mufdivtwo I was 14 years old when this film was released, and I watched the first 60 minutes of it last night for the 1st time. I wasn't impressed, in fact so far I think it is depressing because the characters and script are so predictable. Everyone from ' Murphy' to 'Dennis Connolly' are predictable, it is almost possible to guess what they are going to say in every scene and in my honest opinion that made what could and should have been a gripping film immensely boring and incrediably difficult to take seriously. I found myself wondering why a highly rated actor like Paul Newman chose to appear in this terrible film? I'm sure he didn't need the money. Paul Newman wasn't a chain smoking irish american cop that objects to being ' paid off' by some pimp, and then jumps into bed with some nurse. That is below the dignity of a man like Paul Newman and so I feel sad that he lowered his standards and took part in this terrible movie.

gab-14712 Ah, nothing like watching a movie that is beholden with cop movie clichés. Fort Apache, the Bronx is a film that depends on its cop clichés to move it along. That being said, I still enjoyed the heck out of this movie. The movie works based on acting and the atmosphere alone. The plot, riddled with clichés, doesn't work as well as it could have been. If your movie stars Paul Newman, Edward Asner, and others, then it is still worth a watch no matter the plot. Here in 2018, I live in the South Bronx. Boy, do times change! The depiction of the Bronx in this 1981 movie is bleak, raw, and violent. It is hard to fathom that the Bronx was like how it was shown here in the movie. But as I am told, the authenticity of this film is spot-on. From the look of the urban wasteland to the shots of pimps beating up hookers to the police force not being able to do much with all the crime. In 1981, this movie was made as if to enlighten the public to the suffering of its citizens and the increasing frustration of the police. Daniel Petrie's movie depicts life in the South Bronx in the precinct of "Fort Apache," as the police officers call their infamous station. The movie follows Officer Murphy (Paul Newman) who gives an outward appearance of a tough cynic, but instead is on the path for justice for himself and the police force in general. A reason why this movie works very well is due to the cast. The cast is phenomenal, and it makes for a lovely heartfelt drama. Paul Newman is great in his role as usual and you can easily see his commitment to making life better for people in the Bronx. Edward Asner does a wonderful job as Chief Connolly, barking orders nonstop. I just wish he had more screentime. There is Ken Wahl as Newman's younger partner with a sense of optimism, and Pam Grier as a deranged hooker. Fort Apache, the Bronx is a good film, but can be hard to watch sometimes due to its bleakness and realistic violence. This is not a film for sensationalism or crazy car chases, so do not go into the movie expecting anything over-the-top. The human drama relies on cop clichés a little too often, but the cast is able to elevate this story!My Grade: B+

mark.waltz "What a dump!", Bette Davis once said. But that small hamlet she lived in was a far cry better than the third world country look of the Bronx seen here, showing the lowest of the low lives, of every race and gender, and that includes the alleged third gender. It's a city of the worst that humanity has to offer, even those allegedly on the right side of the law. The city streets themselves become like real characters, although it's obvious that the streets like many of the real archetypes here will not survive or move onto better days. Fifty year old Paul Newman plays a character who acts more like 13, not at all a mature or respectable police officer, although he does have his moments. Obvious rookie cop Ken Wahl is far more likable than him, trying to calm Newman down every time he acts irresponsible. Of course, with an outgoing police chief and a new one coming in (Ed Asher), the whole Bronx force is in disarray.At the center of this exploitative look at a rough time in Bronx history is the sudden assassination like killing of two rookie cops, committed in calm, devil possessed fashion by strung up hooker Pam Grier. She's probably one of the great screen villains here, basically a prostitute version of Hannibal Lector, minus the livers and Chianti. There's unnecessary romantic subplots for Newman and Wahl which take on half an hour too much footage. Filmed in location when and where this took place, it can be looked on as a historical document as to life in a world turned upside down, but a lot more shock value utilized than real life drama.

valis666 I was a bit taken aback when reading through the external reviews and seeing notable critics like Roger Ebert generally panning this movie. Not that it's a high water mark of film making, but a stylish, gritty, well-constructed movie, certainly.The one major distracting element is Paul Newman. His performance is not at fault by any standards, in fact he was very good, but in this dark look at inner city dwellers and how they're prisoners of the crime and poverty that surrounds them, one of Hollywood's most notable actors just sticks out like a sore thumb. Again, not through any misstep that Mr. Newman might have made, but just simply because he is who he is: Too big to fit into a movie about little people.Regardless, the movie is highly recommended for anyone wanting a unique look at inner city blight, the people who live in this setting and the men and women who try to protect them. There is nothing quaint about this movie, it is real and rough.