Ethan Hawke

With a trophy wife (Bridget Moynahan) who's initially clueless about his hidden career, and a younger brother (Jared Leto) whose drug-addled sense of decency makes him an ill-chosen accomplice, Yuri traffics in death the way other salesman might push vacuum cleaners (he likes to say that alcohol and tobacco are deadlier products than his), but even he can't deny the sheer ruthlessness of the Liberian dictator (a scene-stealing Eamonn Walker) who purchases Orlov's "products" to expand his oppressive regime. Niccol's themes are even bigger than Yuri's arms deals, and he drives them home with a blunt-force lack of subtlety, but Cage gives the film the kind of insanely dark humour it needs to have. To understand this monster named Yuri, we have to see at least a glimpse of his humanity, which Cage provides as only he can. Otherwise, this epic tale of gunrunnng would be as morally unbearable as the black market trade it illuminates.-- Jeff Shannon
Refreshing reminder of the power of film, 2009-09-10
I watch a lot of films and to be honest I often find myself almost giving up thanks to the dull, mundane nature of a lot of modern movies re-hashing the same ideas and plot lines.

Thankfully I saw this recently having passed it by on the shelf many times, and I have to say I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Though it did get good reviews when launched, it never really got the audience it deserved it seems.

I'm not a great Nicolas Cage fan and expected to by disappointed, but it is never less than gripping, is clever and beautifully scripted and manages to make itself entertaining and darkly humorous while still conveying the sense of outrage and disgust at the very serious theme.

Cage is excellent as well and also pulls off the difficult trick of being likable yet deplorable.

In no way is this an promotional film for would-be gun-runners, unless you're not concentrating properly or are totally missing the point.

But it's not just the script, acting and story that is exceptional here. The photography and imagination that goes into every shot makes it extremely beautiful to watch.

Even shots that could have been mundane are imaginatively shot.

Great movie, well worth discovering.

In stark contrast to most of his previous work, Washington unleashes his dark side with fearlessness and fury, and the result is excellence without compromise. Director Antoine Fuqua (The Replacement Killers) won't score any points for subtlety, but gritty details (including actual LA gang members as extras) and Hawke's finely tuned performance are perfectly matched to Washington's frightening volatility. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com

On the DVD: Training Day's special features include an HBO documentary which actually provides some insight into the structure of the film rather than simply adding glitz and glamour. Antoine Fuqua's feature commentary is intimate, suggesting his heart and soul went into this movie. The extra scenes also add to the enjoyment of the movie, the only disappointment being that there is no additional commentary to explain the cuts. The alternative ending ties up a few of the loose ends which are left at the close of the theatrical release. Out of the two music videos it is Pharoahe Monch's "Got You" that fits in best with the style of the film, having a much bassier street-level feel than Nelly's "#1" chart-friendly hip-hop. The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack allows you to feel like you're pumping out the beats from your BMW and the 2.35:1 widescreen is a slick as Denzel Washington's gun moves. --Nikki Disney
I got yo back homey, 2010-01-20
Despite mixed reactions to this film, I love it. I've had this for years and I will still put it on now and be gripped by it. Its definately one to watch and judge for youself. The story I will admit is a bit slow in places but it all falls into place, you just have to watch until the end. I love how Denzels character actually grates on you after a while and you disagree with the storyline which is unfolding.