City of Lies
Tense drama about Biggie's murder has language, violence.
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Based on 2 reviews
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City of Lies
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that City of Lies stars Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker and is based on the real-life investigation into the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G. It has lots of mature content, especially language ("f--k," "s--t," racist slurs, and more) and violence. There are scenes of police-involved violence, gang violence, violence against women, and racial violence, as well as real-life footage from the Rodney King beating and subsequent L.A. riots. There are also a few scenes with a bit of drinking and smoking and some involving drugs, including cocaine. Along with the mature content, though, is the message that it's important to persevere and do what's right, even when others try to stop you, and that fighting for justice is a marker of integrity.
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What's the Story?
In CITY OF LIES, L.A. police detective Russell Poole (Johnny Depp) has spent years investigating the 1997 murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G. Separately, journalist Jack Jackson (Forest Whitaker) is working on a retrospective of Biggie's murder. As Jackson begins to uncover the depth of Poole's investigation, he realizes how close the detective was to uncovering a wide-ranging conspiracy within the LAPD to cover up the true murderer.
Is It Any Good?
Directed by Brad Furman, this is a tightly paced, provocative drama based on real-life events. Like the case built by Poole, City of Lies connects the dots to suggest that Biggie's murder could have been the result of a conspiracy within the LAPD. The fact that this claim is based on real evidence is shocking, painting a dark picture of corruption and racial violence within U.S. police departments.
Depp and Whitaker give great performances as Poole and Jackson. Depp in particular does a fantastic job of melting into his character, portraying a man who has a deep love for his career, despite the pain it's caused him. His naturalistic performance might be one of his best. Whitaker is a supportive and capable scene partner, making the actors' shared scenes captivating to watch. City of Lies will compel viewers to think twice about what they know about Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur (who was also killed in the East Coast/West Coast rap beef), and Death Row Records exec Suge Knight. If what Poole uncovered in his investigation is true, then the LAPD has a lot to answer for.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in City of Lies. How does it compare to what you might see in a fantasy/action film? Do different types of media violence have different impact?
How did Poole demonstrate perseverance during the case? Were his partners helpful or hurtful in the investigation? How did Poole and his partners show teamwork?
How did race play a part in the violence shown in the film? How does it reflect how the police are viewed today?
Do you find Poole's pursuit of justice admirable? Why, or why not? Do you consider him a role model?
The film was originally set to release in 2018 but ended up being delayed until 2021. Some say the delay was due to lawsuits and accusations involving star Depp, while others have claimed the LAPD or others involved in the case in real life didn't want it to come out. Does off-screen controversy around a movie or its stars affect your ability to enjoy it?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 19, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: April 9, 2021
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Forest Whitaker, Dayton Callie, Toby Huss
- Director: Brad Furman
- Studio: Saban Films
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 112 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, some violence and drug use
- Last updated: February 25, 2023
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