The film grabs you from the beginning not so much for the story but for the air of realism that sets it apart New York here is not merely a backdrop it has become a character in the narrative a place where good and evil intermingle with hope from the director where one cannot even say where the line is drawn between right and wrong with much ease.
Antoine Fuqua has created an environment there filled with tension and conflicting emotions where the audience feels the danger lurking just beneath the surface throughout the movie even in calm situations The film follows 3 policemen with stories so diverse yet intertwined somehow across the merciless streets of Brooklyn Incapable of working a clear obfuscation of good or evil.
Ethan Hawke is the policeman drowning in crushing financial problems and forced to make agonizing choices to lay down the future of his family Richard almost retiring from the job Don Cheadle is an undercover agent one so deep in the criminal world that even he cannot tell whether he is with the cops now or the gangs.
One of Brooklyns Finests strongest points is that it is an actingfortheactors Each actor was able to impart real depth to his character and create a sense of sympathy even if at times that character was doing something wrong Ethan Hawke in particular with his tortured soul was very real every step he took made you feel anxious with him Don Cheadle also did a good job almost ambivalent between hesitation and fear about being a lawman or someone else entirely.
The music and lighting greatly contributed to the tense ambiance of the film The night scenes are particularly soaked in isolation and loss while closeups on the heroes faces captured the tension with few words Quick cuts and savvy edits insert tension into Brooklyns Finest and keep the audience on edge there is never a moment to relax for fear that something bad may happen the very next second.
Brooklyns Finest is not just a copandaction movie it is a movie about choices a movie about how every decision however small can change an entire life The greyish narrative is devoid of clear distinction between black and white where all are people trying to survive by whatever means they can.
I'm not sure I got the title of the movie you reviewed here, Brooklyn Finest? 🤔 It's funny looking at the image you shared, I hope they are not the finest 😂
I've seen a few movies about New York and I must say, every one of them have something different and similar to show us about the place. Nice review.