🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Gavin O’Connor
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2008
- Runtime (length): 2h 10min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (64K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A cop investigates his family of cops to find that some cops are corrupt, causing lots of yelling and moral quandaries, which leads to a super predictable ending that leaves you feeling like you’ve seen this movie before…because you have.
🍿 Pride and Glory: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Ambush
The film opens with a chaotic scene: four NYPD officers are brutally murdered in a drug raid gone wrong in Washington Heights. The incident shakes the entire police force, especially the Tierney family, who are deeply involved in the NYPD. Francis Tierney Sr. is a high-ranking officer, his sons Francis Tierney Jr. and Ray Tierney are also cops, and Jimmy Egan is Francis Jr.’s brother-in-law. The ambush sets the stage for a complex investigation that will test the family’s loyalties and moral codes.

Ray’s Investigation
Ray Tierney, initially hesitant due to a past traumatic experience, is pressured by his father to lead the investigation into the officers’ deaths. As he delves deeper, he uncovers disturbing evidence pointing to police corruption within his own brother’s precinct. His investigation leads him to Angel Tezo, a drug dealer who survived the ambush, and to a web of deceit involving several officers. The closer Ray gets to the truth, the more he realizes the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for his family.

Corruption Unveiled
Ray discovers that Jimmy Egan and several other officers are deeply involved in illegal activities, including drug dealing and planned executions. The realization that his own brother-in-law is a key player in the corruption ring forces Ray to confront a difficult moral dilemma. He grapples with the decision of whether to expose the truth and risk tearing his family apart, or to protect them and perpetuate the cycle of corruption. This internal conflict drives the core drama of the film.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ray Tierney (Edward Norton): A detective investigating a cop-killing case that uncovers corruption within his own family’s precinct.
- Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell): A corrupt police officer and Ray’s brother-in-law, deeply involved in the crimes Ray is investigating.
- Francis Tierney, Sr. (Jon Voight): The patriarch of the Tierney family and a former police chief, struggling to protect his family’s reputation amid the scandal.
- Francis Tierney, Jr. (Noah Emmerich): Ray’s older brother and the commanding officer of the corrupt precinct, torn between loyalty and duty.
- Abby Tierney (Jennifer Ehle): Francis Jr.’s wife who battles cancer while attempting to guide her husband towards ethical decisions.
- Ruben Santiago (John Ortiz): A corrupt cop in Jimmy Egan’s crew.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Francis Tierney Sr.: “Protect your own.” – The senior Tierney’s advice to Ray, highlighting the complicated loyalties within the family and the police force when faced with corruption.
- Jimmy Egan: “We’re cops, Ray. We’re all cops.” – Jimmy’s attempt to justify his actions and pressure Ray to conform to the corrupt practices within the NYPD.
- Ray Tierney: “I’m tired of being told what to do.” – Ray’s expression of frustration and resolve to break free from the influence of his father and the pressure to protect the system.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $15,740,721
- Worldwide Gross: $31,200,557
💥 Pride and Glory Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into ‘Pride and Glory’ expecting something groundbreaking, but honestly, it was just okay. I really liked Edward Norton’s performance as Ray, the conflicted cop, and Colin Farrell was pretty intense too. There’s a scene with a baby and an iron that seriously made me cringe! I think it tried to be a deep, gritty cop drama, but it just felt like I’ve seen this story a million times.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about family loyalty and moral dilemmas”
- “Those who appreciate gritty, realistic portrayals of police work”
- “Fans of Edward Norton and Colin Farrell”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Graphic content including torture”
- “Pervasive language”
- “Themes of corruption”
- “Brief nudity”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While the cast delivers strong performances, ‘Pride and Glory’ treads familiar ground. The exploration of police corruption lacks originality, making the film feel predictable despite its intense moments.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Edward Norton and Colin Farrell shine in their roles, but the film suffers from a derivative plot. The heavy reliance on cop movie clichés makes ‘Pride and Glory’ a watchable but ultimately forgettable experience.
Audience Reactions
The performances by Edward Norton and Colin Farrell were exceptional, carrying the weight of the film.: Many viewers praised the cast’s acting abilities, particularly Norton and Farrell, who brought depth to their characters despite the predictable storyline.
Overall Consensus: ‘Pride and Glory’ is a standard cop drama elevated by strong performances from its cast, but ultimately hampered by a familiar and predictable plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The funeral scene footage was actual footage from the funeral of NYPD police officer Eric Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty, adding a layer of realism and somberness to the film.”
- “Director Gavin O’Connor took over 9 years to bring the film to fruition.”
🖥️ How to Watch Pride and Glory?
As of today, you can find ‘Pride and Glory’ available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Pride and Glory, you might like these similar films:
- The Departed (2006): Explores themes of corruption within law enforcement and the moral conflicts faced by officers.
- We Own the Night (2007): Focuses on family loyalties and moral compromises within the NYPD during a period of intense crime.
- Serpico (1973): A classic police corruption drama about an honest cop battling systemic corruption.
- End of Watch (2012): Offers a gritty, realistic look at the daily lives and moral challenges faced by police officers.
🛒 Pride and Glory Related Products
- NYPD Blue: The Complete Series: Relive the classic series known for its realistic portrayal of NYPD officers and their struggles with crime and corruption. A must-watch for fans of gritty cop dramas.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Heat – Al Pacino as Vincent Hanna: Celebrate the iconic Al Pacino with this Funko Pop figure. A great addition to any movie buff’s collection. Perfect gift for fans of crime films
- Police Car Toy Model, Alloy Pull Back Vehicles: Pull Back Vehicles, Light and Music, 3 Open Doors.
🎧 Soundtrack
Pride and Glory features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Raza Hoodia (Tweety Gonzalez Remix)” – performed by Hip Hop Hoodíos
- “Main Title Theme” – performed by Mark Isham
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While ‘Pride and Glory’ is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real-world police corruption scandals and the moral challenges faced by law enforcement officers. It’s not based on one specific incident, but rather a composite of various themes and issues prevalent in policing.
‘Pride and Glory’ was primarily filmed in New York City, specifically in locations within Brooklyn and Washington Heights. These locations provide a gritty and realistic backdrop to the film’s portrayal of urban police work.
The release of ‘Pride and Glory’ was delayed due to concerns about its depiction of police corruption in a post-9/11 New York City. There were sensitivities about portraying NYPD officers in a negative light so soon after the heroic actions of many during the attacks.
🔥 Bonus Content
Edward Norton Speaks Spanish
Did you know Edward Norton speaks Spanish? Check out this cool clip of him practicing on the set of ‘Pride and Glory’—it’s pretty impressive!
When an Actor Is Too Passionate – Edward Norton
Ever wonder what it’s like to work with Edward Norton? This video dives into his career and reputation as a passionate actor, and even touches on ‘Pride and Glory’. I found the stories about his dedication super interesting!
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