said. This movie’s main focus lies in its characters and the moral dilemmas that they have to face in just one day. The soundtrack is just so-so and there aren’t any special effects or ground-breaking camera shots so don’t go to watch it expecting all these. The movie is intended to be “dark” in a way so just pay attention to the conversations and think about what the characters have to say to get the full meaning.
I personally love this movie really much because it stimulates my brain to argue both cops’ extremely differing point of views. Alonzo’s arguments are right in some ways and Hoyt’s reluctance in complying with Alonzo’s actions is also understandable. Watch this movie with a friend or a loved one and I can guarantee that a nice discussion would ensue as soon as the ending begins to roll.
Memorable quote: “It’s not what you know… it’s what you can prove…”
-Denzel Washington as Alonzo-
(c) 2002 Martin Taidy