Watch City of Blood

In the grimy and dangerous city of Johannesburg in the late 1980s, crime runs rampant, and the only thing standing between the citizens and the criminals is a group of hardened police officers. City of Blood follows one such officer, Frank Taylor, played by Joe Stewardson, as he navigates the treacherous waters of corrupt politicians, drug dealers, and psychotic murderers in his quest for justice.

The film begins with the brutal murder of a young woman, and Taylor is tasked with investigating the crime. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of deceit and corruption that reaches all the way to the top of the city's political hierarchy. Along the way, he is helped by his trusty partner, Sgt. Peterson, played by Ian Yule, and a tough-as-nails detective named Captain Ngubane, played by Ken Gampu.

As the investigation progresses, the body count starts to rise, and Taylor finds himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless gang of drug dealers who will stop at nothing to protect their operation. Meanwhile, he also has to deal with a crooked police chief who is more concerned with covering his own tracks than finding the killer.

Despite the odds against him, Taylor is relentless in his pursuit of justice, and he will stop at nothing to bring the criminals to justice. Along the way, he is forced to confront his own demons, including a troubled past and a strained relationship with his ex-wife.

City of Blood is a gritty and intense thriller that takes a no-holds-barred approach to crime and violence. The film is unapologetically brutal, with scenes of graphic violence and strong language that are not for the faint of heart. However, beneath the surface, there is also a strong message about the importance of justice and the role of law enforcement in society.

The cast of City of Blood is excellent, with Joe Stewardson delivering a powerful performance as Frank Taylor. Stewardson brings a sense of gravitas and emotional depth to the role, making it easy for the audience to root for him as he battles against the odds. Ian Yule and Ken Gampu are equally impressive in their respective roles, providing solid support for Stewardson and adding their own unique flavor to the film.

One of the strengths of City of Blood is its depiction of Johannesburg in the late 1980s. The film captures the gritty, urban landscape of the city, with its smog-filled streets, towering buildings, and seedy underworld. It's clear that the filmmakers went to great lengths to make the city itself a character in the film, and the result is a powerful and immersive experience that draws the audience in from the very beginning.

In terms of pacing, City of Blood is a slow burn, with the tension building steadily throughout the film. While there are moments of intense action and violence, the film is more concerned with character development and world-building, and as such, it may not be for everyone. However, for those who appreciate a well-crafted crime thriller that takes its time to build suspense, City of Blood is a must-see.

Overall, City of Blood is a powerful and memorable film that stands the test of time. Though it was released over 30 years ago, its themes of justice, corruption, and the human condition are just as relevant today as they were then. For fans of crime thrillers and gritty, urban dramas, City of Blood is a classic that should not be missed.

City of Blood is a 1983 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.1.