Black Cop (2017) User Reviews

Possible Good Story Buried Under Layers of Pretence!

[spookyrat1 · 4/10 · 4 December 2019]

Cory Bowles's Black Cop is anchored by a fine performance by Ronnie Rowe Jr, as the title character, a cop tipped over the edge by the intrusiveness and shame of his being racially profiled by other cops , whilst off duty. Unfortunately instead of giving us a clean narrative to play out the story, Bowles frequently effectively stops the storytelling, to give us a look inside Black Cop's mind at various junctures, as he breaks the fourth wall and zones off on various rants. It's a really clumsy device which adversely affects what little there is of the story and mightily impacts on the pacing of the film.

We are also burdened with repetition in Black Cop. It is literally filled to the seams with close-ups. Whenever there are conversations, people's faces fill the screen. We are delivered many, many repeats of the same close-ups, the same angles of Black Cop's face on his never-ending car patrols, where he notably always is lacking a partner. I believe his character does state at some point, that it is his choice to do so. Ironically in the few action scenes we get, they are either shot from quite some distance away, or rendered pretty much ineffective by overuse of hand-held cameras.

I really would have liked to have ben invited to share more of Black Cop's story. But that seemed to be almost subordinate in a technically deficient film, where the director/writer couldn't even be bothered in naming any characters, as they played second fiddle to the primary instrument of the main character just ranting to the screen. Sadly, an awkward, poorly made film, where the lead's fine acting is just wasted.

Awful Soundtrack

[twannawade · 5/10 · 26 September 2019]

I could barely get through the movie because of the terrible, head banging music. Great storyline. Horrible music.

Don't waste your precious time

[bellablu66 · 2/10 · 28 August 2020]

It started out pretty good, then went ALL over the place ( kind of like the "Black Cop" character) . Literally no flow whatsoever. I really like the main ACTOR too. What a shame. Honestly, I wouldn't want to subject anyone to it's painstaking frustration. Oh, and don't even get me started on the ending.

Ugly and Divisively Racist Revenge Fantasy

[MogwaiMovieReviews · 2/10 · 26 March 2021]

A black police officer starts preying on and abusing white people........

'Black Cop' is an ugly and amateurishly made film. Though Ronnie Rowe is solid in the lead, and his narration, while heavy handed, holds what story there is together, everyone else is a cliche, with every black character innocent, downtrodden and spouting inspirational Democrat Party propaganda, and every white character either openly racist to unbelievable levels in the 21st century or a video game NPC with no reason for existence beyond their skin colour.......

The film is poorly shot and the script is film student-level. The soundtrack is intrusive and distracting, padding out scenes that go on too long with nothing of interest happening onscreen. The speaking direct-to-camera segments are the worst parts, and look like they were filmed on a stage at an acting class rehearsal. I understand that the film was finished with crowdfunding money, so I expect these parts were shot separately, at a later date, and it shows........

Everything that happens after the first half hour is so far-fetched and pointless that any interest in the story collapses: after that it's just watching someone playing a video game, with occasional close-ups of Rowe doing terrible things while looking pained, righteous and noble. And the ending is as preachy and cringe and hamfisted as any Spike Lee joint...........

The victimhood narrative underpinning the movie insists that we live in a society so prejudiced against black people that there is no way for them to succeed, a society in which black voices are shut down at every turn. But the reality is we live in a society in which it's impossible to imagine a movie with this kind of story being made at all if the races were reversed. It's a certainty today that whoever would make such a film would never work again, whereas the writer and director of this one probably only got the funding and support to make this film BECAUSE of his skin colour, and because of the agenda it pushes, which he presumably still believes is edgy and challenging. It's anything but..........

It would be great to see a film made today that deals with racial tensions in an interesting, believable and non-preachy manner. It can be done: Paul Haggis' "Crash" (2004) showed a lot of the same situations as this film, but there every character - black and white - felt believable, and fully rounded, and the aim was an eagle-eye aerial view of society as a whole. The writer and director of this film, Cory Bowles, would be completely incapable of making such a film, as it would require seeing white people as human beings too, with internal lives and interesting, valid reasons for believing the things they believe. They would have to be right sometimes, and the black characters would have to be wrong. That simple, most absolutely basic fact of reality, and morality, (and art) seems utterly beyond his powers or imagination........

