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Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright, John Turturro ... see more see more... , John C. Reilly , Burgess Meredith , R.D. Call , Joe Viterelli , Deirdre O'Connell , Sandra Beall , Brian Burke , Freddi Chandler , Frank Coletta , Saasha Costello , Michael Cumpsty , Michael Cunningham , Thomas F. Duffy , Lou Eppolito , B-Fine , Mo Gaffney , Tim Gallin , Frank Girardeau , Vincent Guastaferro , Timothy D. Klein , John A. MacKay , Paul-Felix Montez , Michael P. Moran , Daniel O'Shea , John Ottavino , John Roselius , James Russo , Marco St. John , Catherine Mary Stewart , Jaime Tirelli , Thomas G. Waites , Jack Wallace , John Anthony Williams , Tom Sullivan , Robin Wright Penn

This directorial effort from Phil Joanou stars Sean Penn as an Irish-American undercover cop working the Hell's Kitchen beat. Penn is ostensibly on a sentimental journey to his old neighborhood. Actua... read more read more...lly he's been assigned to infiltrate a criminal gang led by Ed Harris, the brother of Sean's best friend Gary Oldman. Penn suffers the requisite honor vs. duty anguish when he renews his childhood romance with Harris' sister Robin Wright. State of Grace would have had more clout had it been more clear as to time and place: it's supposedly set in the 1990s, but the attitudes and behavior are pure 1970s. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

79% liked it

9,078 ratings

Critics

83% liked it

23 critics

R, 2 hr. 14 min.

Directed by: Phil Joanou

Release Date: September 14, 1990

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DVD Release Date: December 3, 2002

Stats: 602 reviews

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Gary Oldman as Jackie Flannery State of Grace
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Flixster Reviews (602)

  • puffchunk
    January 27, 2011
    puffchunk
    Stellar cast. I was captivated the whole film by the actors. Although I have liked other 'rat in the mob' movies better, like Donnie Brasco and Departed, but with Oldman, Reilly, and Harris I can't complain. I gotta say, the one thing keeping me from a higher rating is that I did... read moren't care too much for the ending. As epic as the slow motion shootout was, it couldn't have felt more anti-climatic. Although, it was some nice squiby action.
  • ythelastman89
    October 11, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Irish Mob movies are not so common, but always seem to be great when they're made. This is one of the best, certainly topping The Depearted in my opinion. It deals with a similar scenario, but it's a lot more human and better looking. The cast is flawless, Sean Penn and Gary Oldm... read morean are just a few of the people who give some of their best performances. The story, for its time, was extremely original and done in such an effective way. It's a shame that no one holds this in the same regard as Goodfellas because it's honestly just as good. You care about these characters and believe they could exist in the real world. The Hell's Kitchen atmosphere is really effective, you can practically see the scummy darkness around you. Phil Joanou might not have many hits, but this is good enough to earn him some respect in my book.
  • yona71
    November 2, 2009
    yona71
    Magnificent look at the Irish mob in New York known as the Westies. Gary Oldman's character work as the ruthless Jackie Flannery is brilliant. He makes Jackie vulnerable and likable, showing he is one of the most unsung actors of our time. Sean Penn and Ed Harris turn in outstand... read moreing performances as well in this riveting film set primarily in New York City's "Hell's Kitchen". Even though Oldman's performance alone makes this film a "must see", the film is pretty much a perfect piece of cinema in every way. Very likely the best film of the last twenty years.
  • SirPant
    September 22, 2009
    SirPant
    An early 90's classic with a superb cast. Highly recommended as an alternative to most of the gangster films of that era.
  • creepfreak
    August 4, 2008
    creepfreak
    A raw, gritty, and brutal look at the Irish mob. Superb filmmaking. Strong, powerful, and solid performances...this is an excellent gangster film.

    "Terry Noonan returns home to New York's Hells Kitchen after a ten year absence. He soon hooks up with childhood pal Jackie who is... read more involved in the Irish mob run by his brother Frankie. Terry also rekindles an old flame with Jackie's sister Kathleen. Soon, however, Terry is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalties to others."

    Although each performance is almost flawless, Gary Oldman's stands out the most. What a maniac he is. A maniacal madman that's a ticking time bomb just waiting to erupt. His character is someone you definitely wouldn't want to bump into while walking down the street. Ed Harris plays his character good as well. He's truly convincing and certainly knows how to make the audience learn to hate his fu**ing guts. Sean Penn is another one who makes a solid performance. Everyone here is just great. We even got John Turturro and John C. Reilly making an appearance.

