25th Hour (2002)

Cornered by the DEA, convicted New York drug dealer Montgomery Brogan reevaluates his life in the 24 remaining hours before facing a seven-year jail term.

Director:

Spike Lee

Writers:

David Benioff (novel), David Benioff (screenplay)

Stars:

Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Edward Norton	...	Monty Brogan
Philip Seymour Hoffman	...	Jacob Elinsky
Barry Pepper	...	Frank Slaughtery
Rosario Dawson	...	Naturelle Riviera
Anna Paquin	...	Mary D'Annunzio
Brian Cox	...	James Brogan
Tony Siragusa	...	Kostya Novotny
Levan Uchaneishvili	...	Uncle Nikolai (as Levani)
Tony Devon	...	Agent Allen
Misha Kuznetsov	...	Senka Valghobek
Isiah Whitlock Jr.	...	Agent Flood
Michael Genet	...	Agent Cunningham
Patrice O'Neal	...	Khari
Al Palagonia	...	Salvatore Dominick
Aaron Stanford	...	Marcuse

Storyline

The 25th Hour depicts the last day of freedom for a young man before he begins serving a seven-year jail term for drug dealing. Prowling through the city until dawn with his two close male friends and his girlfriend, he is forced to re-examine his life and how he got himself into his predicament, which leads to a shocking, disturbing finale.

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | drug dealing | teacher | dream | bar | 

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Taglines:

Can you change your whole life in a day?

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

The 25th Hour

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$32,399 (Brazil) (23 May 2003)

Gross:

$32,399 (Brazil) (23 May 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

25th Hour Productions, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, Gamut Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min 108 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

On-screen father and son Brian Cox and Edward Norton have both appeared in films with the Hannibal Lecter character: Cox played Lecter in Manhunter, while Norton played Will Graham in that movie's remake, Red Dragon. Philip Seymour Hoffman also appeared in Red Dragon as reporter Freddy Lounds.

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Goofs

After Jacob finishes his champagne at the table at the dance club while drinking with Monty, his glass suddenly refills itself.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Monty Brogan: Look at this. He's alive.
Kostya Novotny: This dog, how you call it? Bull pit?
Monty Brogan: No, Pit-Bull. But that's not a pit bull. I don't know, I don't know what he is. I bet he lost somebody some money though. Give me your gun.
Kostya Novotny: Shooting him?
Monty Brogan: Yeah.

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Crazy Credits

Special Thanks ... Bruce "Da Boss" Springsteen

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Connections

References The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)

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Soundtracks

"Cavern"
Written by Scott Hartley, Richard McGuire, Salvatore Principato and Dennis Young
Performed by Liquid Liquid
Courtesy of Grand Royal

User Reviews

A different kind of movie..

This great picture by the greatly discussed Spike Lee is one of a kind. What really makes this shine through the constant rubble being made by either incompetent directors or inexperienced ones is first of all, the incredible acting and for that you need great characters that are well thought-out and second comes the frighteningly real and tragic story. Which Lee handles with utmost care and outstanding precision.

Lee's trademarks are present here and the cinematography suits the feel of the movie very well. The final product feels very polished, but true to the story and it is those small things that some of us notice, those details that separate a veteran from a novice. There are some weak points, but they are only minor.

The acting here is top notch. Norton convinces once again and makes for a great heartfelt performance and Hoffman is equally impressive. However, I was completely blown away by Pepper. Barry Pepper. He 'was' continuously Frank and very consistent in his acting. The scene where he breaks down and Norton thanks him in a way for what he has done is one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen. It felt so authentic.

Furthermore, I can keep writing about how great this movie is or how good the acting, but eventually you have to decide for yourself. I can only recommend it.

So, I say to you, if you can, see this movie as soon as possible.