State of Grace Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop goes undercover, makes bad choices, and everyone ends up either dead or wishing they were, all set to the tune of a sad Irish jig.

🍿 State of Grace: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Terry’s Return to Hell’s Kitchen

Terry Noonan, after a decade-long absence, returns to the familiar, yet changing, landscape of New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. He’s immediately drawn back into his old life through his connection with Jackie Flannery, a childhood friend deeply involved in the Irish mob led by his brother, Frankie. This reunion sets the stage for Terry’s internal conflict and divided loyalties.

Entanglement with the Flannery Family

Terry rekindles a romantic relationship with Kathleen, Jackie’s sister, further complicating his position. As he reconnects with his past, Terry becomes increasingly entwined in the dangerous world of the Irish mob, facing moral dilemmas that challenge his sense of right and wrong. The family dynamics and history begin to weigh heavily on his decisions.

Terry’s Secret Identity

Unknown to his friends and family, Terry is an undercover cop tasked with dismantling Frankie’s criminal organization. This secret forces him to navigate treacherous waters, balancing his loyalty to his friends with his duty to uphold the law. The pressure mounts as he gets closer to exposing the Flannery’s illegal activities, bringing him closer to the breaking point.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Terry Noonan (Sean Penn): An undercover cop who returns to Hell’s Kitchen and becomes torn between his loyalties to his childhood friends and his duty to the law.
• Frankie Flannery (Ed Harris): The ruthless and calculating leader of the Irish mob in Hell’s Kitchen, trying to maintain control and power.
• Jackie Flannery (Gary Oldman): Frankie’s volatile and unpredictable younger brother, whose loyalty and impulsiveness lead to conflict.
• Kathleen (Robin Wright): Jackie’s sister and Terry’s former love interest, who is caught between her family ties and her desire to escape her surroundings.
• Nick (John Turturro): Terry’s police handler who struggles to maintain control over Terry’s increasingly complex situation.
• Stevie (John C. Reilly): A member of Frankie’s crew who gets murdered.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Terry: “It was like this opportunity in which I could look the entire thing in the eye.” – Terry explains his reason for going undercover, seeking a chance to confront his past.
• Jackie: “You believe in the angels or the saints or there’s such a thing as a state of grace.” – Jackie shows his tender side, and longing for forgiveness or redemption

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,911,542
• Worldwide Gross: $1,911,542

💥 State of Grace Reviews

Personal Review

State of Grace hit me hard! I was completely drawn into the world of Hell’s Kitchen and the complex relationships between the characters. Oldman steals every scene he’s in; his portrayal of Jackie Flannery is both terrifying and strangely sympathetic. The ending, set against the St. Patrick’s Day parade, is incredibly powerful and left me with chills. This is definitely a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gangster films”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with complex characters”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances, especially by Sean Penn and Gary Oldman”
  • “Audiences seeking gritty and realistic portrayals of urban crime”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “State of Grace is a compelling if familiar crime drama elevated by powerhouse performances from its leads. Oldman’s portrayal of a volatile gangster is particularly mesmerizing.
• Variety: “Though released the same year as Goodfellas, State of Grace holds its own as a gritty and realistic portrayal of Irish mob life. The ensemble cast delivers exceptional performances.

Audience Reactions

Gary Oldman’s performance is absolutely unforgettable; he embodies the character of Jackie Flannery perfectly.: Viewers agree that State of Grace is a highly underrated gangster film with exceptional performances and a compelling story.

The movie’s ending is intense and emotional, with a great gunfight.: Fans appreciate State of Grace for its raw and realistic portrayal of criminal life.

Overall Consensus: State of Grace is a gritty and intense crime drama with outstanding performances, particularly from Gary Oldman and Sean Penn. Often overlooked due to its release alongside other acclaimed gangster films, it remains a compelling and memorable work.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gary Oldman considers his performance in ‘State of Grace’ as one of his personal favorites.”
• “The movie was released in the same year as ‘Goodfellas’, which overshadowed its initial reception.”
• “Several incidents in the film are based on actual testimony given by captured mobsters, adding a layer of realism to the narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch State of Grace?

State of Grace is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. You can also find the DVD and Blu-ray versions for purchase online through retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed State of Grace, you might like these similar films:

• The Departed (2006): A modern crime drama featuring an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob in Boston, similar themes of divided loyalties and betrayal.
• Donnie Brasco (1997): Another undercover cop story about Joe Pistone infiltrating the Italian Mafia, exploring the psychological toll on the agent.
• Miller’s Crossing (1990): Set during the Prohibition era, this Coen Brothers film explores the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within Irish gangs battling for control of a city.

🛒 State of Grace Related Products

• Gary Oldman: First Among Equals: A biographical look into Gary Oldman’s career. A biography of one of the greatest chameleons in the history of film and TV, Gary Oldman. From Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy to George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and everything in between, this is the full story of a magnificent performer.
• Ennio Morricone Film Music Anthology, Vol. 1: Relive the genius of Ennio Morricone with his best works. Discover Morricone’s masterful score for the film along with other classics.
• Hell’s Kitchen: Gangsters, Murder, and the New York Irish Mob: This book details the true history of The Westies, a notorious Irish gang in Hell’s Kitchen.
• Irish Mobster Costume Set: Includes a newsboy cap, black trench coat, and faux tommy gun. Dress the part and let the cops stay out of it.

🎧 Soundtrack

State of Grace features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “White City” – performed by The Pogues
• “Theme from State of Grace” – performed by Ennio Morricone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ennio Morricone – State of Grace (1990) closing titles theme (St. Patrick’s Day)

Ever get chills during the end credits of ‘State of Grace’? That’s all thanks to this amazing closing theme by Ennio Morricone! Give it a listen and get ready to be transported back to the gritty streets of Hell’s Kitchen – I still get goosebumps every time!

Ennio Morricone – State of Grace – Terry Noonan

Want to really understand Terry Noonan’s character in ‘State of Grace’? This track, dedicated to him, really captures his internal conflict and the tragic choices he faces. Trust me, it adds a whole new layer to the movie!

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