Dennis Hopper's violent homage to the L.A.P.D. "C.R.A.S.H." unit that patrols gangland caused many a sensation when it was released in 1988. Community groups across the city of angels called the film controversial and even irresponsible, claiming that it was likely to stir up trouble and fighting due to its subject matter, and it did! At one of the premier screenings in Los Angeles suburbia, rioting broke out between two rival gangs.
On the other end of the scale were those who praised the film for its bravery and honesty, saying that "Colors" was a powerful statement concerning the violence on the streets of LA I for one certainly can't dispute the film's controversy, however I would argue that often these type of movies sometimes have to be made before anybody will do anything about the situation. Take the 1978 film "Midnight Express", about American Billy Hayes who was imprisoned in a Turkish jail. Both governments took immediate action after viewing that movie. And even if nothing comes of "Colors", perhaps the population of the world will have benefited from the education it offers.
While I would disagree that "Colors" is a powerful picture, it certainly is honest, and both screen writers Michael Schiffer and Richard Dilello, along with director Dennis Hopper, should be credited for broaching such a touchy subject.
Sean Penn and Robert Duvall both give strong performances as the cops who find themselves at odds when it comes to handling the street hoodlums who poison the town with drugs and rule it with machine guns. Backing the two leads is a fine support cast, great hip hop music from Herbie Hancock, and sharp cinematography from Haskell Wexler.
"Colors" is an accurate and often damning film about street gang violence which seems to suggest that trying to help these kids at their level may be more effective than fighting them head on.
Sunday, July 17, 1994 - Video
On the other end of the scale were those who praised the film for its bravery and honesty, saying that "Colors" was a powerful statement concerning the violence on the streets of LA I for one certainly can't dispute the film's controversy, however I would argue that often these type of movies sometimes have to be made before anybody will do anything about the situation. Take the 1978 film "Midnight Express", about American Billy Hayes who was imprisoned in a Turkish jail. Both governments took immediate action after viewing that movie. And even if nothing comes of "Colors", perhaps the population of the world will have benefited from the education it offers.
While I would disagree that "Colors" is a powerful picture, it certainly is honest, and both screen writers Michael Schiffer and Richard Dilello, along with director Dennis Hopper, should be credited for broaching such a touchy subject.
Sean Penn and Robert Duvall both give strong performances as the cops who find themselves at odds when it comes to handling the street hoodlums who poison the town with drugs and rule it with machine guns. Backing the two leads is a fine support cast, great hip hop music from Herbie Hancock, and sharp cinematography from Haskell Wexler.
"Colors" is an accurate and often damning film about street gang violence which seems to suggest that trying to help these kids at their level may be more effective than fighting them head on.
Sunday, July 17, 1994 - Video