Watch Gang in Blue
- R
- 1996
- 1 hr 39 min
-
5.6 (502)
In the movie Gang in Blue, released in 1996, the audience is taken on a ride through the gritty streets of Los Angeles as two cops, Michael Rhoades (Mario Van Peebles) and his partner, Steadman (Josh Brolin), work to uncover corruption within their team while also trying to take down a violent gang. Along the way, the pair faces challenges that put their safety and their loyalty to the test.
The movie starts with a young black man, Paul (Peter Greene), being killed in what appears to be a gang-related shooting. As the investigation unfolds, Rhoades and Steadman come to suspect that their fellow officers were involved in the crime. However, their attempts to uncover the truth are met with resistance from those within the department who are determined to maintain their power, even if it means covering up their crimes.
As the two officers delve deeper into the case and try to connect the dots, they uncover a web of corruption that goes all the way to the top, revealing that the lines between law enforcement and criminal activity are often blurred. Meanwhile, the gang they are trying to take down, led by the ruthless Jenkins (Stephen Lang), is becoming more and more dangerous, threatening to completely overrun the city's streets.
Despite the mounting threats, Rhoades and Steadman refuse to back down from their investigation, even as they become the targets of harassment and violence from their own colleagues. They know that if they don't act quickly, more innocent lives will be lost, and the city will continue to spiral into chaos.
One of the standout features of Gang in Blue is its impressive cast. Mario Van Peebles, who also directed the film, delivers a solid performance as the determined and principled Rhoades, while Josh Brolin shines as his somewhat naive but well-meaning partner Steadman. Cynda Williams is also memorable as Rhoades' troubled wife, who finds herself caught up in the crossfire of his dangerous work.
But perhaps the most impressive performance comes from Stephen Lang as the ruthless gang leader Jenkins. Lang delivers a chilling performance, portraying Jenkins as a man who will stop at nothing to maintain his hold over the city's criminal underworld, and who sees anyone who crosses him as fair game.
Another strong aspect of the film is its visual style. Gang in Blue is shot in a way that perfectly captures the gritty and dangerous feel of its setting, and offers a glimpse into the violence and corruption that often go hand in hand in the city's underbelly. The film's score, composed by Stanley Clarke, also helps to create a tense and foreboding atmosphere throughout.
Overall, Gang in Blue is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles some weighty themes, from police corruption to the way that gang violence is often portrayed in the media. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of its subject matter, but it does offer hope in the sense that there are still good people willing to fight for what's right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. If you're a fan of gritty crime thrillers with a message, Gang in Blue is definitely worth checking out.
Gang in Blue is a 1996 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.