Colors
"One of the most gripping films of the year." -Gannett Newspapers
Academy Award® winner Robert Duvall (Tender Mercies) and Sean Penn (Dead Man Walking) star in a film that "captures the vivid mark that gang life has left upon Los Angeles" (The New York Times). Directed by the legendary Dennis Hopper (Easy Rider) and based on a compelling story by Michael Schiffer and Richard DiLello, Colors is "grimy, hard-edged, heart-thumping action" (Movieline)!
Seasoned street cop Bob Hodges (Duvall) and his new, young know-it-all partner Danny McGavin (Penn) are forced to work together in the L.A.P.D.'s renowned C.R.A.S.H. anti-gang unit. Together they set out to investigate a murder between two rival gangs. Hated and hunted by both sides, the cops get trapped in the middle of a turf war. With nowhere to turn, they are ambushed, double-crossed and shot at in a take-no-prisoners street battle. As the violence escalates, these two diametrically opposed men must come to terms with one important fact - to stay alive they must come together!
Member Reviews
Uninspired - Poet
I was expecting much more from this movie. Sean Penn and Robert Duvall in a movie directed by Dennis Hopper. Let's just say I had high hopes. But, sadly, I was disappointed.
Both main actors seemed quite uninspired in the portrayal of their characters. They just seemed kind of bland. In Penn's case, I just think he hadn't come into his own great self yet. As for Duvall, he probably didn't care.
There was a few good spots here and there, but the story didn't pack the needed punch and all the characters seemed cliche and unidimensional.An intellectual approach to cops on the beat, with gangs, graffiti - Porkchop
Colors (1988) is a an intellectual movie.
An outstanding effort is made to educate viewers, especially those
residing outside of Los Angeles or internationally, on what is the
day-to-day routine of officers on the beat, on the quality of life
and the challenges faced by a East LA community, and what recent
developments are affecting it.
In this particular case, the issue centers around gang conflict,
reds and blues, with the M13 in between, all competing for the
lucrative territory of various substance dealings and trafficking.
Some of the latter members are seen with their typical Fedora hat,
interior white shirt, and black pants, as a type of street uniform,
also seen in Boulevard Nights. The second issue, is the rampant
graffiti on the streets.
The actors are extraordinary in their charisma with Duvall playing
the 19 year veteran on the beat, being partnered up with a cocky
police academy recruit, played by Penn.
The script courageously demonstrates drive-by shootings, with
shotguns, double and single barreled, Uzi's, various caliber
pistols, even grenades.
In a calculating manner, there is a bit everything thrown in, from
spectacular man-to-man combats (the one in the kitchen is notable),
to rifle action-pumping scenes, to some full frontal nudity scenes
or romantic moments, as Penn flirts with the character played by
Maria Conchita Alonso, and car chases, etc.
The script makes it a point to show officers as needing to sustain
their athletic ability to chase suspects, to recognize instantly the
symptoms of various drug intakes by sizing up suspects, to skills
of persuasion during interrogations, etc.
At the same time, Duvall's character shows that officers on the beat
are human beings, with family and the struggle in balance.
No matter how large the city or neighborhood, the reputation of an
individual leaks to the street.
AlthFrom an earlier time - Chucky
for a 20 year old movie, this isn't bad. Since the time when this film was first released youth gangs have become far mor widespread,organized & sophisticated. If you are looking for dirty cops, ghosts, computer fraud etc; dont rent this one. In the vein of Adam 12 but with attitude this is about uniform cops working the meanstreets of LA. Duval, as usual gives a flawless performance, Penn is also great but far less credable in his character roll. You expect him to be the guy getting busted on the corner rather than the cop.
Adult situations
some nudity
Violence
Member Reviews
Read All...
Uninspired - Poet
I was expecting much more from this movie. Sean Penn and Robert Duvall in a movie directed by Dennis Hopper. Let's just say I had high hopes. But, sadly, I was disappointed.
Both main actors seemed quite uninspired in the portrayal of their characters. ...An intellectual approach to cops on the beat, with gangs, graffiti - Porkchop
Colors (1988) is a an intellectual movie.
An outstanding effort is made to educate viewers, especially those
residing outside of Los Angeles or internationally, on what is the
day-to-day routine of officers on the beat, on the quality of life
and ...From an earlier time - Chucky
for a 20 year old movie, this isn't bad. Since the time when this film was first released youth gangs have become far mor widespread,organized & sophisticated. If you are looking for dirty cops, ghosts, computer fraud etc; dont rent this one. In the vein of ...