Broken City

Broken City

Year: 2013

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Allen Hughes

DramaThrillerCrime

In this gritty thriller, Billy Taggart, a former cop haunted by past transgressions, gets a second chance to make things right when Mayor Nicolas Hostetler enlists him to uncover the truth about his wife's alleged affair. But as Billy digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

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Timeline & Setting – Broken City (2013)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Broken City (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting current issues such as political corruption and the moral ambiguities faced by law enforcement. This time period is marked by a heightened awareness of social justice, as characters navigate personal and professional dilemmas against a backdrop of modern societal challenges.

Location

Bolton Village, New York City

Bolton Village is a fictional location within New York City, depicted as a community facing impending demolition due to political corruption. It represents the struggles of its impoverished residents against a backdrop of real estate greed. The contrast between the bustling city life and the quiet suffering of Bolton Village highlights the socio-economic disparities prevalent in urban America.

🏙️ City 🏘️ Village

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:18

Main Characters – Broken City (2013)
Meet the key characters of Broken City (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg)

Billy Taggart is a determined NYPD detective turned private investigator whose dogged pursuit of truth consumes him. He is emotionally complex, battling his past mistakes and current financial struggles while striving to uncover the truth behind political corruption. Despite his vulnerabilities, he possesses a strong moral compass, fighting for justice even in the face of personal danger.

👮‍♂️ Investigator 💔 Troubled Past

Mayor Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe)

Nicholas Hostetler is a suave and manipulative political figure who epitomizes corruption and self-interest. With his charming demeanor, he masks his ulterior motives, using his power to bend situations to his advantage. His complex relationship with Taggart showcases the moral quandaries faced by those in positions of authority, particularly in the realm of politics.

🏛️ Power 😈 Corruption

Captain Carl Fairbanks (Jeffrey Wright)

Carl Fairbanks is Taggart's superior officer, who initially appears protective but is entangled in the web of corruption himself. Though his intentions seem good, he is forced to navigate the murky waters of loyalty to his department and to the mayor. His character highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement in a compromised system.

🚨 Authority ⚖️ Morality

Cathleen Hostetler (Catherine Zeta-Jones)

Cathleen Hostetler is the glamorous wife of Mayor Hostetler, who becomes embroiled in the investigation due to her own secrets. Her character embodies betrayal and emotional conflict as she navigates her loyalty to her husband and her own desires. Cathleen’s decisions serve to complicate Taggart’s investigation, adding layers to her character.

👩‍🎤 Actress 💔 Intrigue

Natalie Barrow (Natalie Martinez)

Natalie Barrow is Taggart's girlfriend and an aspiring actress grappling with her own career pressures. While supportive, she becomes a focal point of Taggart’s insecurities and suspicions. Her character adds depth to Taggart’s emotional landscape, representing the personal stakes in his battle against corruption.

🎭 Actress 💬 Supportive

Jack Valliant (Barry Pepper)

Jack Valliant is the political rival to Mayor Hostetler, who brings allegations of corruption to light. His character serves as a catalyst for the investigation, challenging Taggart and exposing the flawed foundation of Hostetler’s political ambitions. Valliant’s motives blur the line between heroism and ambition, underscoring the politically charged atmosphere.

🏛️ Rivalry 📈 Ambition

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:18

Major Themes – Broken City (2013)
Explore the central themes of Broken City (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs. Corruption

The film explores the dual themes of justice and corruption through the journey of Billy Taggart as he battles against a corrupt political system. Taggart's quest for personal redemption is intertwined with the broader fight against systemic injustices, highlighting the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of what is right.

💔 Loss and Remorse

Taggart's character is deeply affected by loss and regret, particularly as he grapples with his past mistakes and the death of his friend Yesenia. This theme of remorse shapes his decisions and relationships throughout the film, illustrating the emotional toll that unresolved grief can impose on a person.

🍸 Addiction

A subplot of the movie is Taggart’s struggle with alcoholism, which serves as a metaphor for his inability to escape his troubled past. This theme underscores the impact of addiction on personal relationships and moral decision-making, providing a poignant commentary on the challenges of recovery in a corrupt world.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:18

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