Notorious
Notorious

Movie spotlight

Notorious

1992
Movie
95 min
English

After Alicia Velorus' father is convicted as a communist spy, CIA asks her to prove her loyalty by getting close to her father's friend, who's a suspected arms dealer. In the meantime she and her CIA contact Devlin fall in love.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users75%
Director: Mario Van PeeblesGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young Black man in the 1970s tries to escape the cycle of crime and poverty that plagues his community. He navigates treacherous relationships, the allure of the drug trade, and the desire for a better life. The film explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of choices made in a difficult environment.

Critical Reception

Notorious received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its ambition and the performances of its cast, particularly Terrence Howard. However, some found the narrative to be somewhat derivative and the pacing uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty portrayal of urban life and strong lead performance.

  • Criticized for a predictable storyline and occasionally heavy-handed direction.

  • Seen as an earnest attempt to tackle serious social issues within a crime drama framework.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a compelling and thought-provoking look at the struggles of inner-city life, appreciating the performances and the exploration of difficult themes.

Fun Fact

The film's soundtrack features a mix of 1970s funk and soul music, contributing to its authentic period atmosphere.

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