A Noir Journey Through Justice

Read Time:4 Minute, 10 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Night Falls On Manhattan [Limited Edition]
–

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1996, 2024 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director(s): Sidney Lumet
Writer(s): Robert Daley, Sidney Lumet
Cast: Andy García, Ian Holm, James Gandolfini, Lena Olin, Shiek Mahmud-Bey, Colm Feore, Ron Leibman, Richard Dreyfuss, Dominic Chianese, Paul Guilfoyle
Where To Watch: available May 7, 2024; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Sidney Lumet's NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN captures the essence of New York through a noir lens, making it an unmissable event. The film embarks on a journey through the daunting alleys of justice and ethical dilemmas, all from the perspective of Sean Casey (Andy Garcia,) a former cop turned prosecutor. This lovingly restored 2k scan from Arrow shows just how beautiful this film was meant to be.

From its intense opening scenes in the heart of Harlem to the dramatic courtroom showdowns, NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN grips you with its complex and emotionally powerful narrative. One evening results in a life-changing incident for Sean's father, veteran NYPD officer Liam, played by Ian Holm. This unfortunate event launches Sean into a pivotal legal skirmish that challenges his moral compass and brings him face-to-face with the city's hidden underbelly of corruption.

As the plot thickens, Sean delves deeper into a maze of legal entanglements. He's up against a crafty defense attorney, Sam Vigoda, skillfully portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss, whose cunning tactics add a thrilling edge to the courtroom battles. This is where Lumet’s expertise shines, blending intense drama with nuanced character development.

The film's casting is spot-on, with James Gandolfini delivering a standout performance as a police officer, Joey Allegretto, torn between his duties and personal dread. His portrayal adds significant depth to the narrative, exploring this character's internal conflicts.

Lumet opts for a more understated visual style, focusing on the story's gritty realism rather than flashy cinematography. This choice might not cater to those seeking a visual spectacle of a film, but it perfectly complements the movie’s reflective tone and complex themes.

Despite minor shortcomings in visual flair and some character portrayals, NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN stands out as a profound reflection on the nuances of justice and the ethical challenges within the legal system. Lumet's commitment to exploring deep moral questions provides a rich, thought-provoking experience, encouraging viewers to contemplate the delicate balance of right and wrong.

This film is a testament to Sidney Lumet’s enduring ability to craft compelling narratives around societal issues. It’s not just a courtroom drama; it’s a deep dive into the gray areas of law and ethics portrayed through superb acting and masterful storytelling. NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN is a must-watch for those who value films that provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses, making it a significant addition to Lumet’s illustrious filmography.

Bonus Materials
Brand new 2K remaster from the original negative by Arrow Films
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original lossless 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and hard-of-hearing
Archive commentary by director Sidney Lumet
Archive commentary by actors Andy Garcia and Ron Leibman, with producers Josh Kramer and Thom Mount
The Directors: Sidney Lumet, an hour-long archive documentary from 2002 featuring interviews with Lumet, Garcia, Leibman, Jack Lemmon, Rod Steiger, Christopher Walken and others
On-set interviews with Lumet, Garcia, Dreyfuss, Olin, Holm and Leibman
Behind-the-scenes footage
Theatrical trailer and TV spots
Limited Edition packaging featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tom Ralston
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Nick Clement and original production notes

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.