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With the trial and acquittal of the four white officers who beat black motorist Rodney King last
April 1992 as a backdrop, tough LAPD veteran Sgt. Eldon Perry Jr. (Kurt Russell) teaches his rookie partner Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman) the art of police intimidation and
single-handed "justice" to discipline the riotous LA streets—the tools of the trade his grandfather and father had passed on to him. As they investigate a racially
motivated high-profile homicide case, Assistant Chief Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames), who doesn't approve of Perry's "single-handed justice", vows to keep close watch at the
team. As the case leads to nowhere, Perry sets up to do the unthinkable and unacceptable in a police force. By the time he realizes the evil he has done, the riots are
getting out of hand; his marriage has broken up, and so is his partnership with Bobby?
Scott Speedman portrayed the part of a rookie officer quite adequately; but it is Kurt Russell's
shining, well-acclaimed performance that carries the movie through. Russell as an extremely convincing toughie cop has proven that he can swing a villain's role if need
be—an impressive turnaround from his oh-so-wholesome Disney roles. The whole film shows good cinematography, especially in its handheld camera shots which give it a sense
of realism, its balanced composition, sound effects, and music—they all enhance life in the film. The cast is well-chosen, and editing is seamless; lighting, production
design, costume, and make-up are satisfactory. Except for the relationship between Bobby and Sgt. Beth Williamson (Michael Michele) which is a weak link in the plot, the film
passes as credible portrayal of an event that blends fact and fiction. The depiction of a city abandoned by the police to looters and arsonists is quite engaging
in its realism.
The title Dark Blue
refers to the color of the LAPD uniform, and the movie is about the dark and shocking goings-on in the cops' world. The Filipino moviegoer who is quite familiar with reported corruption in the local armed forces may no longer be shocked by the revelations made in
Dark Blue, but will certainly find hope in the way one of the characters turns up. The police—whether in Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Cairo, Paris or Manila—will
always have its share of shadows, but blessed indeed is the police force that can still produce a Perry, a conscientious and courageous member who will stick his neck out in
fighting for his principles. It is Perry's conversion from cold-blooded cop to cold-blooded champion of truth that ironically saves the LAPD's face even as it is being
trampled upon. It is in the person of Perry that conversion is painted as a heroic way to change: truth may hurt, imprison, or even kill its adherent, but will always set
one free from the burden of guilt.
(Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003)
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