Review of Training Day (2001) by Spencer S — 15 May 2011

Most of this film was hinged on Denzel Washington, the wolf in sheepskin. At first I believed the portrayal of the so-called "streets" was a cliche on the edge of racial insensitivity, but as the movie progresses, you realize its simply a backdrop.

Washington is at first a caricature of a true human being, but as his brash and criminal element branches out, his cold heart becomes apparent, much like the fake persona serial killers use. Instead of just being a hate mongering cop on the backslide, he also manipulates a fellow officer (Hawke) into his ring of criminal activity.

Hawke is clean in everything he does, from turning down drugs and money to saving a girl from being raped. He's a cowboy dressed all in white, no flaws about him, actually boring next to Washinton's daring role.

Weaving throughout are gang relations, police brutality, drugs, armed robbery, and a reality that all the people that Washington's character, Alonzo, believes are under his thumb, actually hate the patronizing attitude he shows towards them.

Between all the political incorrectness and unsubtle nuances, there is a message of honesty triumphing over all.