Directed by Charles Burnett • 1994 • United States
Starring Michael Boatman, Lori Petty, Ice Cube

Charles Burnett’s powerful police drama follows J. J. Johnson (Michael Boatman), an idealistic rookie cop and the only Black officer in an all-white precinct, as he confronts racism and corruption within the LAPD after a Black man (Ice Cube) is framed for murder. Tackling hard-hitting issues of institutional violence within the framework of a stylish, riveting neonoir thriller, Burnett’s fourth feature was largely buried by distributor Miramax on its initial release, but its subversive impact has perhaps only grown with time.