Prince of the City
Director: Sidney Lumet
Actors: Treat Williams, Jerry Orbach, Richard Foronjy
PlotDetective Daniel Ciello works in an elite anti-crime unit of the New York Police Department focused on drug enforcement. Known for his street smarts and tenacity, he is approached by federal prosecutors seeking to root out corruption in the police force. Initially resistant, he fears betrayal and putting his life at risk. Despite these concerns, he agrees to cooperate in a secret investigation after reflecting on his own moral ambiguities and wrongdoings. Ciello struggles with the demands of being both cop and informant, caught between loyalty to his partners and the pressure to expose wrongdoing. His initial belief in being able to selectively reveal information becomes complicated and ethically challenging as the investigation progresses.
Ciello's world begins to unravel as the line between right and wrong blurs, causing tensions at work and home. His personal life suffers, leading to alienation and paranoia as he is consumed by guilt and fear. While navigating a complex web of deceit and mistrust, Ciello faces the daunting task of testifying against his colleagues, which not only threatens his safety but also challenges his core beliefs and identity as a law enforcement officer. Exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting power of authority, the story dives into the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power, illustrating the personal costs of integrity and truth in a flawed system.
Writers: Jay Presson Allen, Sidney Lumet, Robert Daley
Release Date: 26 Aug 1981
Runtime: 167 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish, Italian
Home Video Reviews
Prince of the City delivers a complex portrayal of police corruption, anchored by Treat Williams' compelling performance and enhanced by superb Blu-ray restoration.
Read our review of Prince of the City Blu-ray Warner Archive Collection to find out more