State of Grace

Yeah, I love this film. Ever since I saw it at a preview screening, this has been one of my favorites. I said then Gary Oldman should get nominated for Best Supporting Actor and he should have been, except nobody saw this movie, probably because Orion didn't promote this movie at all. All of the leads are awesome. Sean Penn is so messed up and confused, and the hints that he's having trouble with all the drinking are a nice touch. Ed Harris does so much with so little. There's one scene where you can almost see him literally blow his top. By the end, the effects of each different subplot can be seen on each other, all coming together for one climactic moment. And the ending--I get chills from the music. See this movie. Then tell everyone you know.

source: State of Grace

When thinking of this movie, the only word that comes to mind is AMAZING. From start to finish, one of the best gangster movies ever made. All of the key actors; Oldman, Penn, Harris, and Wright, feel as if they were made to play each individual role. Right on the money. These aren't even the best parts of this film. Director Phil Joanou uses such wonderful music throughout the film and blows us over with one of the best filmed endings in the past 25 years. Without a doubt one of my top ten!!! But don't take my word for it, see for yourself. If it would only be released on DVD soon.

Having grown up New York Irish I can completely empathize with the characters and their lifestyles. A truly first class job by Director Phil Joanua and leading men Sean Penn as Terry Noonan and Gary Oldman as Jackie Flannery. Robin wright (Penn) is excellent as Cathleen Flannery and Ed Harris is great as the elder Flannery. One of my favorite movies of all time- a masterpiece.

It might take ten or even twenty years, but this film will ultimately be ranked as one of the great classics of the 20th century. Like The Searchers before it, it will find its audience in future movie-goers (although that is little consolation to those who made it!). Uniformly superb cast and direction, the film is loosely based on contemporary historical events occurring in the Hell's Kitchen area of New York's West Side. In a direct line from the Irish immigrant experience in the notorious Five Points slum in the early 19th century, through the Owney Madden gangster era of Prohibition, this film perhaps represents the "last hurrah" of a long tradition of Irish mobsters in New York City.

"State of Grace", an elegant film noir, delights at every level. I very much appreciate the reviews by Bladeruuner here and the external review by Roger Ebert; each reviewer notes the subtly and nuances of this work. I do not need to recast what they write. The visual beauty of the film enchants me. I love Manhattan and this film celebrates the city. Actors playing the central characters, of course, dominate discussion, but every actor here seems perfect in casting and rendition of his or her role. Robin Wright excels here. The director Phil Joanou, with a background in cinematography and film editing, uses his skill at every moment. The en conclusion of the film might seem over-the-top but it is not—it is a perfect ending. I savoured it. Read the fine reviews of this work and enjoy watching. I would like having a DVD of this work

I first saw this film back in 1992, immediately purchased the film and have enjoyed the movie time and time again. This film is one of my personal favorites and should be up there with the greatest mob flicks, Goodfellas, The God Father...etc. The acting in this movie are unbelievable. Gary Oldman and Sean Penn are simply amazing, especially Oldman's depiction of a violent, drunken, Irish mobster who at the same time is one of the most honorable, trust worthy characters. A definite must see.

I never even heard of this movie, until about a year ago. I seen it for sale at blockbuster. I bought it because of Sean Penn. This is one good gangster movie that few know about. The acting is great, it surprises you and even has a pretty good love story going on. One of the best scenes you have to see, is when Ed Harris meets with his boss about killing his brother(Oldman). The tension is so strong when he tells his gang to come and back him up if he don't call by 2:oo o'clock. This is good movie making. You have to see this scene and the movie has a lot of great ones. I highly recommend State of Grace.

Although the acting is, as you would expect, excellent throughout, one scene stands out for me. Lookout for Ed Harris's reaction at the funeral when he learns the truth about Terry. This film also shows what Gary Oldman could do if he sticks to his promise of not playing any more one dimensional bad guy roles.

i like this movie. i thought the strong, brutal and belivable performances by, sean penn, gary oldman, ed harris and robin wright were terrific. this movie is set in New York, the Irish mob in hell's kitchen, where penn and oldman play gangster criminals who try to get more out of thmselves. from al of this violence they have caused. and dealing with their emotions. this film was very violent, but, is very well done with brilliant actring and casting.