Avis sur le produitFort Apache, the Bronx (DVD, 2000)

The Rotten Part of the Big Apple

The story is a well paced, gritty cop drama that side steps the usual Hollywood treatment of the good cop in the bad city, in this case the South Bronx (the film drew heat for it's realistic locations and hellhole depiction of the area). This is straight forwarded NY story telling. Paul Newman (Hud, Cool Hand Luke) is Patrolman Murphy, a veteran cop almost ready for retirement. His partner is Corelli (Ken Wahl) a younger man who tries to dress for success. Together they patrol their 40 block area with a population of 70,000. The beat looks like one of the German cities that was bombed flat in WWII. Ed Asner is the new precinct captain, wanting to get everything shipshape.

In response to a pair of cop killings by a deranged hooker, Asner orders the cops to roust the ghetto, resulting in a riot. Because of some rock throwing and heckling, a couple of cops throw an innocent boy off the roof of a building. Newman witnesses this and wrestles with his conscience about it. I think if the filmmakers would have stuck with just those plot points they would have had an excellent movie, however, they added many additional situations to give Newman more things to do. These included stopping a jumper, delivering a baby, saving hostages, and there are lengthy courting scenes for both Newman and Wahl. These stock plot devices derail what could have been a compelling story.

Paul Newman does a genuine job, as usual, playing Murphy with an admirable restraint. He puts the dramatic emphasis where it's needed and stays low-key otherwise. Ken Wahl also does a good job as Officer Corelli, a flamboyant guy, giving the older cop unsolicited advice, often. The byplay between the two cops is very good and believable. Supporting players include Ed Asner (Precinct Commander), Rachel Ticotin (Murphy's girlfriend), Pam Grier (Angel Dust Hooker), and Danny Aiello (cop). All of these players do a good job, but Pam Grier is basically wasted in a few brief scenes portraying a prostitute who kills people while under the influence of drugs. Of course, these inexplicable things do happen in real life so in that respect it makes sense. However, the film, rather than trying to play it straight with all the ambiguities of real life, puts in all these stock situations for Newman to react to thereby watering down the impact of the main story. I blame the writers and the director for not streamlining the screenplay, which has too many clichés.

Directed by Daniel Petrie, who mainly did TV, Fort Apache, the Bronx has serviceable visuals, particularly effective when showing the devastated landscape of the South Bronx. The cinematography is workmanlike but nothing special. If you don't mind an average film with a sad ending, Fort Apache, the Bronx might be for you.Lire l'avis complet...

Ft. Apache, The Bronx DVD

Great classic Paul Newman film! Growing up in the Bronx takes me back to the good old days. New is funny, serious in this film. You don't see any movies of this caliber anymore. I can relate to this film as I am one of NY'S Finest which makes this movie more interesting. This movie is very close to the real things that go on which civilians are not aware of. So this movie is the closest thing as being ON THE JOB. Hope this helps and I am sure you will enjoy. In the old days the 44th Pct. was considered Ft. Apache.Lire l'avis complet...

good movie

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : decluttr_store

Gritty, with a great cast

This is an overlooked Paul Newman movie in which he gives one of his best dramatic performances.

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Very Good!

Brings back good old memories.

A good way to experience NYC without ever going there...

For a baby boomer like me, this is one of Paul Newman's best works, and Rachel Ticotin is in good form as well!

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : decluttr_store

Excellent

A thrilling and realistic movie. I highly recommend young officers to watch and learn from it.

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : big-mudge

Great buy

Being an ex-police officer I have always liked this movie. This was a great buy and am glad to own same. Thanks

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fort apache the bronx

great old movie

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : neuf | Vendu par : lactrodectus

awesome

great item

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : rkoolfinds