Thursday, September 16, 2010

Interest Soars For The Movie Brookylns Finest

By Gabriel Bush

The just released film, Brookylns Finest, is supported by an all-star cast which was lead by director Antoine Fuqua. Written by Michael C. Martin, it takes place in Brownville's Brooklyn division which is infamous for its rough and often violent way of life. This created the perfect backdrop for the focus on NYPD's 65th precinct dealings throughout the area and one dreaded night in the neighborhood well-known as the Van Dyke Housing Projects.

One of the films outstanding features is the all-star cast that provides riveting performances that keep audiences drawn into the story. Renowned actors such as Wesley Snipes, Richard Gere, Lili Taylor, Jesse Williams, Ethan Hawke, Ellen Barkin, Don Cheadle and more take viewers through the hardships and problems faced by the men and women of the NYPD on a daily basis. The story reveals the personal and professional problems of three officers who must do almost anything to survive in this precinct.

Although the movie is primarily based in Brooklyn, filming was also completed throughout the New York area including Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn itself. Through the eyes of the three principal police officers, the worst and best an urban city has to offer is presented and interwoven with complications in their daily lives which often influence decisions. The action and intrigue begin in the opening scene where a thug is shot and robbed which conversing in a car with another man. We later find out that the shooter was himself a cop.

The complexities of personal lives are revealed throughout the movie which helps viewers understand how Brooklyn's finest often walk a very thin line between right and wrong. Whether desperate for money, close to retirement, or tired of working undercover, the decisions they make are ultimately affected by the difficulties faced in their personal lives. The story climaxes when the three key Officers, who have developed their characters while on extremely different career paths, end up in the same, deadly setting at the same time.

Michale Martin grew up in the Brooklyn area where the story is based. Therefore, much of what is seen in the film is a direct reflection of personal experiences. This provides viewers with the "reality" aspect so popular today. Although the movie was made on a modest budget, the star-quality cast agreed to lesser pay in order to see it completed as it carries an important message about the challenges police officers working in this are face.

It was first viewed at the Sundance 2009 Film Festival as well as in September of the same year at the Venice Film Festival. It was here that it was picked up for distribution, but financial problems with the company delayed the release. It was only after it was acquired by Overture Films for $3 million dollars did it finally hit the big screen and what an acquisition it was. The critics found it predictable, but mass audiences seemed to disagree due to excellence in acting by the cast.

Despite the reviews, in March 2010 the film opened in the #2 position grossing over $13 million dollars. To date that has increased to over $27 million in the US with an additional $34 million earned in the international market ranking it at #11 in the "Dirty Copy" movie field which covers all movies from 1973 to the present.

For those wanting to see what all the hype is about and why it's #1 in DVD sales, it should be noted that Brookylns Finest is rated R because of drug content, violence, nudity, and sexual overtones. Despite what the critics have said it is a fast-paced, action-packed, thrill ride that will satisfy even the most discerning tastes for a real life drama. - 39815

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