Pride and Glory

When four policemen are killed in an ambush, detective Ray Tierney (Edward Norton) is put on the case. To him, it has a very particular meaning as the four cops killed had served under his brother, Francis Tierney Junior (Noah Emerich), and with his brother-in-law, Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell). When suspicion falls on the latter's shoulders, the family ties are on the edge of destruction, and Ray is faced with a choice.

The plot of “Pride and Glory” allows for a more than one-dimensional analysis of all characters. Unlike the usually very formulaic bad cop movies, the family is not just an add-on simply designed to add to the threat faced by the tormented hero. Here, it adds depth to Edward Norton's character, as the decisions he has to make are not morally obvious.

And the actor is very much up to the challenge: when you see that director Gavin O'Connor manages to make Colin Farrell act in a fairly believable way, imagine what he can do with Edward Norton! The rest of the cast provides a good show also.

“Pride and Glory”, however, does go down the classical corruption-themed film line on the photography side: the corrupt, official world, has blue hues, while the suburbs are darker, and the family world looks warmer and more welcoming - at the beginning. But when corruption reaches the family, both merge. Being consistent with colours allows for very interesting suggestions to be made, and adds depth to the film.

“Pride and Glory” thus, has two major strengths: actor Edward Norton and director Gavin O'Connor. It will be refreshing to the aficionados of the genre, and entertain all cinema goers.

Pierre Schramm