End of Watch (2012)

Shot documentary-style, this film follows the daily grind of two young police officers in LA who are partners and friends, and what happens when they meet criminal forces greater than themselves.

Director:

David Ayer

Writer:

David Ayer

Stars:

Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick

3 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jake Gyllenhaal	...	Brian Taylor
Michael Peña	...	Mike Zavala
Natalie Martinez	...	Gabby
Anna Kendrick	...	Janet
David Harbour	...	Van Hauser
Frank Grillo	...	Sarge
America Ferrera	...	Orozco
Cle Sloan	...	Mr. Tre
Jaime FitzSimons	...	Captain Reese
Cody Horn	...	Davis
Shondrella Avery	...	Bonita
Everton Lawrence	...	Man Friend
Leequwid 'Devil' Wilkens	...	CK
James 'Pistol' McNeal	...	DJ
Zone	...	Too Tall

Storyline

In South Central Los Angeles, street cops Brian and Mike are partners - balls-out cowboys patrolling the streets as Latino gangs are in a power struggle with Blacks. Brian and Mike get lucky a couple of times, making big drug and human-trafficking busts, so a Mexican cartel orders their deaths. We meet Mike's pregnant wife (whom he married out of high school) and watch Brian's search for a soul mate. There are internal squabbles within the ranks of the LAPD and lots of squad-car conversation. Can the lads escape the cartel's murderous reach?

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Plot Keywords:

street gang | police | lapd | police officer | police partner | 

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Taglines:

They were the city's top guns, until one discovery made them the cartel's most wanted.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, some disturbing images, pervasive language including sexual references, and some drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

21 September 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

End of Watch

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,152,683, 23 September 2012, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$41,003,371

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$53,041,274

Company Credits

Production Co:

Exclusive Media Group, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films (EFO Films), Hedge Fund Film Partners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Datasat Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In law enforcement, "end of watch" has two meanings; it commonly refers to time to go off duty at the end of shift (some agencies call shifts "watches"). Also, if an officer is killed in the line of duty, the date of his death is referred to as his end of watch.

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Goofs

When Taylor and Zavala are patrolling the town at night and having a conversation, the passenger door seems to keep locking and unlocking after every cut to Taylor.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Brian Taylor: I am the police, and I'm here to arrest you. You've broken the law. I did not write the law. I may even disagree with the law but I will enforce it. No matter how you plead, cajole, beg or attempt to stir my sympathies, nothing you do will stop me from placing you in a steel cage with gray bars. If you run away I will chase you. If you fight me I will fight back. If you shoot at me I will shoot back. By law I am unable to walk away. I am a consequence. I am the unpaid bill. I am ...

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Crazy Credits

This film is dedicated to the men and women of the law enforcement community who face danger daily on our behalf. It is especially dedicated to our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This is for all that fight evil so we may not know it. God bless you all.

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Connections

Referenced in Everything Wrong with...: Everything Wrong with Battle Los Angeles in 18 Minutes or Less (2017)

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Soundtracks

Fade Into You
Written by Hope Sandoval and David Roback
By Mazzy Star
Courtesy of Capitol Records
Under License from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

Amazing dichotomy of emotions

Jake and Michael have the most amazing on-screen chemistry that makes the viewers believe they're truly best friends and police partners. The way the script was written allowed David Ayer to elicit an incredible range of emotion from the viewers. It's hilariously funny during car scenes between Jake and Michael, playing on relatable awkward topics of sex, dating, and other things best friends would joke about, yet incredibly serious, showing just how intense and dangerous police officers' jobs in South Central LA can be. The use of Jake's hand-held camera gives a Paranormal Activity feeling (without the headache) that adds to the "realness" of the film. I highly recommend this film and challenge anyone to not be completely moved by the end of it.