Wonderful Movie

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Based on the experiences of 2 police officers who worked in the South Bronx precinct known as "Fort Apache", the film begins with the disclaimer: "Because the story involves police work, it does not deal with the law-abiding members of the community nor does it dramatize the efforts of individuals and groups who are struggling to turn the Bronx around." What follows is a parade of pimps, prostitutes, junkies, welfare recipients, suicidal transvestites, racist cops and nurses who dabble in drugs. The film is framed by a strung out psycho(Pam Grier) who literally stumbles in and out of the proceedings. Back in the day this was considered gritty, but thanks to NYPD Blue, Law&Order... it now seems relatively mild. The film is a mixed bag of shock, sorrow, romance, drama of conscience, humor and ironic comment. The various subplots make it feel like several episodes of a TV show strung together. Nonetheless, it compels, the acting is fine though most of the characterizations are clichés, Pam Grier is memorable, but Ed Asner and Kathleen Beller feel expendable. Thanks to location shooting and Daniel Petrie's limber direction the Bronx itself becomes an antagonist.

This is no doubt a complete Hollywood fantasy. "A Big White Lie" This movie was made to portray people of color as savages, but the real savages were the racist, murderous cops who broke every law in the book. The 41st pct. On Simpson Street in the Bronx was a haven for prostitution, drug dealing, extortion, arson, and more. And these were the cops. There have been numerous lawsuits against this movie. If you wish to know the truth about the 41st police station (Fort Apache) then be on the lookout for this book "You only live twice" I assure you that you will be stunned! The book will be released early 2010 but you can view teaser here. Don't support racism, and makes you look racist. http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6667913/17319180 If you support racist movies what does that make you?

For those who didn't know.... This movie was based on the real life experiences of Thomas Mulhearn and Paul Tessitore who are pictured in some of the stills. Murphy (Paul Newman's Character)was inspired by Tom Mulhearn, he is my sister's dad, and he's a pretty interesting guy. I've heard all kinds of funny stories from my mom whom we will refer to as "V", talking about how Rachel Ticotin stole her role (which she claims is based on her given the fact that she's Puerto Rican and that she was with Tom during the writing of the screenplay). Its true that the story behind the drama is always the most interesting.The point of this is... to let you guys know.. that the stuff in that movie, isn't even half of what i've heard really happened, and that those guys it was based on deserve props for being some of New York's Finest. I've heard that, it was a pretty tough neighborhood back then. Tom (part of the inspiration) is alive and well with a beautiful family to speak of. I'm not sure what happened to paul.

This review contains declarations that some may view as Spoilers.Fort Apache the Bronx is the sort of unique and rare film that succeeds in an attempt to transport the viewer to a certain time and place. Presenting a story that needs neither resolution nor explanation, Daniel Petrie and Heywood Gould invite viewers to indulge in the life of a Bronx neighborhood on the verge of spiraling further out of control. From dilapidated settings to gritty characters, the film paints a realistic picture and one cannot help but feel how much of an adventure it must have been to walk through the Bronx of the late 70s and early 80s. The filmmakers succeed in bringing that time and place to viewers everywhere and forever.If for no other reason, watch this film to take in yet another of Paul Newman's organic performances. He demonstrates an incredible range as an actor in his portrayal of Murphy, a downtrodden and half-jaded divorcé police officer who remains apathetically at a loss for solutions to the community's (and its precinct's) problems. Enjoy this emotional pendulum of a film.6/10