Watch A Show of Force

A Show of Force is a 1990 crime thriller directed by Bruno Barreto and starring Amy Irving, Robert Duvall, and Andy Garcia. The movie is based on the true story of the murder investigation of two pro-independence activists in Puerto Rico. The story takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the pro-independence movement is at its peak, and the political tension is high. One night, two young pro-independence activists are shot dead by police officers in a public housing project. The news of the incident spreads quickly, and it becomes a national scandal. The authorities quickly try to cover up the incident, claiming that the activists were armed and dangerous, and that the police officers acted in self-defense.

However, the local community and activists refuse to accept this version of the events, and they protest and demonstrate in the streets. The local newspaper journalist, Kate Melendez (Amy Irving) starts investigating the case, suspicious of the police's actions. She senses something is off about the official story and decides to dig deeper to uncover the truth.

As she begins her investigation, she meets with the Puerto Rico police chief, Angel Pena (Andy Garcia), who is tasked with investigating the case. Initially, he is dismissive of her requests for information, but as he begins to uncover inconsistencies in the police reports, he starts to take her seriously.

Together they discover a conspiracy involving the police, local politicians, and the FBI, all working together to cover up the truth about the shooting. They uncover information that leads them to believe that the activists were not armed and that their deaths were an execution-style murder. They also learn that a piece of critical evidence was intentionally hidden from the public and may have been destroyed.

As Kate and Angel get closer to the truth, they start to receive threats from unknown sources, and they must navigate dangerous territory to uncover the motivations behind the murders. As they uncover more about the conspiracy, they begin to realize that they may not be able to trust anyone, including those in power.

The movie takes us on a journey through the complex and dangerous world of politics and corruption in Puerto Rico. It highlights the tensions between those who want the US to be out of Puerto Rico and those who support the status quo. The story also showcases the lengths that those in power will go to protect their interests, including the suppression of free speech and the use of violence against those who speak out against them.

A Show of Force features a talented cast of actors, including Amy Irving, who delivers an excellent performance as the investigative journalist, Robert Duvall, who plays the FBI agent investigating the incident, and Andy Garcia, who portrays the Puerto Rico police chief.

The movie is well directed, with excellent cinematography and a compelling soundtrack that compliments the story perfectly. Its themes of political corruption, the suppression of free speech, and individual accountability are as timely today as they were when the movie was released.

In conclusion, A Show of Force is a gripping drama that tells an important story about the abuse of power and the struggle for justice. It is a must-watch for those interested in crime thrillers, political dramas, and true-crime stories. The movie portrays the struggles of fighting for justice against a system that is determined to maintain its power at all costs, making it a cautionary tale for those fighting for liberty and justice everywhere.

A Show of Force is a 1990 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.