Training Day (2001)
On his first day on the job as a narcotics officer, a rookie cop works with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears.
Details
Budget
$45,000,000
Rating
8/10 (6056 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
WV Films II, Village Roadshow Pictures, NPV Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, Outlaw Productions
About Training Day
Set in Los Angeles, Antoine Fuqua's 2001 crime drama "Training Day" examines police corruption and the "war on drugs" through the eyes of a rookie narcotics officer. The film follows Jake Hoyt, a new recruit, during his first day partnered with Detective Alonzo Harris, a seasoned but morally ambiguous veteran. As the day progresses, Harris's methods become increasingly questionable, forcing Hoyt to confront the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality.
The film explores themes of police brutality, drug trafficking, and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of justice. Its neo-noir aesthetic complements the narrative's dark undertones, presenting a gritty portrayal of urban crime. The dynamic between the two leads is central to the film, showcasing a tense mentorship that shifts into a confrontation of conflicting ideologies.
"Training Day" achieved an 8 out of 10 average vote from over 6,000 TMDB users, a 74% Rotten Tomatoes score, and a 71/100 Metacritic score.
Why you might be searching for Training Day
People frequently search for specific quotes from the movie, particularly lines delivered by Denzel Washington's character. Queries also focus on individual scenes, such as those involving drug use or specific interactions between characters. Many searches revolve around Denzel Washington's performance, indicating its significant impact and memorability.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that while the film's box office reception was initially slow, it grew steadily due to positive word-of-mouth, attributing its success to the story, writing, and strong casting.
Read the full reviewA review highlighted Denzel Washington's performance as sensational, noting that while the plot may not fully match its impact, the film remains a compelling watch.
Read the full reviewA viewer stated that the main appeal of "Training Day" is Denzel Washington's portrayal, describing his performance as sensationally evil and the primary reason for the film's enduring popularity.
Read the full reviewA critic praised Ethan Hawke's strong performance as the rookie Jake, who is thrust into increasingly dubious situations by Denzel Washington's Alonzo, making for a solid and superior crime thriller.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Training Day" with a subscription on Starz, or rent/buy it on platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Spectrum On Demand. [moviefone.com](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/training-day/9896/where-to-watch/)
While not a true story, "Training Day" drew inspiration from real-life events. Director Antoine Fuqua stated that the Rampart Scandal, which exposed corruption in the LAPD's C.R.A.S.H. unit, catalyzed the film's completion, and Denzel Washington grew a beard to emulate officer Rafael Pérez, who was involved in the scandals. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Training_Day)
At the end of "Training Day," Jake saves Smiley's cousin, leading Smiley to spare Jake's life despite Alonzo's plan for Jake to be killed. Jake then confronts Alonzo, retrieves the stolen money, and allows the neighborhood to witness Alonzo's downfall. Alonzo attempts to escape to the airport but is ambushed and killed by Russian hitmen, settling a debt he owed. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Training_Day)
"Training Day" is widely considered worth watching, particularly for Denzel Washington's performance, which many critics lauded. The film has a 74% positive critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its taut direction and compelling script, despite some finding the ending less satisfying. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/training_day)