The Synopsis:
A rookie police officer in New Orleans has to balance her identity as a black woman with her role as a police officer when she witnesses other police officers committing murder.
The Review:
Black and Blue is a gritty film that highlights the ongoing racial tension that pervades the inner city streets of New Orleans, while simultaneously exposing pervasive corruption within the local police force.
Alicia West (Naomie Harris) is an army veteran who left her hometown to serve two deployments in Afghanistan. Upon returning to New Orleans 10 years later, she has taken a post as a rookie police officer, but she quickly discovers that the societal tensions between the African-American community and its Caucasian neighbors has rapidly deteriorated into near impossible conditions. Her home is not what it used to be.
As West patrols the streets with her partner, Deacon, he decides to make an unanticipated detour while revealing few details to West. He insists she wait in the car, but while he meets with his criminal informant, West hears gunshots and determines to find out what is happening. She quickly discovers that a group of narcotics detectives within her department, led by Terry Malone (Frank Grillo), doesn’t truly have the community’s best interests in mind.
The story takes a disastrous turn as West finds herself running for her life. As she desperately seeks out someone she can trust, she develops an unexpected alliance with an old acquaintance, Milo “Mouse” Jackson (Tyrese Gibson), and together, they fiercely defend what they have determined is worth every possible risk – the value of each human life.
While Black and Blue has a powerful message about being the person who goes against the grain, to initiate change in your community no matter the cost, and includes the theme of repentance, the story has heavy language and gratuitous gun violence. This film does not receive the Dove Seal of approval.
