Training Day (2001)

72% of critics liked it
(153 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(267,222 ratings)

The Fast and the Furious (2001) screenwriter David Ayer follows up that fast-paced action hit with this gritty cop drama from director Antoine Fuqua. Ethan Hawke stars as Jake Hoyt, a fresh-faced Los Angeles Police Department rookie anxious to join the elite narcotics squad headed up by 13-year… More The Fast and the Furious (2001) screenwriter David Ayer follows up that fast-paced action hit with this gritty cop drama from director Antoine Fuqua. Ethan Hawke stars as Jake Hoyt, a fresh-faced Los Angeles Police Department rookie anxious to join the elite narcotics squad headed up by 13-year veteran Detective Sergeant Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Harris has agreed to give Hoyt a shot at joining his team with a one-day ride-along during which Hoyt must prove his mettle. As the day wears on, however, it becomes increasingly clear to the greenhorn that his experienced mentor has blurred the line between right and wrong to an alarming degree, enforcing his own morally compromised code of ethics and street justice. As he struggles with his conscience, an increasingly alarmed Hoyt begins to suspect that he's not really being given an audition at all; he's being set up as the fall guy in an elaborate scheme. Training Day co-stars Tom Berenger, Scott Glenn, and recording artists Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Macy Gray. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 2 min.
Directed By: Antoine Fuqua
Written By: David Ayer
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Oct 5, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
If he makes it through the trial by fire -- and a blandly twisting plot with no meaningful revelations or substantial themes -- Hawke will get a promotion, but there's nothing in it for us.
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
On a purely visceral level, Training Day is easily the most exciting movie out there right now, but as a morality tale with anything large on its mind, it's a cop-out.
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com
Training Day isn't just one of the finest cops-and-robbers thrillers of recent years, full of devious twists and gut-grinding tension, but it also steers clear of convenient moral formulas.
Rex Reed, New York Observer
Training Day is a tense, polished, well-made action thriller that suffers from bad timing.
(CNN.com) Paul Clinton, CNN.com
As usual Washington is astounding. He grabs the screen like a vise and never lets go.
Megan Rosenfeld, Washington Post
A taut, high-velocity film.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Great performances, but for adults only.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
The movie moves rapidly, is extremely violent and not entirely plausible.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
This isn't a serious movie, despite Denzel Washington in full eruption and giving his calloused lines more weight and authority than they deserve.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Cast against type as a corrupt cop, Denzel Washington, usually seen in noble and heroic roles, is nothing short of brilliant; with some luck, he should earn an Oscar nomination.
Chris Hewitt (UK), Empire Magazine
Marred slightly by an unsatisfactory climax, this is a cracking cop drama anchored by great performances and intelligent direction from Fuqua.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the more detail there is in a frame, the better the picture looks. (HD-DVD Edition)
, Time Out
Director Fuqua keeps it slick and sleazy and stokes up the race some, but this only accelerates the movie's deafening rush toward the top and ever over.
Steven Snyder, Zertinet Movies
Thumbs up, without question. Unfortunately, Training Day could have been so much more than it is.
Andrew Manning, Radio Free Entertainment
Denzel Washington delivers a remarkable performance in this enthralling and unique tale of a corrupt cop, completely transforming himself into an unexpectedly imposing threat.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...an intelligent and riveting action movie that doesn't rely on a lot of special effects to tell a genuinely interesting story.
Tom Grealis, RTE Interactive (Dublin, Ireland)
While most critics have chosen to highlight Washington's performance as the standout, it would be unfair not to mention Ethan Hawke, who plays the rookie Hoyt with a perfect patina of guileless enthusiasm.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
It is unfortunate that the script by David Ayer is so riddled with pretense, but Washington, Hawke, and their supporting cast do all they can to play through.

Read all 18 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Jens S

This cop thriller spans over not much more than 12 hours of tough, gritty and morally grey work in the ugly parts of LA. Between drug addicts, dealers and gang members the rookie gets his lessons by the leader of the pack. Washington and Hawke are perfect choices for their roles and… More
This cop thriller spans over not much more than 12 hours of tough, gritty and morally grey work in the ugly parts of LA. Between drug addicts, dealers and gang members the rookie gets his lessons by the leader of the pack. Washington and Hawke are perfect choices for their roles and especially Denzel's performance is magnificent, keeping his character somewhere between insanity and reason, menacing and jovial at the same time, deserving the Oscar he got for it. As an outsider, it is hard to say how realistic the film, as it isn't exactly painting a very flattering picture of the LAPD. But it is the lack of any morally comforting formulas that makes the plot so enthralling. Does the rookie get an important lesson or is he in the car with the devil? This question, carried by the strong performances and a great cinematography make this film work. As things get more and more dire, the audience can't help but get engaged. Excellent.
xGary X

