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Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) movie poster

Timeline

Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2005 · 109 min · English
JustWatch #20,608 6
Directed by
Jean-François Richet
Starring
Laurence Fishburne
Budget
$30M

On New Year's Eve, a police sergeant and a small group of officers and convicts find themselves trapped inside Precinct 13. A ruthless gang of corrupt officers descends upon the station, intending to destroy the building and everyone inside. Forced to confront a common enemy, the sergeant must find a way to forge an uneasy alliance between the cops and the criminals to survive the escalating violence and uncover the truth behind the attack.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Assault on Precinct 13
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Assault on Precinct 13 (2005)

Where can you watch Assault on Precinct 13? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Philo, Starz and YouTube Free: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Assault on Precinct 13 Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Precinct 13 Set to Close

    As the clock ticks down to the new year, Detroit's oldest police station, Precinct 13, prepares to close its doors for the last time. A core team of officers remains on duty to manage this final shift, contributing to a somber and reflective atmosphere.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  2. Burnt Memories of the Past

    Sergeant Jake Roenick grapples with the heavy burden of his past failures, particularly a botched undercover operation that resulted in the deaths of two of his teammates. The emotional weight of these memories foreshadows the challenges he will face that night.

    When
    Before the shift
    Where
    Precinct 13
  3. Bishop Transported to Jail

    Crime lord Marion Bishop is taken to prison after his involvement in a violent incident that ended with the death of an undercover cop. Along with him are three criminals, each with their own agendas and secrets, setting the stage for future chaos.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Prison
  4. Bus Diversion Due to Snowstorm

    A brutal snowstorm forces the transport bus carrying Bishop and his fellow inmates to divert their route, leading them to Precinct 13. This unexpected turn of events sets in motion the night’s unfolding violence and conflict.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Road to Precinct 13
  5. Masked Gunmen Attack

    The festive atmosphere at Precinct 13 is violently shattered when masked gunmen storm the building. Their assault leads to the death of one guard and injuries to another, leaving the officers inside in a state of shock and urgency.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  6. Discovery of Corruption

    As the officers regroup, they realize that the attackers are not merely gangsters but corrupt policemen led by Captain Marcus Duvall. This revelation complicates the situation, revealing a deadly plot to eliminate Bishop before he can testify.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  7. Alliance Forms

    In a surprising turn of events, Roenick decides to arm the prisoners to help defend the precinct. Faced with a common enemy, a fragile alliance begins to form between the officers and the inmates, driven by necessity rather than trust.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  8. Chaos as Capra Arrives

    Off-duty officer Capra arrives at the precinct, disoriented and fearful, leading to tense interactions between the officers and the inmates. This unpredictability increases tensions, as suspicions loom regarding Capra's true intentions.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  9. Tragic Escape Attempt

    In a bid for freedom, Smiley and Beck attempt to escape during the chaos, but their plan ends disastrously when snipers take out Beck. This loss exemplifies the brutal reality of their situation and raises the stakes for the remaining characters.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Outside Precinct 13
  10. Anna's Fatal Attempt to Flee

    While attempting to escape, Anna hot-wires a car with Alex, but their efforts end in tragedy when Anna is shot by a hidden police officer. The ensuing crash leads to Alex's capture, showcasing the perilous nature of their surroundings.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Outside Precinct 13
  11. Bishop Identifies a Traitor

    As the remaining officers reevaluate their dwindling numbers, Bishop surmises there is a traitor among them, targeting Capra as the potential mole. This revelation adds a layer of paranoia and distrust as they try to devise a plan for survival.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  12. Fire and Escape

    In an attempt to outsmart the assailants, Jasper recalls an old sewage entrance, prompting Roenick and Bishop to ignite the precinct to slow down their pursuers. This drastic measure leads to a tense but necessary escape plan.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  13. Jasper's Betrayal Revealed

    In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Jasper has been the traitor all along, orchestrating plans to eliminate Roenick and the others. As chaos ensues from the revelation, the remaining survivors fight back against the corrupt force.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Precinct 13
  14. Final Confrontation in the Woods

    The pursuit culminates in a tense chase through the woods, where Roenick and Bishop must collaborate to overcome Duvall and his men. Their plan nearly succeeds, but Duvall's cunning leads to further confrontation and loss.

    When
    New Year's Eve
    Where
    Woods near Precinct 13
  15. Aftermath of the Assault

    As dawn approaches, the final remnants of the night’s horrors come to a close with a weary Roenick and Iris seeking refuge. Their harrowing experience leaves marks on their souls as they face the reality of survival and loss.

    When
    Dawn
    Where
    Precinct 13

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:19

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Timeline questions answered

Assault on Precinct 13 Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Assault on Precinct 13 (2005): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Captain Duvall attack Precinct 13?

Captain Marcus Duvall attacks Precinct 13 to eliminate crime lord Marion Bishop before Bishop can testify against him. Duvall and Bishop were once partners in crime, but their relationship soured due to Duvall's greed. Knowing Bishop would turn state's evidence, Duvall orchestrated a coordinated assault using corrupt policemen, street cops, snipers, and SWAT teams to wipe out Bishop and everyone else in the precinct.

  • duvall
  • bishop
  • corrupt police
  • attack
  • testify
Q2

Why does Sergeant Roenick decide to arm the prisoners?

Roenick decides to arm the prisoners because the precinct is severely understaffed and outnumbered. With only a handful of officers facing a growing force of corrupt policemen, snipers, and SWAT teams, he has no choice but to use every available person to defend the station until dawn. The attack forces an uneasy alliance between the cops and criminals out of sheer necessity.

  • roenick
  • prisoners
  • arms
  • alliance
  • defend
Q3

Who is the traitor in Precinct 13?

Jasper is the traitor. Throughout the siege, Bishop suspects Capra of being the informant, but it's revealed that Jasper has been working with Duvall all along. Jasper orchestrates plans to eliminate Roenick and the others, ultimately leading to the betrayal during their escape through the sewers.

  • jasper
  • traitor
  • betrayal
  • capra
  • misdirection
Q4

Why does Bishop spare Roenick's life at the end?

Bishop spares Roenick because through their night of fighting together, they've developed a mutual respect despite being on opposite sides of the law. Roenick proved himself by standing against corrupt police and making difficult decisions. Bishop's final gesture hints at possible future encounters, acknowledging their unusual bond forged in survival.

  • bishop
  • roenick
  • sparing
  • respect
  • finale
Q5

Why is Alex executed by Duvall?

Alex is captured after Anna is shot and the car crashes. When brought before Duvall, he demands to know how many people are inside the precinct. Alex defiantly replies that there are "a hundred" people, refusing to give up information. Her brave defiance is met with execution, she is shot dead for her loyalty.

  • alex
  • duvall
  • executed
  • captured
  • defiant
Q6

What was the relationship between Bishop and Duvall?

Bishop and Duvall were once partners in crime, with Duvall being a corrupt police captain who worked with Bishop's criminal organization. Their partnership fell apart due to Duvall's greed. When Bishop was arrested after an undercover cop was killed, Duvall saw an opportunity to eliminate Bishop before he could testify and expose their connection.

  • bishop
  • duvall
  • partnership
  • corrupt
  • greed
Q7

Why do the prisoners and police form an alliance?

The prisoners and police form an alliance out of survival necessity. Both groups face annihilation from Duvall's coordinated attack, making former enmities irrelevant. Roenick initiates the alliance by arming the prisoners, and while initial distrust runs high, the shared enemy forces them to work together to defend the precinct.

  • alliance
  • prisoners
  • police
  • survival
  • necessity
Q8

What happens to Anna and Beck during the escape attempts?

Beck and Smiley attempt to escape during the chaos when the prison bus explodes, but snipers eliminate both of them outside the precinct. Meanwhile, Anna hot-wires a car to escape with Alex, but a hidden police officer shoots Anna, causing a fatal crash. Alex is then captured and later executed by Duvall.

  • anna
  • beck
  • smiley
  • escape
  • snipers
Q9

Why does Jasper betray the others?

Jasper is revealed to be working with Duvall throughout the siege. As a corrupt officer, he was part of Duvall's plot to eliminate everyone in the precinct. His knowledge of the precinct and the sewage entrance makes him a valuable asset for Duvall's plan, and he systematically works to undermine the survivors from within.

