Los Angeles, 1950s. A big-time crime boss has ended up behind bars and now the criminal underworld is in turmoil, all the players vying for the top spot. Amidst all this we follow three members of the LAPD, as they all try to live their lives, do their jobs and perhaps even get somewhere in life.What I like the most about this film is its complexity and its willingness to push the genre. It's a neo-noir film, emulating the film noir thrillers of the early 20th century. And it works as a very good example of that genre. Everything from plot to characters to locations to atmosphere is at it should be. But then the film keeps adding to the pile. Especially when it comes to the three main characters. Take Russell Crowe's character, Bud, for example. At first he's a brute, nothing more. His police work hasn't bothered with the framework of the law in a long time and for him his job is an excuse to let out the rage bubbling within him. But then we dig deeper and find reasons for that rage, and suddenly it isn't so black-n-white anymore. Oh sure, he's still a brute, but in a way that we can understand, if not condone.This holds true for the other two as well. They all start out rather unlikable and unsympathetic. But the longer we follow them, the more we start to like them. And yet they never let go of those central traits we detested at first. If that's not good writing, I don't know what is.Great movie. Nail-biting and twisting plot with a heavy pulse. Fantastic characters played by A-list stars. Superb technicals helmed by a talented director. What's not to like?

Even after twenty years the movie holds up well. It's entertaining with lots of action and the usual necessary plot twists. Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey deliver outstanding performances well suited to their acting personas. As do Guy Pearce (Ed Exley) and James Cromwell (Captain Dudley Smith). The movie starts off slow and threatens to become just a glamorous 'film noire.' However, make it through the first hour and the plot develops well with plenty of action to keep one interested. (Yes, it's a long movie with a running time of two hours and twenty minutes!)Through a well crafted plot the film touches upon racism, corruption, politics and even gender issues. Characters develop well along with the plot; none can be judged on first impressions. If for no other reason, the movie is watchable simply for the shootout scene which comes late in the film. A masterful piece of filmwork to rival the best of spaghetti Westerns! A good film which has aged well. A special treat for detective film fans.

I really wanted to see this, a detective/mystery stories featuring three police officers solving a heinous crime in a local coffee shop. I was not disappointed. First of all, the set is so exquisite. The setting really looks genuine 1950s. The story is well-paced, you won't notice it's been 2 hours because it's riveting.The cast of course is fantastic, but I think Russell Crowe's character shines. I like his manliness, his bravery and fearlessness. His acting is proved magnificent, especially when he cried in front of Kim Basinger's character. Women are really men's weaknesses, they say, and even the manliest man can have his heart crushed.

I have to thank this movie for helping me with my studies! After my fiancée put it on believing it to be a classic, I blanked out after 15 minutes and chose to write an essay instead (that says something)! I can't fault the acting, but my God the story line was dull. The plot felt really clunky and jumped all over the place. For example, a 20 second scene of a politician being blackmailed to change his vote, with no explanation or mention of it again. Then the twist at the end is that a cop is corrupt, even though he admits to being dirty in Scene #1 - literally.. I'm dumbfounded by the praise on here; it was like a boring version of Black Dahlia.