There is no art here. No skill. No depth. And very little talent. This 'film' is just a societally-sanctioned racist fantasy that I guess is condoned (and celebrated!) by those with decision-making powers as it is seen as some sort of release valve for the black community, while only driving the races further and further apart. You don't rid society of racism by dividing society up into the 'good' black people and the 'bad' white people and then demanding black and white audiences clap along to white people being beaten up and abused. What kind of nightmarish victimhood-worshipping echo-chamber would you have to be imprisoned in to even think such a thing?.......

What's most disturbing of all is that this is the only kind of film that can be made now about this subject. This deeply divisive, race-baiting opinion is the only opinion. This now is the status quo.

Role Reversal on a Good Day!

[andyhain · 13 August 2018]

Ever wondered what it would look/feel like if a black cop treated citizens the same way white cops do? Finally, you found a movie that shows you exactly that. Strap in and buckle up !

Unique and interesting

[fraser-simons · 7/10 · 28 July 2023]

Another TIFF movie is previously missed, if I recall correctly. And one more good showing! The synopsis is apt, it really is just about that. There are... interludes?, I suppose?, with the titular cop spilling what they think in a slam poetry-type way, even as we see him begin his journey, turning on the mainly white people he's supposed to be protecting. It was an interesting way to prompt thought about the dynamics of a PoC serving on the force while contrasting casual and upfront racism by turning it on its head.

I thought it was effective, but it also does culminate in in an unexpectedly dark humour type way and a denial of catharsis coupled with this surreal quality, while being realistic, makes it a stylistic choice that will work for some and galvanize others into picking at those parts while, probably, missing the nuances of the movie. I don't need to have everything tied up into a bow so I didn't mind. The weird humour did create some dissonance for me though. I would have rated it higher otherwise.

I can't believe this got made.

[uesfilms · 3/10 · 24 December 2019]

I tend to not leave bad reviews but this movie is so grossly bad and has no semblance of reality in it that I had to voice my opinion. You can tell no real research was done and this was just a fantasy of a clueless writer. I couldn't even finish this.

Timely and Relevant

[dontcallmedudeplease · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

This intense and engaging film authentically explores modern racial profiling and police violence in a way that is so in your face it is hard to ignore. Ronnie Rowe Jr. delivers an exceptional performance as the title character Black Cop. He is bitter and discontented yet I felt myself drawn to his character and quietly cheering for him. When Black Cop is racially profiled off duty something in him snaps fueling a journey we are called to follow where he spends the day in the more privileged white community using excessive hostility and threats of physical violence. Sophia Walker is wonderful in the supporting role, her emotions are divided and she portrays that well.

The film examines multiple perspectives of the same issue, challenging the viewer to explore racial bias, police violence and their own thoughts and feelings in regards. I think the entire movie is audacious. The filmmaker entertains us with satire and profound drama that invites us to draw our own conclusions, whatever that may be.

I left this movie feeling like I had a responsibility to investigate my own racial literacy. This is a film that has the potential to birth many critical conversations and influence change making it extremely timely and relevant.

You will talk about this movie long after the credits have rolled.

Secure your brain cells before watching this...

[wfraziii · 2/10 · 20 May 2020]

I made it halfway through this movie and that was all I could take. It got more ignorant as time passed.

FORMIDABLE

[dudewheresmycousin · 9/10 · 10 May 2018]