Ethan Hawke plays a rookie cop looking to make detective by becoming part of Denzel Washington's narcotics task force. But is he teaching the rules of survival on the dog eat dog streets, or is he a psychotic and corrupt loose cannon using Hawke's inexperience for his own… More
Ethan Hawke plays a rookie cop looking to make detective by becoming part of Denzel Washington's narcotics task force. But is he teaching the rules of survival on the dog eat dog streets, or is he a psychotic and corrupt loose cannon using Hawke's inexperience for his own ends? The biggest appeal in this glossy cop thriller is seeing Denzel playing totally against his usual holier than holy type and if he'd taken more of these parts, I'd like him a whole lot more. Unfortunately it's the reliance on surface gloss that is the film's Achilles heel. If you asked a middle class 15 year old white boy what it's like to live in the "hood", this is exactly what he'd describe; basically a living hip-hop video, complete with rappers, lowriders and hot and gratuitously naked Puerto Rican babes. The story and direction is effective but it chugs along with little pause for suspense and it lacks the grittiness and believability of the similar Narc. It is clearly a quality action thriller that's fuelled by Washington's powerhouse performance but the female demographic may be put off by the constant macho posturing that makes it positively reek of testosterone.
Albert K

Denzel's performance is absolutely riveting. Every scene he's in, he's got the audience captivated. The East-LA, gritty gang setting is revealing and shocking but the movie suffers from poor production value, poor cinematography & camera work, and little substance.… More
Denzel's performance is absolutely riveting. Every scene he's in, he's got the audience captivated. The East-LA, gritty gang setting is revealing and shocking but the movie suffers from poor production value, poor cinematography & camera work, and little substance. This movie is extremely forgettable; what isn't forgettable? Denzel Washington's performance. Yup, he's that good. He carries the entire movie.
Josh M

Training Day is a gripping thriller, despite the fact that it trades in rusty corrupt cop and film noir cliches, plus a wack of borrowed scenes from other movies. This is due to the talents of three men who elevate this into something truly special: Denzel Washington, charismatic… More
Training Day is a gripping thriller, despite the fact that it trades in rusty corrupt cop and film noir cliches, plus a wack of borrowed scenes from other movies. This is due to the talents of three men who elevate this into something truly special: Denzel Washington, charismatic leading man doing the best work of his career as a bad guy (he should do more bad ass dudes, and won Oscar for this), Ethan Hawke, who takes on the earnest and idealistic rookie role and makes a meal of it, has never been better, and super talented director Antoine Fuqua, who insisted the real locations and extras, creating a versimilitude of inner city of Los Angeles in a way that has never been done better in a mainstream Hollywood potboiler. The naive rookie coupled with the corrupt veteran has been done a million times, but this works because of the superb chemistry of Denzel and Ethan, and a black humour that coexists on the knife edge of menace. On the down side, the last act and its resolution trades in ridiculous unlikely coincidences that make no sense, but we as viewers are already on board for the ride, so the filmmakers get away with it. For example (spoiler alert) Denzel steals money from his best pal and cruelly executes him just so the greek tragedy is set up for the end. Later, the whole hood, to a man, that Denzel controls conveniently turn against him, for no apparent reason, leading to his demise. Then there are echos of other scenes from better movies such as the Godfather, Sonny Corleone's legendarily brutal machine gun execution which is recreated almost verbatim. See if you can spot others. All in all, a good way to spend two hours, provided you don't expect much originality.
Brad W

Training Day is one of my favorite films ever made, and is by far the best performance by Denzel Washington. The story is about Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) on his first day of being a cop, and the whole day he is taught by a corrupt and evil cop Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). The… More
Training Day is one of my favorite films ever made, and is by far the best performance by Denzel Washington. The story is about Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) on his first day of being a cop, and the whole day he is taught by a corrupt and evil cop Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). The story sounds so simple, but it was actually so brilliant and genius, because the film takes place on one day and shows the true nature of evil, and how corrupt a person can become. The cast is probably the best part of the film, but when I say that I mostly mean Denzel Washington. Denzel Washington plays one of the greatest and evil roles in film history, I mean at first he seems to be a little shaky but as the film goes on we realize that our protagonist has to work with a complete sociopath. Ethan Hawke is also great ands I had never even heard of him until this film, but now I can honestly say he is a good actor. Training Day has something special about it, that it focuses on one day of
Jeff "

