Serpico
Seen it?1973 | 129 min | Crime, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), people are still talking about it, audiences rate it highly (7.5 out of 10) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Donnie Brasco or American Gangster, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 9 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1973: an older pace and style.
New York cop Frank Serpico blows the whistle on the rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: 31st Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama. Won 1 WGA Award: 26th Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay. Also nominated for 1 more Golden Globe, 3 BAFTAs and 1 DGA Award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$31 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 327K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Donnie Brasco
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The Alto Knights
Weeknight WatchAnother true-story crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
American Gangster Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
Cop Land Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
Q & A
Sunday Safe BetAlso from director Sidney Lumet, though it's a different kind of film: a crime story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney Lumet
- Al PacinoOfficer Frank Serpico
- John RandolphSidney Green
- Jack KehoeTom Keough
- Biff McGuireCaptain McClain
- Barbara Eda-YoungLaurie
- Cornelia SharpeLeslie Lane
- Tony RobertsBob Blair
- John MediciPasquale
- Allan RichD. A. Tauber
- Norman OrnellasRubello