Based on the experiences of 2 police officers who worked in the South Bronx precinct known as "Fort Apache", the film begins with the disclaimer: "Because the story involves police work, it does not deal with the law-abiding members of the community nor does it dramatize the efforts of individuals and groups who are struggling to turn the Bronx around." What follows is a parade of pimps, prostitutes, junkies, welfare recipients, suicidal transvestites, racist cops and nurses who dabble in drugs. The film is framed by a strung out psycho(Pam Grier) who literally stumbles in and out of the proceedings. Back in the day this was considered gritty, but thanks to NYPD Blue, Law&Order... it now seems relatively mild. The film is a mixed bag of shock, sorrow, romance, drama of conscience, humor and ironic comment. The various subplots make it feel like several episodes of a TV show strung together. Nonetheless, it compels, the acting is fine though most of the characterizations are clichés, Pam Grier is memorable, but Ed Asner and Kathleen Beller feel expendable. Thanks to location shooting and Daniel Petrie's limber direction the Bronx itself becomes an antagonist.
Review of Fort Apache the Bronx
