Uncommonly perceptive drama about race, crime, and masculinity in urban America from director
Charles Burnett (
To Sleep with Anger). J.J. Johnson (
Michael Boatman) is a naive black cop whose loyalties are tested when his frankly racist colleagues hang a frame on
Teddy Woods (
Ice Cube), a low-life gangster who represents everything J.J. despises.
Lori Petty (
Tank Girl) plays J.J.'s sole ally on the force;
Michael Ironside is impressive as a renegade detective. The look is velvety, rich, and stylized; the tone is reflective and
ultimately tragic.
Released:
1995
Rated:
PG-13
Length:
109 mins