A different style of cop film, features Denzel Washington as a veteran narcotics officer and Ethan Hawke as the young rookie. Training Day has a good idea for a story, but it's clear that the film could be so much more. Antoine Fuqua is not very talented as a director, but he… More
A different style of cop film, features Denzel Washington as a veteran narcotics officer and Ethan Hawke as the young rookie. Training Day has a good idea for a story, but it's clear that the film could be so much more. Antoine Fuqua is not very talented as a director, but he manages to create a film that's pretty decent. Training Day is a perfect film, and it's clear that this film struggles with a semi decent script. Denzel Washington's performance is what saves this picture from a being a total dud. Despite the fact that it's uneven, Training Day manages quite entertaining. I'm not saying that this is a good film, but it does have a few good, action packed moments. The dramatic elements thrown into the story barely work, and feel unnatural in the story's overall progression. I did enjoy the films ending, and Denzel Washington really brought it when this film could have been a total disaster. Training Day is worth watching, but its never excellent, and the rappers here such as Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg should stick to the music (not that its good music to begin with) as these two aren't fit to be actors. Though it lacks anything really thrilling, Training Day manages to be a decent time waster despite the fact that it's barely an average film. Like I said before, Denzel Washington saved this film from being a poor action drama, and it's because of his performance alone that this is a film that's watchable.
Chris W

This film takes a nice formula (24 trip following a rookie cop learning the ropes from a wise, yet ruthless and powerful veteran), and gives it a big shot of style and energy, making it a terrfic and engrossing film filled with excellent performances, a tight story, and tons of… More
This film takes a nice formula (24 trip following a rookie cop learning the ropes from a wise, yet ruthless and powerful veteran), and gives it a big shot of style and energy, making it a terrfic and engrossing film filled with excellent performances, a tight story, and tons of tension. This film marked a real change of pace for Denzel Washington, as this film shows him finally taking on the role of a bad guy, and the results do not disappoint in the slightest. The nominating was odd though sicne Ethan Hawke was nominated for an Oscar in the supporting category despite being in every scene. Denzel should have been in the supporting category, but both should have won regardless. Too bad only Denzel won. This isn't one of those times where they only gave a performer an award because they went against type. Denzel really does do an excellent job at playing menacing, yet very cool and charismatic. He's one guy you really don't wanna mess with, and I love the way that the machinations and schemes of his characters are constructed and executed. I'm also happy this film features characters that are complex, well rounded and not just typical caricatures. Denzel's Alonzo Harris may be corrupt, but he is an effective cop, and his reasons aren't pointless. Hawke's Jake Hoyt may seem like a typcial idealistic rookie, but he's got a dark side to him as well, and one scene that always sticks in my mind comes near the end when he leaves the ghetto. I'm not getting into details, but let's just say that what he goes through as he walks through the crowd (all done without dialogue) really says a lot about his character. It's an uncomfortable moment of pain and dehumanization that really rings true. Enough about all that though, This is just a great looking grityy drama that is really compelling and entertaining and you really get hooked into the world the characters inhabit. Had this film not been so strong and well made, it would have been just another run of the mill crime drama set in the hood. Thanks to the great direction and excellent performances though, this becomes art.
Eric A

"King Kong ain't got shit on me!" Definition of badass movie.
Spencer S

Most of this film was hinged on Denzel Washington, the wolf in sheepskin. At first I believed the portrayal of the so-called "streets" was a cliche on the edge of racial insensitivity, but as the movie progresses, you realize its simply a backdrop. Washington is at first a… More
Most of this film was hinged on Denzel Washington, the wolf in sheepskin. At first I believed the portrayal of the so-called "streets" was a cliche on the edge of racial insensitivity, but as the movie progresses, you realize its simply a backdrop. Washington is at first a caricature of a true human being, but as his brash and criminal element branches out, his cold heart becomes apparent, much like the fake persona serial killers use. Instead of just being a hate mongering cop on the backslide, he also manipulates a fellow officer (Hawke) into his ring of criminal activity. Hawke is clean in everything he does, from turning down drugs and money to saving a girl from being raped. He's a cowboy dressed all in white, no flaws about him, actually boring next to Washinton's daring role. Weaving throughout are gang relations, police brutality, drugs, armed robbery, and a reality that all the people that Washington's character, Alonzo, believes are under his thumb, actually hate the patronizing attitude he shows towards them. Between all the political incorrectness and unsubtle nuances, there is a message of honesty triumphing over all.
Dean !

