Crime drama starring Edward Norton as a man living his last day of freedom, before being sent away to prison for dealing narcotics.
Director Spike Lee, with a notorious reputation, takes on this movie released shortly after 9/11, and sets it in New York. Norton plays Monty Brogan, a charismatic drug kingpin, who lives a wealthy life with lots of friends, whose life comes crashing down when someone leads the DEA right to his doorstep, who find enough cash and drugs to put Monty away for seven years.
Tying up loose ends, and trying to find out who betrayed him consume the final hours of Monty’s last day as a free man, but the revelations that come are more about his own failures, than his compadres.
A very good film, one that takes a simple crime story, and attaches some meaty social dilemmas. Monty goes on a long rant about the different ethnic groups of New York city, pointing out all their failures and contradictions, a speech that is as dynamic as it is daring, considering the period this film was released in.
Monty’s last day also has a dramatic effect on those close to him, as his friends evaluate their own lifestyles and decisions.
A film worth watching for its compelling drama, and solid performances from Norton, Phillip Seymour-Hoffman and Barry Pepper.
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