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State of Grace
1990 135 min United States of America R 18+
★7.2
Drama, Crime, Thriller
Director: Phil Joanou
Trailers
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Description
Hell's Kitchen, New York. Terry Noonan returns home after a ten-year absence. He soon reconnects with Jackie, a childhood friend and member of the Irish mob, and rekindles his love affair with Jackie's sister Kathleen.
Budget:
$7M
US Gross:
$1.91M
Worldwide:
$1.91M
Starring
Sean Penn
Actor
Ed Harris
Actor
Gary Oldman
Actor
Key opinion
State of Grace is widely regarded as a powerful, gritty neo-noir crime drama anchored by exceptional performances from its lead cast. While some critics find the plot tropes familiar or occasionally repetitive, the intense atmosphere and standout character work elevate it to a cult classic status among mafia films.
| Acting | Gary Oldman’s portrayal of the volatile Jackie Flannery is a standout performance that frequently outshines the rest of the ensemble. | |
| Acting | The film features a strong, cohesive lead cast, with Sean Penn and Ed Harris delivering nuanced performances that anchor the central conflict of loyalty versus duty. | |
| Cinematography | The technical presentation—specifically Jordan Cronenweth’s gritty cinematography and Ennio Morricone’s evocative score—effectively elevates the mood and visual style of the film. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative relies on well-worn gangster tropes, leaving viewers divided on whether the story provides a compelling exploration of its themes or suffers from predictability and simplistic character motivations. | |
| Ending | Opinions on the film's conclusion vary, with some viewers finding the final act a powerful, high-stakes payoff, while others feel the ending is underwhelming or spoils the preceding development. |