A great action/crime thriller as a rookie cop joins the LA narcotics unit and has a memorable day in many ways. It's a very good film with some great actors and a decent story. It is quite violent at times, quite weird in places but has a tense great ending I really enjoyed. The… More
A great action/crime thriller as a rookie cop joins the LA narcotics unit and has a memorable day in many ways. It's a very good film with some great actors and a decent story. It is quite violent at times, quite weird in places but has a tense great ending I really enjoyed. The same director recently done Brooklyn's Finest also worth checking out!
Jameson W

A really good movie, very intense and action-packed. Great performance by Denzel Washington. Also, I really enjoyed Ethan Hawke's performance as well. They really complimented each other nicely. I recommend this movie!
♥Robyn

It's riveting and intense....i really liked it!
♥˩ƳИИ &

Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Raymond J. Barry, Snoop Dogg, Cliff Curtis, Eva Mendes DIRECTED BY: Antoine Fuqua A former Los Angeles security guard named Jake Hoyt has applied for a LAPD position as a Narcotics officer. However, in order to be… More
Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Raymond J. Barry, Snoop Dogg, Cliff Curtis, Eva Mendes DIRECTED BY: Antoine Fuqua A former Los Angeles security guard named Jake Hoyt has applied for a LAPD position as a Narcotics officer. However, in order to be accepted, he must go through approximately 24 hours of training from a veteran Narcotics officer. Unfortunately for Jake, he is appointed to Alonzo Harris, an officer who has a nasty reputation for not treating victims very well, abusing suspects, handling drugs and other evidence in a questionable matter, and opening fire randomly. So, Jake must watch his own back with Alonzo on this "Training Day". I really liked this movie. Thought it was well acted and had great dialogue. I must have seen this movie ten times the first week I bought it (Guys absolutely love this movie). I eventually hid it. But back to why it was good. I was entertained from beginning to end. Denzel was extremely good as the dirty cop. Him and Ethan were perfect together. Love to see them do another film. This movie is one of those edge of your seat kinds. Has loads of tension and you can't help but want to watch it all over again when its finished. Great action, acting, and plot. This is a movie you don't want to miss out on. A must see.
Conner R

Just a great combination of acting and a dynamite script. Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington gave some great performances, definitely the best Washington has ever been. The corruption of the LAPD's task force unit is a great concept to touch on because it ultimately eliminates an… More
Just a great combination of acting and a dynamite script. Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington gave some great performances, definitely the best Washington has ever been. The corruption of the LAPD's task force unit is a great concept to touch on because it ultimately eliminates an easy ending. The visual style of the film was perfect, if only Antoine Fuqua would've continued down this road.
danny d

the only bad movie denzel has ever made, ironic that he won his best actor oscar for his worst movie
Lewis C

Training Day is famous for giving Denzel Washington a chance to be the bad guy, and all of the buzz about his award-winning performance was well deserved. A movie that basically centers on two people over the course of one day has to have strong performances from its stars, and… More
Training Day is famous for giving Denzel Washington a chance to be the bad guy, and all of the buzz about his award-winning performance was well deserved. A movie that basically centers on two people over the course of one day has to have strong performances from its stars, and Washington and Ethan Hawke both rise to the occasion. The ending was a little trite and convenient (with a coincidence that asked for an incredible suspension of disbelief), but the rest of the movie was pretty good. Training Day raised a lot of questions about how much evil could be done to achieve the greater good, and whether it's acceptable to compromise your own morals, for an important cause. Those themes may not be completely new territory for crime dramas, but they are still worthwhile, when done well.
Lady D

One of my favourite performances from Denzel Washington and a great corrupt undercover police story. What a first Day!!! I really like the fact this all happened during one day, it added a realistc feel to it and a view to the escalating circumstances, whilst the characters grow… More
One of my favourite performances from Denzel Washington and a great corrupt undercover police story. What a first Day!!! I really like the fact this all happened during one day, it added a realistc feel to it and a view to the escalating circumstances, whilst the characters grow throughout.
Anthony L

Not bad. Washington is great but Hawke is annoying. Turn off before switching on!
Josh L

Denzel totally deserved his Oscar for this role. Ethan Hawke doesn't get as much recognition as his deserves though. The story makes me think about what really goes on inside each crime investigation and raises plenty of questions that people want answers for. David Ayer did a… More
Denzel totally deserved his Oscar for this role. Ethan Hawke doesn't get as much recognition as his deserves though. The story makes me think about what really goes on inside each crime investigation and raises plenty of questions that people want answers for. David Ayer did a great job on the script.
Arash X

CRAP with capital c, r, a & p