The Life (2004) (TV)

Director:

Lynne Stopkewich

Writers:

Alan Di Fiore (writer)
Chris Haddock (writer)

Release Date:

13 January 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Two cops, two choices... look the other way or break the rules...

Plot:

Two Canadian cops start videotaping the drug scene in Vancouver.

Plot Keywords:

Police | Vancouver Canada | Drug Dealing

Awards:

1 win & 10 nominations

Cast

Bruce Greenwood	...	Arnie
Brian Markinson	...	Tony
Alisen Down	...	Crystal
Nancy Sivak	...	Rose
Terry Chen	...	Daryl
Ian Tracey	...	Matt
Duncan Fraser	...	McTavish
John Cassini	...	Victor Pinto
Katharine Isabelle	...	Amber Reilly
Nicholas Campbell	...	John Reilly
James Crescenzo	...	Constable (as Jim Crescenzo)
Jada Stark	...	Crack Addict #1
Glen Gould	...	Crack Addict #2
Tim Fanning	...	Bagpiper
Melanie Blackwell	...	Suzie

Runtime:

Brazil:92 min

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:MA

Filming Locations:

Downtown Eastside, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Canadian Television (CTV)

Movie Connections:

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Soundtrack:

So Fine

Possibly the best anti-drug film ever

This TV film is perhaps the best fictionalized anti-drug film ever made. In this feature, one often feels as a participant in the anti-drug crusade these Vancouver policemen undertake. At once, one also feels like an insider cruising the streets of downtown Vancouver's "junkville." The characters rapidly become like old acquaintances, and one sees both sides of the dilemma each time a character or situated is revisited. It is so realistic, at times the film seems more like a documentary. But the film makers were smart to cast Bruce Greenwood (of "Saving Julia" , "The Core", "Ararat" and "13 Days") as a recognizable actor, if not a full fledge Hollywood star, in the lead role.

Mr. Greenwood brings humanity, compassion, and depth to the character - far from being your average drug beat cop in North American movies. The other actors, both from the police group of the cast, and from the drug addicted group, give inspired performances. If I hadn't looked up the other actors film careers, I would have remained convinced they were real life junkies.

That said, none of the roles ever fall into caricature, or stereotype, and everyone's situation is presented without bias, and with none of the preaching possibly to be expected in such a powerful anti drug piece. This is one of those films which proves that there is a difference between Anglo Canada and the U.S.

And also that there is indeed a lot of exceptional talent in Canadian cinema. Mr. Greenwood is not the only example of this, though he's the best known, and a film like this needs at least one known name. From the voting, it seems like it has not been shown much. I expected many more votes and comments. Plus, I saw it on Cinemax Prime (Latin America) in Brazil, which is usually about 6 months behind its powerful U.S. parent, which also brings us HBO and HBO Plus and the rest.

If this film is showing in your cable or satellite area, by all means see it. Don't think it's just an anti-drug film, or "faux" documentary. Watch it for what it is: a poignant and perfectly acted slice of humanity.