This movie was recommended by my cousin who knows the filmaker but hasn't seen the film yet. Generally we have the same taste in 'movies' so I decided to watch it and I was pleasantly surprised but not disappointed. It is one of the few films that I have seen that I have really considered the layers to the plot, the characters and the message. In this case, the filmaker, instead of presenting a clear message, he presents varying points of view and allows the viewer to interpret and gain their own persepctive. The film introduces us to Black Cop, played by Ronnie Rowe Jr., a cop who is ridiculed and distrusted by the people in his own community and after being racially profiled off-duty, Black Cop reaches a breaking point and we follow a day in his life as he struggles with identity, who to trust, where to belong and the all too often blurred lines between right and wrong. Rowe brings an intensity to the role of Black Cop and the filmakers use of voice over narration allows us to see into the depts of the character and his unique battle as we follow his indignant quest for retribution through anywhere streets in an anywhere city. Black Cops erratic quest to make things right in his own head while wreaking havoc in the privileged white communities he has sworn to protect forces the viewer to question their own beliefs and racial literacy. I felt like Black Cop was not only believable, he was relatable and Sophia Walker in the supporting role had me question how I would feel and react in her situation. With interesting satire and effects Black Cop does a formidable job at exploring the relationship between african americans and law enforcement in cities everywhere.

SEE THIS MOVIE

[wildchance-98342 · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

It is really hard to find original content these days, everything seems to be a remake, a re-do or a half-hearted part two. Black Cop is not only original it is unique. From the filming, to the music to the un-named title character known to the viewer only as Black Cop, Black Cop oozes authenticity, relentless satire and dark drama. It made me think, it made me cheer, it made me question. I am a fan!

A POWERFUL EXAMINATION OF RACE RELATIONS

[momjeansonherderriere-55981 · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

Black Cop pulled emotions out of me that were surprising and quite honestly a little bit uncomfortable. The entire movie was a catalyst for important conversation and throughout I felt angry, ashamed and humbled. I feel like we are too often quick to discount the experiences of another when they differ from our own. We are guilty of looking out of our own tiny windows at a very small picture and believing that because that is our truth, it is everyone's. Black Cop follows a day in the life of a character known by the same name, simply Black Cop. The decision to not name the title character or the city where the film unfolds was a bold move by writer/director Cory Bowles. It was a brilliant decision and though I think that some people won't allow themselves to recognize that this story could have unfolded anywhere and involved anyone, those that go in open minded will be touched by it in a big way.

Reminiscent of Michael Douglas's Falling Down, Black Cop is an in your face Dramedy that is unafraid to to sift through human emotion and pull out of the wreckage, the different perspectives and stories from several points of view. When Black Cop is racially profiled off duty his priorities shift, his judgement becomes cloudy, and we see what happens when you get pushed to your breaking point.

I commend Bowles for his defiance so to speak, his ability to explore the grey areas of the stories without once telling you how to think or feel but nevertheless dragging emotions out of you that are disquieting.

This is an important film and though I thought I was pretty socially conscious, I found myself desperate to tuck my white privilege in as I left the theatre. No matter what perspective you leave with, the film is a no holds barred fast paced exploration of current race relations accompanied by an incredible soundtrack. You will not be disappointed.

Awesome film, eye opening.

[dgjunkstuff · 10/10 · 4 May 2018]

I have the privilege of knowing director Cory Bowles, seeing his previous short films, I knew this was going to be awesome. I will say, I am in this movie in the background so, I am a bit biased.. ha, but it is an amazing film that really sheds a look into how systemic racism is so intertwined in modern society, that we very often don't perceive it. The way I could get an after school job easier than the black kids I went to school with.. or more relevant to the film.. I never thought so much as how easy it is for me to walk up the street to the corner store after dark without fear of being harassed by the police. Whereas a young black male walking to the corner store at night HAS to worry about being thrown in jail simply for how he looks. I was a small town hoodlum myself, pulled over many times by police while we were up to no good and were let off with a simple "you boys get home now" or such. While my black friend once called the police on a suspect breaking into his neighbours house only to have the police cuff him and detain him. So the insight of a black police officer who's frustrations have pushed him to the brink, should be a completely understandable situation, albeit, satirical.. I like to believe no black police officers would ever do such a thing. This is also a great ride.. fun edge of your seat confrontations, beautiful locations and some great little witty jokes. I left the theatre wanting to see it again, and again. I think if you want to see it and feel the emotional impact of it, you totally can, and if you want to see a cool dramatic action movie.. it's that too. Ronnie Rowe Jr. is a great guy. I met him on set and he just bursts with positivity.. I've since kept in touch with him and watching his star rise high with spots on the new Star Trek and BETVs In Contempt. Cory's a top notch artist in so many fields, and a very inspiring, hard working and enlightened person. I've always said.. " After I see a Cory Bowles film, I always go home and rethink my life somehow!"

