Training Day [Blu-ray] [2001]

Before seeing this movie, my impression of Denzil Washington as an actor wasn't especially high. Not to say that he isn't talented, just that ever since Crimson Tide he appeared to be slotted neatly into every stern hero in every serious political thriller to be trotted off the studio assembly line for years. But then came Training Day and his role as Alonzo Harris and all that changed. Shrugging off the overly serious good guy image once and for all, Washington here is a revelation; a barking, ranting maelstrom of police brutality who believes that maintaining order on the crime ridden streets of LA means being even more ruthless than the drug dealers he faces on a day to day basis. His performance elevates the film from standard thriller fare into an exemplary story that has quite rightly become one of my favourite films of all time. Set over the course of twenty four hours, the film whisks Ethan Hawke's naive young police officer onto an introductory day of Narcotics work under Alonzo's tutelage. As the hours go by, Hawke is subjected to more and more violence as the heat and paranoia of suburban Los Angeles combined with his loose cannon superior officer play a heavy toll on his nerves. Consequently, the film is very much a two man story with Hawke and Washington playing off against each other expertly as polar opposites. One young, inexperienced and a firm believer in the rule book, the other older, more cynical and twisted by all his years on the streets into a bull-headed monster. The story itself is fraught with tension. Alonzo forcing his young protégé to smoke PCP at gunpoint is just the start and from there on the pulse pounding never stops. The execution scene where Hawke realises just how far gone his partner is for example is one of nail-biting pressure and shortly after, his encounter with a trio of Mexican gang members is jaw dropping, working as the exact moment you realise how much hot water he has found himself in. The end result is nothing less than a brilliant thriller. Hawke and Washington make for a phenomenal double act and the pace only occasionally lets up to allow the characters time to breathe and establish the depth that makes you care for them more. Highly, highly recommended so long as you're prepared to be absolutely terrified of Denzel Washington for years to come.

Before Denzel played Frank Lucas in American Gangster(2008) he was Alonzo Harris,an undercover narc who's meaner than any of L.A.'s mean streets.Denzel Washinton is the perfect actor for this role,he's a man you'll love,and hate at the same time because he takes advantage of his rookie partner Jake Hoyt played by Ethan Hawke.Denzel is so ruthless he knows how to push the rookies buttons.Some of the scenes where actually shot in some of L.A.'s most dangerous neighborhoods.If you check out the dvd extras it also has an alternate ending along with two music videos,additional scenes,cast and crew commentary.Guest appearances in the film by music stars Snoop Dogg,Macy Gray,and rap producer Dr.Dre.

Denzel’s Oscar winning performance in this film has been considered a consolation for losing the year prior. I don’t agree. Washington’s performance is not only against type, it’s also convincing. And beyond that - the film represents a commentary on culture and community that has been overlooked by both audiences and the Academy. It was the beginning of change to tell complex stories about people honestly (no matter the race). And that, in and of itself, helps this film stand the test of time as an important film.

A great movie that shows the life of an ambitious police officer (Ethan Hawke) trying to become a detective. He unknowingly hooks up with the wrong training officer (Denzel Washington) in a covert police program that nearly costs him his life. The acting is superb and it's easy to see how Washington's character has become corrupted but yet has those vestiges of humanity that reveals themselves periodically. However, this also makes him very deceptive and manipulative and Ethan Hawke almost finds out too late just how dangerous his training officer is if her doesn't follow the program.

This is an excellent movie. It has a great story, acting and excellent cast. Denzel definitely deserved the Oscar for best actor he is fantastic in this movie. I believe Ethan Hawke should have won for supporting actor as well. I have never seen these two actors play such great characters in a drama that is truly believable. It is very well written and entertaining from start to finish. This is a great price for a blu-ray that you will watch numerous times. The picture and sound are superb. I am glad I finally upgraded from my DVD to Blu-ray on this fantastic film.

There are certain actors whose movies always entertain. I've never seen a bad Denzel Washington movie. Training Day is such a powerhouse of a film with Denzel as the duplicitous and sinister heavy - he won an Oscar for this role! However, the direction, cinematography, editing, screenplay and sound design are all superb! And this Bluray is a fine presentation of all those efforts. I highly recommend this movie! But it is not an easy ride...

Great movie and excellent acting but for me over the top on language. "F" this and "F" that and the "N" word to the extreme. I mean come on, can't someone tell a story without an extreme amount of this type of talk. Sure wouldn't want someone under 18 to see this believing society deems the language appropriate!

Denzel is as usual, excellent. Ethan Hawke in one of his better appearances. Fast paced and interesting. Plot suffers a little in it:s entirety but the characters and the actor portrayals of them compensate for that. The ending holds true today as in the past and, probably, the future that loyalty and personal integrity are ancient history.