TV tip: A two-time Oscar winner in one of his best thrillers – brutally hard, authentic and damn suspenseful

In 2002, Denzel Washington received his second Oscar for his performance in Training Day. The noble mime played his part with terrifying intensity and astonishing complexity. The New Yorker turned the mix of hard thriller and intense character drama, staged by Antoine Fuqua (“The Equalizer 1+2”), into a true event.

“Training Day” is on April 28, 2023 at 10:05 PM on RTL 2. The broadcaster offers a repeat at 2.10 that same evening. Are these dates too late for you despite the weekend? Then you can watch the FSK 16 title at any time as part of your Netflix subscription or stream it for a fee at Amazon or order it as a Blu-ray/DVD:

“Training Day” was a huge box office hit when it opened on screens. However, a sequel was not immediately released. Instead, one started in 2017 TV series of the same name, which took place 15 years after the events of the theatrical film and occasionally referred to it. Bill Paxton starred in one of his last roles. However, after the sudden death of the “Aliens” and “Twister” stars, the series was canceled after just one season.

In 2019, there were initial reports of a prequel that would feature the character Washington played at a young age. The project is now officially in (pre-)production since the end of February 2022. Training Day: Day Of The Riot is set in 1992. The action takes place during the real riots in Los Angeles settled, which broke out as a result of the murder of Rodney King by police officers. It is not yet known who will act in front of or behind the camera.

“Training Day” on RTL 2: That’s the story

LAPD Detective Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) is the epitome of a corrupt cop. Because several of his colleagues and superiors (including Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry) are primarily out for their own benefit, he can easily intimidate witnesses. hesitate, embezzle loot, falsify evidence and even kill people who are dangerous to his activities.

One day, idealistic police rookie Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) comes across Harris as he must qualify for a post in his undercover unit within a 24-hour probationary period. The shocked novice witnesses how his new boss does not arrest two rapists, but brutally beats up or robs young dealers of their drugs and a chunk of money, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

But that’s not all: Hoyt also learns that Harris has a lover (Eva Mendes) and a child and is being hunted by the Russian mafia due to high debts. However, the veteran remains cool about this and suggests consuming some of the seized drugs first. When Hoyt refuses, Harris puts his service weapon to his head…

“Training Day”: 24 hours in 121 minutes

While it soon becomes clear that Alonzo Harris, played furiously by Denzel Washington, is not a good person, there are always surprises for the audience in relation to his actions. Because the screenplay by author David Ayer is peppered with unexpected twists. It’s amazing how the later “End Of Watch” director manages to fit everything into such a short time frame without losing credibility to the story.

As our strong 4-star FILMSTARTS review confirms, “Training Day” is a thoroughly entertaining thriller drama. Director Antoine Fuqua has managed to squeeze 24 turbulent hours into 121 breathless minutes and still inspire us to think and empathize. And that without the hint of a raised index finger – quite a remarkable achievement!

*