Thursday, September 20, 2007

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985 , William Friedkin)


What could have been a by the numbers cliched cop drama from the 80's is actually a little gem of a film. Due to Friedkin's eye for action, the film turns into a gritty and often brutal film that plays with the cliches of the genre. There are certain twists and character developments which also make this stand out from the genre. On top of all of this what really sets this one apart and makes this one a great one to find is the impressive chase scene which happens in the second half of the film. It is easily one of the best I have seen so far and it easily tops the famous car chase seen in Friedkin's previous cop film, The French Connection.

If you are able to watch this one on its own merits and not compare it to The French Connection then you are sure to find a very entertaining action film that deserves more love.

Plus, Willem Dafoe chews up every scene that he is in as the bad guy.

- B+

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