    A powerhouse of a film. It's also very violent, but nothing you wouldn't be able to stomach. State of Grace is hands down one of my favorite gangster movies, right up there with Goodfellas and Casino. A must see for everyone!

  • allan913
    April 13, 2008
    allan913
    A gangster movie classic. A stylish, gripping, taunt and exhilerating movie. A powerful, tough, insightful, suspenseful and awsome experiance. Superb career defining performances by it's astonishing cast. Truly dedicated, moving and passionate performances. Sean Penn is riveting.... read more Gary Oldman is electrifying. Ed Harris is brilliant. The chemistry is remarkable. A crime film of family, friendship, loyalty and betrayel. A real knockout. A masterpiece. A tour-de-force of breathtaking felocity. A drilling, explosive, nail-biting and unforgettable edge of your seat thriller. Well told and skillfully crafted.
  • shauna1354
    April 10, 2008
    shauna1354
    Extremely overlooked film. A dark and clever gangster film with a terrific cast. A career best performance for Gary Oldman, probably second to Norman Stansfield in Leon, he gives a chilling performance as an Irish gangster. Not only does he play a psychopath-who-keeps-body-parts-... read morein-his-freezer fantastically well but he also makes him likeable. Also in my opinion he made Sean Penn seem boring in this film.
    It's tense, gritty and action-packed but unfortunately not without it's cliches, it also tends to lag with the scenes with Penn and Robin Wright.
    Highly recommended, Gary Oldman's knockout performance is reason enough to see it.
  • 76Majikat
    April 4, 2008
    76Majikat
    An impressive cast including Sean Penn, Gary Oldman and Ed Harris, all of whom played great roles. A very enjoyable story, witht he most realistic shooting scenes I think I've ever watched. This film is definitely worthy of another watch, just to pick up on pieces missed first ... read moretime around.

    This is a definite recommendation to anyone who enjoys Organised crime/gangster style films.
  • YLOWBSTARDreturns
    October 30, 2007
    YLOWBSTARDreturns
    One of the most underrated gangster films ever made. Sean Penn, Ed Harris, and especially Gary Oldman do some of their very best work in this very unappreciated minor masterpiece.
  • garyX
    February 16, 2007
    garyX
    Quality, if slightly dated gangster drama featuring a fine cast doing what they do best. Deserves attention for concentrating on Irish gangsters rather than the usual mafioso, and Oldman is excellent, honing his psychotic gangster persona to a tee. Not a patch on it's contemporar... read morey, Goodfellas, but not much is.

View All State of Grace Reviews

Critic Reviews

Sheila Benson
January 3, 2012
Sheila Benson, Los Angeles Times

Every indulgence, including a two hour and 14 minute running time, is on display. Full Review

Variety Staff
March 26, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

A handsomely produced, mostly riveting, but ultimately overlong and overindulgent gangster picture. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Mr. Oldman gives an electrifying performance that both establishes a tragic, terrifying character and explains why that character's world is such a perilous place. Full Review

Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

Penn's affecting performance, a strong and silent struggle with his warring emotions, is hard pressed to offset Oldman's shrill shenanigans. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

What's best about "State of Grace" is what's unique to it - the twisted vision of the Oldman character, who lives in a world of evil and betrayal and has somehow thought himself around to the notion t... Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 14, 1990
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Joanou shows signs of becoming a real director. But they're still only signs. Full Review

January 3, 2012
TV Guide's Movie Guide

A violent, tortuous melodrama that labors mightily to be an Irish Mean Streets or a latter-day Wild Bunch. Full Review

Don Groves
December 31, 2010
Don Groves, sbs.com.au

Superior gangland drama with a nod to Scorsese Full Review

Derek Adams
February 9, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

A hugely impressive piece of work for a young director previously known for his documentary U2 Rattle and Hum. Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
October 10, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

A gritty, intense and explosive Irish gangster drama that's second only to Scorsese's GoodFellas as the best film of 1990.

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Facts

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    • Terry Noonan: So we're like Robin Hood in this instance?
    • Jackie Flannery: Yea and I'm Friar Fuck.
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State of Grace Trivia

  • In which film do Sean Penn and Gary Oldman race each other out of a burning building ?  Answer »
  • name that movie with gary oldman and ed harris played together on what movie 1990????  Answer »
  • Who directed the film 'State of Grace'?  Answer »
  • Who played the Irish gang boss in 1990 film State of Grace  Answer »
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