Broken City

Broken City

Year: 2013

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Allen Hughes

Budget: $35M

DramaThrillerCrime

Haunted by his past, former cop Billy Taggart is unexpectedly brought back into the fold by Mayor Nicolas Hostetler. The Mayor seeks Billy's help to investigate rumors of his wife’s infidelity. As Billy delves into the situation, he uncovers a complex network of lies, corruption, and dangerous secrets that put him and everything he values at risk.

Broken City (2013) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Broken City (2013) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a rain‑slick city that never quite sleeps, former NYPD detective Billy Taggart finds himself coaxed out of retirement by a charismatic mayor who needs a discreet set of eyes. The mayor’s request—looking into whispers of his wife’s possible infidelity—places Taggart at the uneasy intersection of personal loyalty and public scrutiny, setting the tone for a modern‑day noir where every conversation could hide a hidden agenda.

Haunted by the ghosts of his former badge, Taggart grapples with more than just the weight of the investigation. Years of service have left him nursing a quiet dependence on alcohol and a mounting pile of debts that threaten to swallow his resolve. At home, his relationship with aspiring actress Natalie Barrow offers both a fragile anchor and a source of lingering doubt, as the pressures of her rising career clash with his own precarious stability. Yet his sharp instincts and a lingering code of honor keep him moving forward, even as the city’s shadows seem to close in.

The mayor, Nicholas Hostetler, is a figure whose public smile masks a labyrinth of political ambition; his upcoming re‑election looms large, and every rumor carries the potential to shift the balance of power. Against this backdrop, the gritty streets pulse with a mix of sleek political maneuvering and the undercurrent of long‑buried corruption. Taggart’s investigation becomes a conduit for exploring how personal histories intertwine with the city’s broader machinations, prompting him to question where his loyalties truly lie. The film weaves a brooding atmosphere of tension, moral ambiguity, and relentless curiosity, inviting the audience to wonder which truth will surface when old sins are finally called to account.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 06:44

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Political corruption thrillers like Broken City

Tense journeys through the dark underbelly of power and politics.If you liked the tense, high-stakes atmosphere of Broken City, explore more movies like it. These stories feature gritty investigations into urban power structures, where heroes face morally complex choices against a backdrop of systemic deceit similar to Broken City.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow an investigator or outsider uncovering layers of corruption within a city's power structure. The journey is fraught with personal risk, blackmail, and moral compromise, often forcing the protagonist to confront their own demons while exposing a conspiracy.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by a shared gritty, anxious mood and a focus on the corrosive nature of power. The combination of fast pacing, high intensity, and a tense tone creates a consistently suspenseful experience centered on exposing truth in a world built on lies.

Movies with troubled heroes like Broken City's Billy Taggart

Haunted protagonists seeking justice while battling personal demons.Fans of the complex protagonist in Broken City will find similar movies here. These films feature morally conflicted heroes grappling with a dark past while navigating a perilous investigation, creating a deeply personal and high-tension experience akin to Broken City.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a hero, defined by a past failure or trauma (like alcoholism or a wrongful death), being given a chance at redemption through a new case. Their personal journey of confronting guilt becomes inextricably linked to the external investigation, leading to a bittersweet resolution where justice comes at a significant personal cost.

Why These Movies?

They share a heavy emotional weight driven by a protagonist's internal and external conflicts. The combination of a morally conflicted mood, high intensity, and a bittersweet ending feel creates a powerful through-line of sacrifice and imperfect redemption.

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Broken City Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Broken City

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