Rating: 
Summary: Daring, complex, and utterly engrossing
Review: A wonderfully multi-layered retelling of an admittedly dense and unweildy novel, Curtis Hanson and company have fashioned the ultimate cinematic film-noir thriller. I didn't think it possible that a 2 and a half hour movie could tell truly tell the story of the film's three male leads without short-changing one for another, but it succeeded brilliantly. In so doing, the film offered a showcase for the talents of three gifted actors (my favorite, of course, being the always on-the-mark Kevin Spacey). My only quibbles were with the slightly over-the-top performance of Danny DeVito and the fact that Kim Basinger won Best Supporting Actress basically for playing a character only a step or two removed from herself. All in all, a great film that is even more enjoyable over multiple viewings.
Rating:
Summary: No superlatives do this film justice.
Review: My film tastes include silents from the 20s and 30s, musicals, gangster flicks, Spike Lee, screwball comedies, Italian neo-realism, the French New Wave, Pedro Almodovar, thrillers---the works. I rushed to add LA Confidential to my fillm collection and urge anyone who likes movies to see it at least once. It belongs in the Pantheon of great movies. By the way, I walked out of Titanic before the stupid ship even hit the iceberg.......
Rating:
Summary: Why oh why did AFI ignore this one?
Review: Considering some of AFI's choices for the 100 greatest films of all time I was disappointed to see that this one didn't make it. I was also not so happy to see James Cameron walk away with all the undeserved accolades for Titanic while this film was quietly handed the best screenplay oscar. Frankly, this is simply one of those rarest of gems that can barely survive the Hollywood machine in the modern film era - a film with an original plot rather than an exercise in formula. If you are cringing at the status quo that Hollywood has conditioned us to over the years then prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise - but be warned. It does have some graphic violence, and it's not for the kids.
Rating:
Summary: If it hadn't been for Titanic, it would've gotten Best Pic
Review: I had just finished Ellroy's novel and wanted to watch the film. I was surprised at how much faster it moved and also how much better it was. The screenwriters did a brilliant adaption of the story. This film should have won all the nominations in 1997, but Titanic couldn't allow it! Anyhow, I highly reccomend this and urge you to put it in your shopping cart right now!!!
Rating: 
Summary: the best movie of 1997
Review: THIS is one of my fovorite cop movies ever!it should have won all 12 of its 1997 oscar nominations, maybe even more!!!dtc#1
Rating:
Summary: A great film, but not a masterpiece
Review: The film noir is an interesting genre. Most are crafted in a brilliant manner but the conclusion of the film seems to fall apart, not to mention some of the explanations make no sense. Chinatown has been considered to have one of the greatest endings ever filmed. While it was good, the denouement of Chinatown was definitely rushed and that hindered the film. L.A. Confidential is another noir film, and while it bears similarities to Chinatown, I feel Confidential is the better film. There are many engaging characters with more humor and action. The plot twists are as intriguing as the ones in Chinatown. The performances, especially Russel Crowe, are outstanding. It would be hard to explain this film in a couple of sentences, so I think you should just watch this movie for yourself. Overall, it is a great film, but a rather hard to believe conclusion hurts it.
Rating:
Summary: tremendous cast!
Review: This is one of the great movies of our day. I've watched it several times and am still picking up new tidbits. I always knew that Kevin Spacey and David Straithern were great. But to see Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce come out of virtually NOWHERE to drive this film -- WOW! That scene where those two beat up each other as they figure things out is so powerful...it gets me every time.
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: This has to be one of the best movies I have ever seen where crime, sex, and all that other typical crime/detective movie stuff does not make this a corny, dry film. Russell Crowe does an outstanding job as a cop with an attitude. I dont't think I've ever seen a film where a role like what he played was played so well. Excellent plot and an all around bad-ass movie!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent.
Review: In reference to comments made by an earlier reviewer, I must say that I don't think the primary objective of this movie was to invoke an "uplifting" emotion in the viewer. Additionally, I don't think the question of whether or not the use of vulgar language was ever debated by the makers of the film. One word of advice to anyone wishing to view a movie: read a synopsis of the movie first, it can be very helpful to a potential viewer in deciding whether the movie is suitable to their own taste. Oh, you may want to check the rating of the movie also. The rating will give you some idea as to how much sex, violence, and vulgar language to which you may be exposed. OK? OK. Now, if you've decided that can view this movie then be prepared to view one of the better Hollywood movies produced in the last few years. If you're looking for a clear-cut good guy and bad guy, lots of gunplay, and a few catchy little one-liners then go watch Lethal Weapon and its sequels, but don't watch this movie. If you're looking for absolutely captivating crime story that actually includes some big-name actors then do yourself a favor and get it. I was also happily impressed with the up-and-coming actors in this movie as well. By Hollywood standards, it is great. After reading the Amazon review, I visited the local library and checked out Chinatown. I was not disappointed. Excellent.
Rating:
Summary: Film Noir at its Best!!
Review: A compelling, complex plot, impressive performances, and edge-of-your-seat adventure make this film one of 1997's best. Police corruption, mob violence, drugs and prostitution, tabloid journalism, and Hollywood glamor are weaved into this fascinating drama written by Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland. Fine performances by the ensemble cast. Kim Basinger won an Oscar for her captivating performance as a "hooker cut to look like Veronica Lake." Equally impressive performances are delivered by Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce as three cops with very different personalities, who find themselves involved in the same case. This movie is a classic!
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