Watch State of Grace

State of Grace is a riveting crime thriller directed by Phil Joanou, which was released in 1990. It is a story of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption in the dangerous criminal underworld of Hell's Kitchen, New York City. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, Ed Harris, Robin Wright, and John Turturro, who deliver towering performances that elevate the film to a higher level.

The plot revolves around Terry Noonan (Sean Penn), an undercover cop who returns to his old neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen after a ten-year absence. His mission is to infiltrate the Irish-American criminal gang led by his childhood friend, Frankie Flannery (Ed Harris), whom he has not seen in a decade. Terry's cover is to gain the trust of the gang members, especially Frankie's younger brother, Jackie (Gary Oldman), who is hotheaded and unpredictable. Terry's closeness to Jackie and his newfound love for his sister, Kathleen (Robin Wright), complicates his mission and puts him in a dilemma, torn between his love for them and his duty as a police officer.

As Terry spends more time with the Flannerys, he learns about their criminal activities, including extortion, racketeering, and murder. Frankie is a man who rules through fear, violence, and intimidation. He has a particular vendetta against an Italian-American gang led by Borelli (Mario Donatone), who control the West Side docks, which the Irish gang wants to take over.

The tensions between the Irish and Italian gangs escalate, leading to a violent confrontation that sets the stage for a bloody climax where allegiances will be tested, and loyalties will be questioned. All the characters in the film have their motivations, secrets, and pasts that they carry with them, and as the violence spirals out of control, their fates become intertwined in unexpected ways.

The film's strength lies in its excellent screenplay, which was written by Dennis McIntyre, who tragically died a year before the film's release. The dialogue is crisp, sharp, and realistic, and it captures the gritty reality of life in Hell's Kitchen. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, and the film takes its time to establish their relationships, motivations, and conflicts. It is a film that rewards patience and attention, as the slow-burning tension builds to an explosive finale.

The performances by the cast are outstanding, with each actor bringing their unique interpretation to their roles. Sean Penn embodies Terry Noonan as a man haunted by his past, struggling to find his place in a world that he no longer recognizes. His inner conflict is palpable, and he conveys it through his restrained performance. Gary Oldman is a revelation as Jackie Flannery, the unhinged brother of Frankie, whose loyalty to his family and his gang is absolute. Oldman brings a dangerous intensity to his role, which is both terrifying and magnetic. Ed Harris gives a towering performance as Frankie Flannery, a man whose power comes from his ruthlessness and his ability to inspire fear. Harris dominates every scene he is in, and his presence commands attention. Robin Wright shines as Kathleen, the woman caught between two worlds, who sees the good in Terry but also fears for his safety.

The film's direction by Phil Joanou is assured and gritty, capturing the dark atmosphere of Hell's Kitchen through his use of handheld cameras, low-key lighting, and naturalistic sound design. The film's violence is graphic and brutal, but never gratuitous, as it serves the story and the characters' arcs. The film's score by Ennio Morricone is haunting and evocative, capturing the somber mood of the film through its melancholic melodies.

In conclusion, State of Grace is a masterpiece of crime cinema that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation. It is a film that explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption with intelligence, depth, and compassion. The film's outstanding cast, excellent screenplay, and gritty direction make it a must-see for anyone interested in the genre. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled, and it is a testament to the power of cinema to entertain, enlighten, and move us.