Serpico by Sidney Lumet (1973)
An honest cop uncovers and exposes the widespread corruption among his colleagues. Based on a true story.
“The reason for my intervention here today is the hope that police officers will never have to experience the sense of helplessness and anguish I had to endure over the past five years just for trying to report corruption cases to my superiors. And because no one wanted to take on an unwelcome task.”
—Frank Serpico
The Wise King
When everyone drinks from a poisoned well and corrupts their morality, the one who remains thirsty faces a dilemma.
Like the King in the fable, he must decide whether to join the masses or be seen as mad in the eyes of all.
And Frank has made his decision.
He will be the one pointed at, ostracized. The one who doesn’t bend, who digs into the rot surrounding him.
The one who refuses to drink from a corrupt source and prefers to remain honest.
No matter the price to pay.
Al Pacino with this film firmly establishes himself as an international star. He prepares by growing out his beard and hair and first shoots the final scenes of the film.
He portrays an idealistic, stubborn, and uncomfortable character that inflames the audience and enters the legend.
A man misunderstood and despised by those around him, who see in him a concrete threat.
A character voted as the 40th greatest screen hero by the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Heroes and Villains.
Immense.
Sidney Lumet, for his part, revitalizes his career by crafting a film that captures a bleak picture.
The sunset of innocence fed to corruption.
The defense of an idealism increasingly threatened by personal interests and hypocrisy.
All within an urban landscape where a single individual, with incredible tenacity, seeks a deeper sense of justice.
A wonderful film, worthy of its reputation, absolutely a must-see at least once in a lifetime.
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