Watch Tortured
- R
- 2008
- 1 hr 47 min
-
5.8 (3,542)
Tortured is a gritty crime thriller from 2008 that explores the dark underbelly of the American justice system. With an impressive ensemble cast that includes Laurence Fishburne, James Cromwell, Kevin Pollak, and Paul Perri, Tortured packs a punch with its intense storyline and strong performances. The film follows FBI agents Kevin Cole (played by Cole Hauser) and Jamie Mendoza (played by Emmanuelle Chriqui) as they investigate a string of gruesome murders committed by a notorious mob boss named Jimmy Vaughn (played by James Cromwell). Along the way, they come into contact with a hardened detective named Calabrese (played by Laurence Fishburne) and a corrupt lawyer named Archie Green (played by Kevin Pollak), both of whom have their own agendas when it comes to taking down Vaughn. As the investigation heats up, Cole and Mendoza resort to extreme measures to extract information from Vaughn's henchmen, including torture and coercion. However, their tactics begin to backfire when they discover that Vaughn has a mole on the inside who knows their every move. With tensions mounting and time running out, they must find a way to break the case and bring Vaughn to justice once and for all. The film's themes revolve around the moral gray areas of law enforcement and how far agents are willing to go in order to catch criminals. It takes an unflinching look at the consequences of torture and the psychological toll it can take on those who are forced to carry it out. The film also explores the idea of loyalty and betrayal, and how even the most trusted allies can turn on you in the pursuit of power and money. The acting in Tortured is top-notch, with Laurence Fishburne stealing the show as the grizzled detective who has seen it all. His performance is gritty and realistic, and he perfectly embodies the tough-as-nails cop who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. James Cromwell is equally impressive as the ruthless mob boss, portraying him as a man who is both charming and menacing at the same time. Despite its dark and serious subject matter, Tortured also has its moments of humor and lightheartedness. Kevin Pollak provides some much-needed levity as the slimy lawyer who is more concerned with his own self-interest than with upholding justice. His banter with Fishburne's character provides some of the film's most memorable moments. Overall, Tortured is a gripping and intense crime drama that is not for the faint of heart. It raises important questions about the ethics of law enforcement and the lengths to which some will go in order to catch the bad guys. With its strong performances and compelling storyline, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre.