To Live and Die in L.A.

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Ronald F @RT59759922 May 14 It took me some time (since the 80`s) to watch the movie, sometimes started it, but never got very far, no idea why, but now was the right time! The movie looks great, Petersen, Defoe, Pankow, Turturro etc. are great, it has a really surprising twist at the end, but the ending for me is also the achilles heel of the movie and without it, it would have been rated at least at 4 stars. Oh and yes, the main character Richard Chance is an devoted, but not a really good cop, the more he gets ruthless the less I root for him and how easy Cody can escape...well, in a movie world of super cops its actually nice to see an amateur at work 😇 Still its a cool movie, again, the visuals are brilliant, I wouldn't rate the car chase too high (and I guess it has to be viewed on the big screen), but that's not so important, especially Willem Defoe stands out for me here. See more William L. @RT70826415 May 9 To Live & Die in LA isn’t your typical 80s Action film. Directed by William Friedkin, this film has amazing direction, visuals, and a terrific score by Wang Chung. Secret Service agent Richard Chance who wants to avenge his dead partner by pursuing after his killer… Rick Masters who is a dangerous but smart counterfeiter. Terrific performances by Peterson & Dafoe… who portray Chance & Masters. This film is a fever dream to the 80s and has grit, car chases, and a real attitude. Highly Recommend! See more Ciro D. @cirocapri84 Apr 3 I loved the film. It really captures the turmoil of being an artist. Masters attention to detail aided his counterfeiting but killed his ability to express himself. The burning of his self-portrait acts as a metaphor for his eventual demise. See more Christian K @ckacar Mar 27 Fun and sleek 80s thriller with an awesome soundtrack and score. William Peterson is a mid 30s secret service agent and has the coolest LA beach house you've ever seen in your life. See more Henry D @Henry_Domke Mar 11 The picture quality was excellent. It looked great throughout, and some of the cinematography was striking. The synthesized drum-heavy score was hard to listen to, though it was certainly appropriate for the era. The script and acting sometimes felt like a parody of a bad cop movie. As Lorna said, "It’s a period piece." It was fun to see Willem Dafoe and John Turturro so early in their careers. See more Jsmes M @Manic314 Mar 10 Slick and stylish, this is easily the best action/crime thriller of the entire 1980's and one of the best of all time. Watching it in 2026 only makes it better, as viewed through the lens of nostalgia for the neon saturated decade that was the 80's- as the time is so en vogue at the moment thanks to STRANGER THINGS. TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. is a snapshot of the mid 80's and captures it's pastel excess perfectly. From the thumping Wang Chung soundtrack that fits over the action so well, to the wardrobe choices, the artwork that decorates each scene, down to the dialogue spoken, and the glitzy imagery of violence and greed depicted. A career best for William L. Peterson (MAN HUNTER, CSI VEGAS) and a showcase of prime mid 80's Willem Dafoe (who is a treat and steals absolutely every scene he's in). This is another total success from Billy Friedkin and although it may be empty calories ,boy are they fun to consume! An all time personal favorite. 9 out of 10. See more Read all reviews

To Live and Die in L.A.

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