Don Cheadle as Clarence aka Tango
I had been waiting for Brooklyn’s Finest since I first learned about it from a friend last year. My interest led me to keep asking from the local distribution companies if and when it would be released here in South Africa. To say I was over the moon when I realised that it was included in the lineup of films from Nu Metro, is an understatement.
Yesterday, I got to see Brooklyn’s Finest ahead of its release at selected Nu Metro cinemas this coming Friday. It was well worth every bit of anticipation I had. Firstly, I admire and respect director Antoine Fuqua for his craftsmanship. The directing was impeccable, with every shot showing his genius. Each and every scene was thrilling and engaging. I didn’t even realise that I had been at the theatre for more than two hours by the time it ended.
Wesley Snipes as Caz
Secondly, the cast was exceptional. More than others I was particularly impressed by Don Cheadle as well as Ethan Hawke (who worked with Fuqua on the Oscar-winning Training Day). They played their characters with such passion and depth, luring you to sympathise with them whether they were in the wrong or not. I was also excited to see Fuqua making use of the raw and real talent that was unveiled by the series The Wire; amongth them Michael K Williams.
It was great seeing Wesley Snipes return to the big screen after his much publicised woes with the law. His performance was solid. I was surprised to see Fuqua‘s wife Lela Rochon make a cameo. Surprising because I read before that he didn’t want her to act anymore, hence her absence from any recent films.
Richard Gere as Eddie
Another character is, of course, Brooklyn. The styling, colour and feel created a familiar setting that is synonymous with the New York location. There was no mistaking where exactly the action took place.
Antoine Fuqua has another winner in his hands. It’s filled with adrenaline, intriguing story, action and explores subjects that are sure to evoke some emotion or the other. It’s a pity it is only releasing at selected Nu Metro cinemas in South Africa. Brooklyn’s Finest comes out this coming Friday, 16 July 2010. Check Nu Metro‘s website for the cinemas where this brilliant film is showing.
