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Colors [1988]
![Colors [1988]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518V0BF72XL._SL160_.jpg)
On the DVD: The films is presented in an anamorphic 16:9 widescreen version, with the usual chapter and language selections. The only other feature is the original, detailed but run-of-the-mill trailer. --David Stubbs
RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £3.98 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Directed by Dennis Hopper, Colors is a superior 1988 action movie set among the street gangs of LA that teams up Robert Duvall as Hodges, the elder cop, with young hothead partner Danny McGavin (Sean Penn). Investigating a murderous feud between the “Bloods” and the “Crips”, Duvall attempts to impress upon the impetuous Penn the value of a more cautious, easy-going approach in dealing with gang members, rather than trying to charge in among them. The film as a whole was one of the first to take a serious, unromantic and unstereotypical look at gang culture, at how youngsters are sucked into it, how few options are actually open to these macho hoodlums and how little they have in the way of family, community and stability other than the gangs. The partnership between Penn and Duvall by contrast, though well played, is pretty much the standard old cop/young cop set-up, right down to Duvall’s frequent, ominous remarks about how close he is to retirement. While the action is sometimes disjointed and the relationships between the gangs at times confused, it at least helps to dispel the usual Hollywood good vs. evil dynamic. Instead, there’s a more ambient sense of violence, desperation, retribution and recrimination. Penn’s doomed relationship with a “homegirl” indicates that while the LAPD may capture a few felons, they’ve little chance of capturing the hearts and minds of the criminalised poor. Later films such as John Singleton’s Boyz 'n the Hood (1991) would go further in exploring how life looks from the gangsta perspective.
Editorial
Special Features
1.85 Wide Screen
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD 9
French\German\Italian\Spanish
English\German
English
Region 2
Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Menu Screens
Chapter Selections
Danish\Dutch\English\French\Norwegian\Spanish\Swedish
Editorial
Synopsis
After the events of the previous decade in Los Angeles, this 1988 film about L.A. street gangs as seen through the eyes of the LAPD represented a serious effort to throw some light on the appalling carnage of that world in which, for example, 400 gangbangers were killed in 1987, the year the film was in production. It stars Robert Duvall as Mike Hodges and Sean Penn as Danny McGavin, veteran/rookie cop partners attached to CRASH, the LAPD's gang-supression unit. Hodges has been working South Central for years and has the gangbangers' respect for his low-key, quid pro quo demeanor. Despite his partner's admonitions, McGavin wants to play Rambo, bringing the hammer down on gang members at every opportunity. Ultimately the rage that drives the younger man destroys his relationship with his girlfriend, Louisa Gomez (Maria Conchita Alonso), and raises questions as to whether he should even be allowed to wear a badge. While considerable attention is paid to the complicated rubrics of gang culture, the gangbangers remain shadowy, nearly anonymous figures, especially compared to later portrayals. COLORS is a solid film, featuring superb performances by Penn and Duvall, excellent photography by Haskell Wexler, and a killer soundtrack.
Dated but enjoyable
Review date: 2007-08-20 Rating: 8 out of 10
One thing that stood out in this film was the treatment meted out to a felon which echoed the Rodney King beating by LAPD. There were several cops who attempted to batter him to the ground. I found it implausible, yet the King incident gave it a strange authenticity.
Another small criticism was the chase through the restaurant. Penn had been in a car and High Top on a bike and the time it took Duvall to catch them up(on foot, or had he hitched a lift using his police authority) must've been through time lapse photography. Having said that the
relationships between all the players provided for some entertaining realism.
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- At Close Range [1986]
- Carlito's Way [1994]
Reviews
Fast Paced & Well Directed
Review date: 2007-07-12 Rating: 8 out of 10
Robert Duvall is perfect in his role of an old cop who've seen everything and try to avoid gunshots. Sean Penn is excellent in his role of young violent cop. The two characters are totally different, but they must work together, they will learn from each other.
The soundtrack includes great singers, Los Lobos and Ice-T.
Dennis Hopper is a really good actor, with this movie, he shows he is an amazing film director.
Gritty and impressive urban thriller
Review date: 2003-01-25 Rating: 8 out of 10
Colors was made in the immediate period preceeding global familiarity with LA gang culture achieved through the spread of explosive rap acts, televised images of rioting and several films. It steers clear of the sensationalism and bragging that characterises much of this material. Instead it presents a balanced and unsentimental look at the powerful allure of gang culture to the poor and disenfranchised urban youth and the obstacles standing in the way of neutral policing in an environment where the macho and indesciminant violence affects all who deal with it.
The fine dividing line between the gangsta and the cop is the source of tension between two police partners and forms the central relationship of the film. The senior cop (Duvall) dislikes the brutal approach to policing adopted by his new and inexperienced partner (Penn) accusing him of being "just like them - nothing but a gangsta". There is a refreshing absence of Hollywood moralsing in this film which indicates that the violent events of the film are merely part of a wider reality that constantly repeats and reinforces itself. As one of the gang members argues ... "there will always be gangs man, always be fighting, that's just life".
The sordid filming locations and sharp dialogue give the film a powerful realism, and listen out for the brilliant and menacing theme song rapped by Ice-T. Hopper has directed a hard-edged and exciting film here and it wins my praise.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Grand L. Bush
Robert Duvall
Sean Penn
Maria Conchita Alonso
Randy Brooks
Creators:
Sean Penn (Primary Contributor)
Robert Duvall (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: MGM Entertainment
Manufacturer: MGM Entertainment
EAN: 5050070006704
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2001-07-09
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1988-04-15
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)