A training day to remember (Training Day (DVD))

Member Name: davey_26

Product:	Training Day (DVD)
Date:	19/10/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Terrific acting, great plot, dark, compelling but intelligent

Disadvantages: Cop films might not suit all

Training Day was a film that instantly stood out to me as a must watch film due through the fact that Denzel Washington had been nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the film. Having always admired Denzel's talent as an actor, I was greatly anticipating this film.

The central plot of the film is a young, slightly naive, wet behind the ears Ethan Hawke has joined the narcotics department. He is subject to a first day evaluation by Alonso a decorated, respected and equally feared narcotics officer

Today is indeed going to be Ethan's training day, but this is no ordinary training day and while first perceiving his officer's tactics as being unorthodox, he begins to realise that there is a much darker side to him. Jake's philosophies of a world in which justice is served within the system are in stark contrast to Alonso who sees it as a dog eat dog world in which rules are no boundary for his goals. This is where the table is set for the feast of action which ensues.

Ethan Hawke is very convincing as the wet behind the ears cop whose paradigm of good and bad is shattered by the world he is introduced into. He delivers a great performance full of verve, gusto and character and his entire demeanour will change over the course of the film

Denzel Wahington delivers a fantastic performance as a corrupt cop who will take whatever he can and through any means necessary. In fact this is the most powerful performance I have seen from Denzel delivered with a cold ruthless calculating streak which depicts the character superbly.

The plot for this film allows us to connect and identify with the characters. The story is very cold and gritty but is delivered with a thoughtful intelligence, creating then building up the scene to just the right moment when the trigger is squeezed and the intensity bursts on to the scene. The script writers have done an excellent job of encapsulating tough, gritty realism combined with intensity and twists will catch you off guard.

The nature of corruption is one which could have been played out in a very predictable almost judgmental manner but due to the portrayal of the characters and the angle of the unfolding plot, they create a very compelling high octane, captivating film.

While Denzel does steal the show, this also highlights the talents of Ethan Hawke and as a duo, have a great chemistry which definitely made a big impact in this film.

I would certainly recommend this film to those who love cop films and simply those who like to watch films with powerful acting and a compelling intense plot.

Summary: What a film!