Training Day
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 104 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 104
  3. Negative: 6 out of 104

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  1. RichardA.
    Oct 19, 2001
    10
    While the movie is not perfect, it earns a "10" for Denzel's performance, suspense, , cloe-up cinematography, and perhaps, most important, a film-ending portrayal of the black community that is both so real and so subtle that the fraternity of film critics seems to have missed it entirely.
  2. MikeS.
    Oct 7, 2001
    10
    This movie was everything and more. It was funny, action-packed, edge of your seat action. Great acting by both Denzel and Ethan. Also great acting by supporting roles. Music kept it bumping. Loved it! Go see this now.
  3. Werner
    Nov 3, 2002
    10
    I love this film!
  4. BusterB
    Apr 18, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best movies ever. Seriously, Denzel and Ethan Hawke were amazing and the whole concept of the movie was great. The supporting cast took me by surprise when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg made appearances and they were actually reasonably good. The action, the one-liners, the immortalized ending, the shady characters, the fact that this was filmed in the real gang areas in LA, and the look into the face of evil (Denzel) really made this movie shine. Amazing, and I recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a whole lot of cussing.… Expand
  5. LeslieD.
    Dec 10, 2003
    10
    What a great film!
  6. SergioR.
    Jun 21, 2003
    10
    An absolute master piece! Dezel Washington gives another finaminel Oscer wining preformance! The film kept me on the edge on my seat, and can not give enough praise to the film. This will go down as a classic in my book.
  7. Jerrys.
    Jul 9, 2003
    10
    This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Seriously. The action is non-stop and the end-performance by Washington gave me shivers down my spine. The struggle between good and evil is very interesting and unwavering. Hawke plays a great part as he tries to find himself as a "protect and serve" kind of cop. this movie is a must see!
  8. Brandon
    Dec 1, 2008
    10
    Amazing dark cop drama. One of the best "corrupt cop" movies there is. For everyone claiming it is too over the top and unrelalistic.... please look up the LAPD Rampart scandal, which is what inspired the film.
  9. FeliciaM.
    Mar 26, 2002
    10
    This movie stayed with me for days, I watched it twice in a row, it was very flashy and violent, just how I like 'em! Music was right on target to keep you on the edge of your seat! Denzel well deserved his Oscar, I am very happy for him!!!
  10. BuddyT.
    Mar 29, 2002
    10
    As always Denzel Washington is AWESOME! You have to see this movie...Critics Suck!
  11. P.M.
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    It is one of the best movies i have ever seen and i have seen them all.
  12. Teolo
    Nov 13, 2001
    10
    Good film! :)
  13. DawnK.
    Nov 16, 2001
    10
    Worth the bones!! Denzel is an extraordinary actor. Lots of action and suspense and the great thing was it wasn't predictable. You leave feeling disturbed by Denzel's character - he did his job!!
  14. BarbieC.
    Dec 18, 2002
    10
    Denzel was excellent in this movie, this is just to show us how versatile he can be, i take my hat off for his performance. This movie showed us that everything that glitter is not gold, sometimes we are not protected 100% from our law enforcement dept, like the movie, our nation has had it's share of criminal cops.
  15. gamefriek
    Sep 26, 2010
    10
    This movie was absolutely amazing. It was a drama with hints of comedy and an array of action.
  16. TheChaser1985
    Mar 18, 2011
    10
    One of my top 5 favorite movies of all time. Awesome story, perfect acting. Denzel Washington is my favorite actor and Hawke did great too. Lots of quotable lines in this movie.
  17. rgotz
    Oct 2, 2011
    10
    Brilliant acting by Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke in an extremely well written movie. Critics who gave this movie any mark under 90 are certainly living inside a bubble.
  18. AllAroundGamer
    Oct 23, 2012
    10
    Absolutely loved it. Denzel is a badass. What more do you want? Well, drama, lots of it too. In addition to great acting and drama, all this **** revolves in one day and will have your mind spinning and confused. Fresh, certified by me!
  19. Jedi_Jettson
    Dec 23, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A tale of danger and crime, Training Day is good at demonstrating cops fighting gangs in Los Angeles. Not only does it teach us the dangers and crime of Los Angeles, it takes arresting criminals seriously. I was disappointed Denzel Washington turned out to be a antagonist despite his impressive performance, but he was even more impressive at his script and dialogue.… Expand
  20. Akelaar
    Dec 13, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Denzel Washington is amazing with his corrupt cop role. Whole movie he's trying to make Ethan Hawke (and YOU) believe in his truth. In the beginning he's successful and you think that he's not that bad, but in the end you see his true face. Well deserved 10/10 I think.… Expand
  21. Thegodfatherson
    Mar 28, 2013
    10
    Training Day is absolutely one of the best gangster movies ever made, from acting to story it's perfect. Denzel and Ethan are both great in this cat and mice chase filled with thrills. The film is totally fresh with absorbing lore in all of its dynamics and suspense. The film targets many perspectives of New York deep down dirty gangs and director Antoine Fuqua has made his subject very detailed. The Best Gangster Film since The Godfather.… Expand
  22. JakeM.
    Oct 5, 2001
    9
    Just a straight up awesome movie. I recommend that you watch this movie. The 6 dollar ticket is well worth it
  23. BayoA.
    Nov 1, 2004
    9
    This movie really is great, brought out the best of denzel,the action,the lines and the plot. ITS HOT.
  24. MichaelF.
    Oct 5, 2001
    9
    I was really surprised. A truly dark heart-pounder! Excellent direction by Antoine Fuqua. Denzel is a very good bad guy but goes over-the-top a lot! Hawke is great in a simple way. This is a very dark and gritty film that isn't for everyone. Not enough action to please the blood thirsty, to dark and gritty for others, for art film fans, its pretty good. I HIGHLY recommend this film!
  25. Cyrone
    Mar 21, 2004
    9
    DUDE this movie suprprised the hell out of me, the acting is top-notch and it feels really real, even if its not, its good to think that it is. This movie ranks alongside Phone Booth, and i think anyone, gansta or not, should see this great, great movie.
  26. ShaggyCloud
    Feb 14, 2002
    9
    An impresive police drama, that shows a realistic view of corruption an brutality of police department. Good perfomances and an outstanding script.
  27. Compi24
    Nov 28, 2012
    9
    "Training Day" is the story of Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), an LAPD rookie who is looking to join a top-notch narcotics squad led by Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Harris gives Hoyt one simple task; accompany him on a one-day ride-along where he must prove himself worthy of enlistment. Now from this point on the movie maintains a steady level of immense entertainment. The most noteworthy aspect of this movie is Denzel Washington's Academy-Award Winning portrayal of Alonzo Harris; the rugged cop that has seemingly blurred the line between what is right and what isn't. His performance is as charismatic and imposing, as it is chilling and antagonizing. Every line that Washington delivered was either intensely funny or incredibly demented (but still funny). Which brings me to the script; "The Fast And The Furious" writer, David Ayer, delivers deeply provocative dialogue, as well as a compelling narrative that delves into some very insightful themes. The main theme of the movie, however, seems to be a blend of the "Crime doesn't pay"… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Claudia Puig
    75
    With its unflinching style, Training Day can be hard to sit through at times. But it's worth the discomfort for the adrenaline rush of the plot and Washington's compelling performance.
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  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    75
    This is a movie that rocks and socks you, and has a performance by Washington that's ruthless and scary. But in the end, it leaves you unmarked.
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  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Jay Carr
    75
    Even when it falls back excessively on coincidence and contrived set pieces, even when it gushes irretrievably over the top in its final act, Washington makes Training Day sizzle.
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