Dark Blue
Dark Blue

Dark Blue

2002Movie118 minEnglish

Set during the Rodney King riots, a robbery homicide investigation triggers a series of events that will cause a corrupt LAPD officer to question his tactics.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes62%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users78%
Director: Ron SheltonGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the turbulent atmosphere of 1992 Los Angeles, just before the Rodney King verdict, a corrupt detective is tasked with leading a special unit. As his unit delves deeper into the city's underbelly, they become entangled in a web of illegal activities, forcing the detective to confront his own moral compromises. The looming verdict creates a powder keg situation, amplifying the tension and the stakes for the officers.

Critical Reception

Dark Blue received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its gritty realism, strong performances, and exploration of moral ambiguity within law enforcement. While some found the plot occasionally predictable, the film was largely commended for its unflinching look at corruption and the volatile social climate of early 90s Los Angeles.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense and authentic portrayal of corrupt cops.
  • Kurt Russell's performance as the morally compromised detective is a standout.
  • Effectively captures the simmering tension of Los Angeles in 1992.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's gritty atmosphere and compelling performances, particularly Kurt Russell's. Many found it to be a thought-provoking and intense crime drama that accurately depicted a specific, turbulent time in Los Angeles.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, with director Ron Shelton aiming for a high degree of authenticity in depicting the city's landscape and atmosphere during the volatile period leading up to the Rodney King verdict.

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