  • jasper
  • betrayal
  • corrupt
  • duvall
  • sewers
Q10

Why is Precinct 13 closing down?

Precinct 13 is Detroit's oldest police station and is being permanently closed as part of a department reorganization. The New Year's Eve shift is its final operation, which is why only a minimal team is on duty when the attack occurs.

  • precinct 13
  • closing
  • detroit
  • shutdown
Q11

What is Roenick's past trauma?

Roenick is haunted by a failed undercover operation eight months prior that resulted in the deaths of two of his teammates. This tragedy has left him emotionally scarred and contributes to his burden of guilt as he faces the night siege at Precinct 13.

Foreshadowing: The burnt memories of his past foreshadow the challenges he faces during the siege.

  • roenick
  • trauma
  • undercover
  • failed operation
  • guilt
Q12

Why do the attackers have police badges?

The attackers possess police badges because they are actually corrupt policemen led by Captain Marcus Duvall. When Roenick kills one of the attackers, he discovers a police badge in the wallet, revealing that the assault is an inside job by dirty cops rather than a gang attack by Bishop's men.

  • attackers
  • badges
  • corrupt police
  • duvall
  • reveal
Q13

What is the significance of the brick with Bishop's name?

When the attackers first arrive, they throw a brick into the precinct with "Bishop" written on it. This initially leads Jasper to believe Bishop's gang is attacking to free him. However, this theory is quickly disproven when the true nature of the attackers as corrupt police is revealed.

  • bishop
  • brick
  • misdirection
  • attackers
Q14

What happens to Roenick at the end of the movie?

At the end, Roenick is wounded during the final confrontation with Duvall in the woods but manages to bring Duvall down. After Bishop spares his life and leaves, Roenick reunites with Iris, who arrives with officers. He is injured and exhausted as they walk toward an ambulance together, with Roenick saying "get used to it" when Iris asks if it's over.

  • roenick
  • injured
  • finale
  • ambulance
  • iris

Movie threads

More Movies Like Assault on Precinct 13, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Assault on Precinct 13 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Under siege movies like Assault on Precinct 13

Trapped groups must overcome their differences to survive a relentless external threat. If you enjoyed the high-stakes survival and uneasy alliances in Assault on Precinct 13, you'll find similar tension in these movies. This list features films where a diverse group is trapped and must band together to fend off a relentless assault, creating a claustrophobic and suspenseful experience.

  • claustrophobic
  • tense
  • desperate
  • suspenseful
  • paranoid
  • violent
  • Tone: dark, tense, grim
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a sudden, violent external threat that traps a group of characters in a single, defensible location. The core conflict often involves internal distrust and moral differences that must be set aside for the group to survive the escalating attacks. The plot unfolds as a series of assaults, with the characters fortifying their position and forming a fragile, necessary bond.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core setup of a contained siege, high-intensity action, and the compelling dynamic of foes becoming temporary allies. The shared mood is one of desperate survival, relentless pressure, and grim determination, making the viewing experience consistently tense and gripping.

Grim crime thrillers with moral ambiguity like Assault on Precinct 13

Stories where the line between cop and criminal blurs in a corrupt system. For viewers who appreciated the heavy themes of police corruption and moral compromise in Assault on Precinct 13, this collection highlights similar movies. These films explore bleak criminal underworlds and flawed protagonists navigating systems where right and wrong are not clearly defined.

  • grim
  • paranoid
  • tense
  • corruption
  • betrayal
  • desperate
  • Tone: dark, bleak, morally complex
  • Pacing: steady, building to intense climax
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist, often a law enforcement officer, who discovers a deep-seated corruption that undermines their sense of justice. They are compelled to ally with questionable figures or break their own codes to confront a greater evil. The journey is characterized by betrayal, hard choices, and an ending that offers survival but at a significant moral and emotional cost.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and exploration of moral ambiguity within crime and justice. They deliver a consistent vibe of paranoia, grim realism, and the psychological toll of operating in a world where the institutional good guys are often the villains.

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Every angle

Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Assault on Precinct 13 in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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