Devil in a Blue Dress

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Devil in a Blue Dress

R

Released Sep 29, 1995

1h 42m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

122 Reviews

71%

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10,000+ Ratings

In late 1940s Los Angeles, Easy Rawlins (Denzel Washington) is an unemployed black World War II veteran with few job prospects. At a bar, Easy meets DeWitt Albright (Tom Sizemore), a mysterious white man looking for someone to investigate the disappearance of a missing white woman named Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals), who he suspects is hiding out in one of the city's black jazz clubs. Strapped for money and facing house payments, Easy takes the job, but soon finds himself in over his head.

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Critics Consensus

Humor, interesting characters, and attention to details make the stylish Devil in a Blue Dress an above average noir.

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Desson Thomson

Washington Post

In Devil, folks like Easy Rawlins have long since learned to roll with the racial punches. It's precisely that kind of offhand profundity that makes the movie so memorable. Franklin's picture is effortlessly wise beneath its entertaining surface.

Oct 27, 2021

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Patricia Bibby

Associated Press

It is a smart, sly film imbued with the rich subtle tones of a mournful blues saxophone piece, worthy of comparisons to some of the best noir films of decades past.

Oct 27, 2021

Full Review

S. Renee Mitchell

Detroit Free Press

The film climaxes in a gun battle that's as painfully predictable as they come and -- as he did with the movie in general -- Mouse saves the day. His departure from the screen brakes the film to a near halt.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 27, 2021

Full Review

Todd James

Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)

The story unfolds slowly, but it's a script that will hook you from the start.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 29, 2024

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

Carl Franklin’s neo-noir is hard-boiled and filled with moods of disillusionment in Los Angeles...

Feb 22, 2023

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Imran Khan

PopMatters

Denzel Washington’s voiceover in neo-noir Devil in a Blue Dress is an equal mix of deadpan charm and wide-eyed innocence, which textures and nuances his performance.

Oct 19, 2022

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Alejandro E

No conozco el libro que sirvió de base, pero el resultado final es lo más parecido al género policiaco llamado hard boiled en el que, se diserta de paso los prejuicios raciales de aquel entonces. Lo más destacado: Denzel Washington

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/25/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Hands down my fave Denzil, Cheadle and Carl Franklin film. Spectacular modern film not, wish they had done more...👍👍

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/24

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Audience Member

It’s a good crime movie, that’s really good at keeping your attention. All the actors did great! Good movie

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/13/24

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Georgan G

Love the music, the characters & the acting. And Denzel looks so good! Very complex plot.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/29/24

Full Review

Felix T

Not enough Walter Mosley, too much Denzel.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/15/24

Full Review

Narciso R

Excellent movie, excellent cast. Some sad scenes, but still excellent. NRJ.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/24

Full Review

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Carl Franklin

Director

Denzel Washington

Ezekiel 'Easy' Rawlins

Tom Sizemore

DeWitt Albright

Jennifer Beals

Daphne Monet

Don Cheadle

Raymond 'Mouse' Alexander

Maury Chaykin

Matthew Terell

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Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - You Got Blood on My Coat

2:38

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - The Color Line in America

3:56

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - Threatened at Knifepoint

2:32

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - He's My Brother!

2:06

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - Cabin Shootout

3:10

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - Scaring Racists

2:51

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - Meeting Daphne

3:15

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - Corrupt Candidate

2:57

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - I'm Not Drunk

1:26

Devil in a Blue Dress: Official Clip - Beaten by Cops

2:03

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Synopsis

In late 1940s Los Angeles, Easy Rawlins (Denzel Washington) is an unemployed black World War II veteran with few job prospects. At a bar, Easy meets DeWitt Albright (Tom Sizemore), a mysterious white man looking for someone to investigate the disappearance of a missing white woman named Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals), who he suspects is hiding out in one of the city's black jazz clubs. Strapped for money and facing house payments, Easy takes the job, but soon finds himself in over his head.

Director: Carl Franklin
Producer: Gary Goetzman, Jesse Beaton
Screenwriter: Walter Mosley, Carl Franklin
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Columbia Tristar, Home Box Office (HBO) [us]
Production Co: Clinica Estetico, TriStar Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 29, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $15.9M
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Surround

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