Review of State of Grace (1990) by Danny R — 01 Feb 2012

One of the most enthralling gangster films of the early '90s, a memorable crime drama of betrayal, redemption and guilt, marvelously realized and skillfully directed by Phil Joanou. Sean Penn delivers a superlative multi-layered performance as Terry Noonan, a undercover cop brought down from Boston to infiltrate one of the top crime organizations in the City of New York, he returns to his old neighborhood in New York's Hell's Kitchen to locale his childhood best friend Jackie Flannery, brilliantly played by Gary Oldman in a powerhouse performance an enforcer for his ruthless older brother Frankie, played superbly by Ed Harris who is sheer cunning evil and the boss of the Irish mob in Hell's Kitchen.

Noonan hopes that Jackie can get him into Frankie's gang, but things become more complicated when his old feeling for Kathleen, beautifully played by Robin Wright the Flannery's estranged sister come into play.

Impressive supporting performances John Turturro, Jonn C. Reilly, R.D. Call, Joe Vitereli, and the late great character actor Burgess Meredith in a brilliant heartfelt cameo as an old man in debt and living in fear, but it is Oldman who steals the film with one of his finest performances, his ability to show completely psychopathic behavior complete with sudden outbursts of brutal violence.

coupled with feeling of love and loyally is very powerful and compelling. Great use of New York City locations, and exquisite cinematography by Jordan Cronenworth, Ennio Morricone brilliant score is perfectly haunting.

The finale climatic slow-motion shootout between Penn and Ed Harris's mob during the St. Patrick's Day Parade is a real stunner. Gritty, violent and unforgettable. Highly Recommended.