Check your privilege at the door

[princessmichd · 9/10 · 9 May 2018]

I really didn't know what to expect of this movie but I had to watch it again the next day to make sure I got the same reaction and there were things that stood out even more powerfully on my second viewing.

The movie was cleverly satirical but still managed to get me to explore and challenge my own perceptions, bias and that questionable "white privilege" The actual filming was well done and the music was genius, there were a lot of little touches like actual riot footage, voice over narration, tap dancing etc that was a gamble but was pulled off flawlessly to draw the reader into the mind of the Title Character that we know only as Black Cop. I highly recommend this title and to watch with someone you can discuss with afterwards as it is a film that solicits discussion.

Unquestionably brave and provocative

[michd-06302 · 9/10 · 4 May 2018]

Writer/director Cory Bowles delivers an unapologetic satire exploring race relations from several points of view. His title character Ronnie Rowe Jr, known simply as Black Cop, is stellar in his role as a complex, deeply flawed yet identifiable officer that I couldn't help root for. Already feeling disillusioned, Black Cop is racially profiled off duty in a scene that is executed perfectly and made me sweat. The traumatic event spurs a reaction in Black Cop that takes us on a journey with him as he goes Rogue for the day, flipping the script on the more privileged white community by profiling them and roughing them up. The film is timely and relevant and Bowles is unafraid to dive headfirst into the grey areas, having the viewer examine their own thoughts and feelings on the gravity of racial profiling and even in the lighter moments of the drama filled satire I was sitting in my own discomfort, compelled to explore my own conditioning and fears. Bowles takes a chance with his use of voiceover narration to reveal more of Black Cops actual character, as well as the use of body cam, cell phone footage and a radio show. It is done confidently and I felt that if the wrtiters intention was to create conversation and encourage critical thought then he was completely on the mark. Introducing us to Black Cop without an actual name as he navigates a nameless city that could be anywhere might be lost on some but I thought it was quite genious. It is worth mentioning that the music is fantastic and transitions seemlessly into the film. Black Cop is a must watch for all ages!

Edge of my seat

[derby-38577 · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

I love a movie that puts me on the edge of my seat and Black Cop did just that. There were moments of discomfort, disbelief, laughter, anger and so much more. Come with an open mind, leave with an open heart. We discussed the movie for hours afterwards, that is the sign of a fantastic movie. Also, the music was amazing!! WATCH THIS!!

Count me Impressed

[monird-90456 · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

This movie really surprised me!! I am a a long time fan of writer/director Cory Bowles from the Trailer Park Boys so I guess I wasn't expecting a film that would really make me think and question myself and my own privilege and bias. There were a lot of unique elements in the film that were blended together masterfully, it is hard to believe this is his first feature film. Impressed.

Powerful

[darrell-kane · 9/10 · 18 September 2017]

I didn't know what to think going into this movie and but I sure as hell know how I felt coming out of it. I was shocked, horrified, and ashamed.

I was shocked by the openness and honesty of the film. Black Cop is a social commentary, not a basic movie. It doesn't dance around the edge. It comes right at you. When I saw the shot of Black Cop at the protest with the protester's reflection in his sunglasses, I knew I would be experiencing this from different points of views, and I knew it would not be easy.

I was horrified by my nativity. If you are in a privileged class, like I am, who has never been stopped by the police while simply going for a walk or a jog, Black Cop will be an eye opener for you. It gave me a glimpse of what it's like for that to happen when you are doing nothing wrong. You are just being.

I was ashamed of my own thoughts. I read stories and heard accounts of people who were stopped by the police for no reason. On a global scale, it seemed implausible to me that this stuff happens. How could that happen? There must be some reason why they were stopped, right? No, not right. Black Cop puts you in the moment of people who are stopped for no reason. You hear the power play that can go on. You see the presumption. You feel threatened, unsafe. If you stand up and defend your rights, it can all go wrong.

Corey Bowles wrote and directed a film that looks good, sounds good, but it sure doesn't feel good. The truth sometimes isn't.

