State of Grace is a common story, that's been told one hundred times; but if it's told right, like it is in this film, it can be riveting. The film might not be unique in it's themes, but with the three actors Sean Penn, Ed Harris, and Gary Oldman, things are bound to be exhilarating.
State Of Grace is the the graphic story of Irish mobsters and undercover cops in Hells Kitchen. Directed by Phil Joanou, the film stars Sean Penn as Terry Noonan. Terry is a street kid who grew up on the rough side of town. He's been gone for several years, and all of a sudden he's back in town. He meets up with his best friend, Jackie Flannery (Gary Oldman). Jackie and Terry catch up by getting drunk on top of a roof and shooting bottles, ahh good times. It's obvious that Jackie is an alcoholic, and perhaps crazy. Why is he crazy? Well would a normal man take out chopped up hands from a freezer and play with them?
Jackie's older brother is Frankie Flannery (Ed Harris). He's now the new boss of the Irish gang. Jackie arranges it so Terry can meet up with Frankie; so he can start working from the big man as soon as possible.
What no one knows, is that Terry is really an undercover cop. He's out to bust everyone, including his best bud Jackie. Of course Terry has a dilemma, he may be a cop, but he also has loyalty to his friends. He's also gotten himself too deep inside, and it's hard to be a cop when you spend 24/7 with the people who are trying to bust.
There's really nothing new as far as the plot goes, but damn this film is entertaining. Sean Penn is of course brilliant, has the man ever not delivered a great performance? Penn's character is a torn man, doesn't know what side he should be on, is he a hero or a rat? This of course drives him into drinking heavily. One of his best scenes involves him, and then his future wife to be Robin Wright. He confesses to her that he's a cop, then in a fit of rage he begins to pour whiskey all over her.
Harris is diabolically evil as Frankie. A man who is so obsessed with power and getting the respect that he thinks he deserves; that he is willing to do anything to get it. Harris -- who is good at playing a scumbag or a good guy, helps add to the gritty realism of the film.
The real standout, is my favorite actor in films today, Gary Oldman. Oldman, who has never played the same character twice, but plays many different variations of psychopaths; gives the performance with the most heart in the film. His Jackie has some outrageous outbursts; his character is also the most well written in the film. Oldman really shines in the role.
The film is graphically violent, so be warned. There's a great final climax to the film, that's the kind of pure action that you would expect to see in a film by say, Robert Rodriguez. With great performances all round, a decent story line, and some wonderful action, State Of Grace is not to be missed.
Recommended:
Yes
Viewing Format: VHS Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age
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