Pride and Glory

****
UK Release Date: November 7th 2008

A family's moral codes are tested when Ray Tierney investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law. For Ray, the truth is revelatory, a Pandora's Box that threatens to upend not only the Tierney legacy but the entire NYPD. (www.imdb.com)

Director: Gavin O'Connor (Warrior)

Starring: Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich, Jennifer Ehle, Frank Grillo, Lake Bell

Pride and Glory keeps a very stable head above other cop thrillers, mainly due to its actors and gripping, personal storyline. A drug bust goes horribly awry and four cops are killed. Detective Ray Tierney (Norton) is assigned to the case, but unaware that his brother-in-law Jimmy (Farrell), who's also a cop, is connected to the murders. Ray is split between the decision of ratting out his own family, or keeping it under wraps. Quite the family dilemma. Norton's performance is one of his best, acting as a lone wolf and biting off more than anyone is capable of chewing. Farrell puts in his best too, he's a force not to be reckoned with, holding a scary and intimidating nature whenever he's on screen. His character has some incredibly well-written moments, ones that stick in the mind longer than the rest. They're aided by a highly driven supporting cast, all with added quirks, quibbles and sub-plots (Noah Emmerich and Jennifer Ehle's is captivating) and a deep, morbid atmosphere. New York looks rotten and full of decay, while the city looks invariably dull and grey. Setting the tone in an ironically beautiful way. The Departed may have won the awards and attention in 2008, but at least Pride and Glory does exactly what it sets out to do.

4/5