Best film in years.

[timhotchin · 10/10 · 6 February 2018]

I am very judgmental when it comes to movies. Some are just a hollywood rip-off. Some have no plots. This was superb. Actually, have not enjoyed a movie more in years. It was brilliantly directed, and written, and the main actor Ronnie Rowe Jr. was just amazing. This is a movie about the inner mind of what they call "Black Cop". His inner feelings, standing by his values, and portraying it for the screen. I simply could not have been more impressed by the combination. Mr. Rowe Jr. took your into a world that just simply brought your into his mind, and demonstrated it with style. (he is going to go so far as an actor so don't miss this). I simply just didn't want to leave the theatre for any reason for fear of missing a minute of this movie. Obviously I am not the only one thinking this. I haven't been to a movie forever where the audience all clapped after, this one they did.

Bravo

[girltuesday · 9/10 · 10 May 2018]

This is the first feature film for Writer/Director Cory Bowles and Producer Aaron Horton, and has proved to be a cinematic success creating countless important conversations since its opening at Toronto International Film Festival in the fall of 2017. The 90 minute film, recipient of Telefilm Canada's Talent Fund Micro-budget Production, is an intrepid work of art that plunges deep into the narrative of race relations and the issues with law Enforcement that African Americans face daily. The film flips the script and calls upon the viewer after seeing issues from multiple angles to draw their own conclusions. I feel like the writer wanted to present ideas and solicit perspectives as much as he wanted to tell a story. A great deal of creative chances were taken with this film and luckily they were pulled off exceptionally. Filmed in my home province of Nova Scotia I would give this film a #10 for its courage and the soundtrack alone. Bravo for Ronnie Rowe Jr. and Sophia Walker for notable performances. I look forward to seeing what this team produces in the future.

BRILLIANT

[darlastarr · 10/10 · 14 May 2018]

It was Mothers Day so I got to pick the film and nobody was disappointed this time. The film was well paced and intense in parts, the acting and music was well done. My children stayed long after the credits for a lively discussion about the events of the film and their own experiences. I would watch this if you get the chance, I would see it again.

Every (White) Cop should watch this as part of their training

[mvnijjar · 9/10 · 24 January 2021]

A brilliant movie, can you believe it was 2017 given the 2019 & 2020 issues especially "I can't breathe" part in the film.

This is a great drama and is a work of art, it also gets your blood up to a boiling temperature in certain scenes and your legs or shoulders tapping...

This is also not a film for white people or black people - but for all people, my title of the review is because of the depth of issues tackled in a clever and intelligent way , utilising violence in a very strategic way to get the point to hit home..

Spoiler alert:

Whilst you have to wait until the end when he gives the reason why his a cop and what he does, which gives his view point and perspective of why he's helping save lives , yet whilst doing so also is seen by any "black" person in the community as someone who doesn't care - which makes him a bigger hero as he's not doing it to be liked , but to stop white officers potentially killing a black suspect.

The turning point is great too and he shows through the film how anyone can abuse profiling and throw their weight around, bullying the public and hiding behind the badge.

This film should be shown in the police academy and also all police with years of service should watch this film - on their own at home and then be asked to right a 500 word evaluation/ review and include recommendations on what CC hanged they would implement in their local force to improve policing in the community...

I know the above review seems boring and it doesn't really do the film justice - I would say watch the film it's brilliant.

Black Cop Is A Strange and Interesting Movie That Makes You Think

[santurcedc · 10/10 · 13 September 2020]

I watched this movie on Amazon Prime videos tonight, September 13, 2020. It is a strange and interesting movie that brought tears to my eyes at times during the movie. I recommend this movie to others to watch and make their own opinion.

Unbelievably believable,

[queenangel40 · 10/10 · 27 July 2018]

Thank you for bringing out my emotions that I have held in for years. I moved from a large metropolitan city to a bit county town at age 10 . No color here only one family. Talk about culture shock. I feel this is a movie all people should watch. All police deserved our respect also all people deserve respect from police.

So Relevant!!! 10 🌟'S

[latashabradley · 10/10 · 10 August 2021]

This movie is such a relevant topic of how cops treat people of color.