A Denzel Washington film that bagged numerous awards and boasts a gripping plot twist is set to air on free-to-air TV this week. Training Day, which follows LAPD narcotics officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) over a 24-hour period in the gang-infested neighbourhoods of Los Angeles, will be broadcast on BBC Two at 10pm on Sunday (March 2).
Hoyt is teamed up with Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) to determine his suitability for the narcotics squad, but a shocking secret about Alonzo emerges during their patrols. The plot takes a sinister and corrupt turn that leaves viewers questioning the characters’ ethics.
Washington’s performance, including his ‘King Kong’ monologue, is hailed as one of his best. The cast also features Eva Mendes in her breakout role, Scott Glenn from The Silence of the Lambs, Tom Berenger from Platoon, and Raymond Cruz from Breaking Bad.
Rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre also make appearances in the acclaimed film. Following its airing, Training Day will be available on BBC iPlayer.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film received multiple accolades, with Washington winning the Academy Award for Best Actor and Hawke earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2002, reports the Mirror.
Securing his second Oscar win in a burgeoning career decorated with nine nominations thus far, Washington’s triumphant performance continues to earn praise from fans and critics. Critics maintain their admiration for the film, reflected in its solid 74% Tomatometer rating with an impressive 89% popcornmeter score among film fans.
The acclaim is highlighted by a reviewer’s praise: “Washington is instantly, absolutely superb; without ever missing a beat, he’s unpredictable, reckless, macho, funny, and frightening.”
Another critique underscores the cast’s impact: “Training Day may have a somewhat basic storyline, but it still offers up a mostly-engaging look at its subject, with a pair of outstanding and compelling performances from its stars that give the film the extra oomph it needs.”
A fan’s excitement shines through with the remark: “It’s filled with twists and turns and is truly unpredictable. Solid music although I wish it was more used and catchier. “.
