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Homicide

R 1991 1h 40m Crime Drama List
88% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
After being forcibly reassigned from a federal investigation of notorious drug dealer Robert Randolph (Ving Rhames) to a local case involving robbery and the murder of a Jewish shopkeeper, embittered detective Bobby Gold (Joe Mantegna) unexpectedly experiences a religious awakening. But when his newfound interest in his heritage comes into direct conflict with the law, Gold struggles to reconcile his spiritual loyalties with his dedication to the badge.
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Homicide

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Critics Consensus

Guided by David Mamet's searing dialogue and assured direction, Homicide tells its morally complex story with an immersive mood and a crackling zeal.

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Critics Reviews

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Billie Cohen Time Out Unfortunately, the transitions are sometimes abrupt and unconvincing, despite Mantegna's intensity. Dec 13, 2017 Full Review Hal Hinson Washington Post David Mamet's "Homicide" is a brilliant muddle: compelling, exhilarating and, at the same time, profoundly dubious. Dec 13, 2017 Full Review Vincent Canby New York Times The movie cannot learn from its mistakes; they are forever displayed within it. Dec 13, 2017 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Its anguish is so exacerbated that it renders itself untrue. [Full review in Spanish] Jan 20, 2023 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a slow-moving endeavor that never quite becomes the searing, engrossing drama one might’ve anticipated... Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 7, 2022 Full Review Mark R. Leeper rec.arts.movies.reviews Rated: 3/4 Dec 13, 2017 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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justin m No one writes quite like David Mamet. The intricate plotting, the characters who live by a code, and best of all, the punchy, profane patter that defines his aesthetic. Even if the credits never roll, if you listen carefully enough you'll always know when you're watching Mamet. His film career has consisted of him working within the framework of genre--heist ('Heist'), fighting ('Redbelt'), military ('Spartan'), political satire ('Wag the Dog'), and here, the police procedural--while exploring deeper themes of loyalty, trust, identity, and his favorite device, the con. His stories are deliberately deceitful, throwing red herrings our way until he gives us one final reveal that shows the wool was over our eyes, and possibly the characters' eyes, the whole time. This film is an engrossing, provocative thriller that challenges you and offers no easy answers. It features some stock Mamet actors--Joe Mantegna (in fine form here), William H. Macy (solid support), wife Rebecca Pidgeon and magician Ricky Jay. It's taut, quiet realism elevates it above others in its genre, and Mamet's poetic prose and deft touch behind the camera make this a superior crime thriller that will stay with you after it's over Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Horrible. Starts out kinda interesting - there's a plot, suspense, drama... until it all discombobulates into a special ed movie making workshop. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Joe Mantegna, William H. Macy, Ving Rhames, After being forcibly reassigned from a federal investigation of notorious drug dealer Robert Randolph to a local case involving robbery and the murder of a Jewish shopkeeper, embittered detective Bobby Gold unexpectedly experiences a religious awakening He falls in with a Zionist group of all things and his newfound interest in his heritage comes into direct conflict with the law Gold struggles to reconcile his spiritual loyalties with his dedication to the badge This isn't a giant explosive thriller the poster would have you believe A lot of scene transitions are abrupt and not that convincing Mantegna has terrific presence though being in a morally complex situation Lots of analysis of the Jewish community and how skirmished they are even in the modern era when it comes to crime, oppression, and being perceived This could've been better and a bit more suspenseful however Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review nilufer e It might have been a decent effort on hate crime back in 1991 but it felt so rough around the edges and unrealistic. It started with smart and fun conversations but I lost interest after the first half hour. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The story is great but the script and acting are terrible. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Kinda dull. I feel like I missed the point. I hope I did at least, because if there was none, then I see no reason for this to even exist. Either way, it was too tedious for me to watch the first time, so whatever the point may or may not have been will forever be a mystery to me. This will not be re-watched by this guy. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis After being forcibly reassigned from a federal investigation of notorious drug dealer Robert Randolph (Ving Rhames) to a local case involving robbery and the murder of a Jewish shopkeeper, embittered detective Bobby Gold (Joe Mantegna) unexpectedly experiences a religious awakening. But when his newfound interest in his heritage comes into direct conflict with the law, Gold struggles to reconcile his spiritual loyalties with his dedication to the badge.
Director
David Mamet
Producer
Michael Hausman, Edward R. Pressman
Screenwriter
David Mamet
Production Co
Pressman Film, Bison Films, Cinehaus
Rating
R
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 5, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.9M
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
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