State of Grace (1990)

Director:

Phil Joanou

Writer (WGA):

Dennis McIntyre (written by)

Release Date:

14 September 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

A family ripped apart by violence. A love corrupted by betrayal. A friendship stained by blood.

Plot:

Terry Noonan returns home to New York's Hells Kitchen after a ten year absence. He soon hooks up with...

Plot Keywords:

Irish Mob | New York | Brother | Irish | Irish American

Cast

Sean Penn	...	Terry Noonan
Ed Harris	...	Frankie Flannery
Gary Oldman	...	Jackie Flannery
Robin Wright Penn	...	Kathleen Flannery (as Robin Wright)
John Turturro	...	Nick
Burgess Meredith	...	Finn
R.D. Call	...	Pat Nicholson, Frankie's Lieutenant
Joe Viterelli	...	Borelli
John C. Reilly	...	Stevie McGuire
Deirdre O'Connell	...	Irene
Marco St. John	...	Jimmy Cavello
Thomas G. Waites	...	Frankie's Man
Brian Burke	...	Frankie's Man
Michael Cumpsty	...	Frankie's Man
Mick Cunningham	...	Frankie's Man (as Michael Cunningham)

Runtime:

134 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Singapore:M18 | Iceland:16 | USA:TV-MA (cable rating) | New Zealand:R16 | Australia:R | Finland:K-16 | France:-12 | Germany:18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | Ireland:18 | Norway:18 (video premiere) (1991) | Norway:(Banned) (1990-2003) (cinema release)

Filming Locations:

Little Italy, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Cinehaus

Trivia:

Bill Pullman was originally cast as Frankie Flannery. He wasn't working out and was replaced by 'Ed Harris'.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the final shoot-out, when Noonan jumps over the bar he is seen about to fall backside down, but when seen landing on the backside of the bar he lands face down.

Quotes:

Jackie Flannery: All right! Hands up!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in En la cama (2005)

Soundtrack:

White City

Simply One of The Best Films Ever Made

The credits have just begun rolling on what has been my 7th full viewing of State of Grace. (This number doesn't count the times I've watched it after having missed some portion of the film.) I first saw this film as a rental some time around 1992, and it has not lost a bit of its relevance. It is nothing short of mesmerizing. Every time I watch it I'm pulled in completely. The performances are the reason this is one of my all-time favorite films. Gary Oldman was so convincing that I was surprised the first time I heard him speak in his native dialect. His performance in this film, as in virtually every film he's been in, was a thesis on acting. Sean Penn turned in a masterful performance that was complex and nuanced. And Ed Harris displayed his usual laser beam intensity. Everyone in this ensemble piece resonated perfectly to create this vivid story. I hope this film comes to be recognized as the classic I already believe it is.