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Cast: Michael Dowd, Ken Eurell
Director: Tiller Russell
During the crack cocaine explosion of the late 1980s and early '90s, Michael Dowd, a New York City police officer, brazenly led a crew of crooked cops to build his own empire in East New York, one of the toughest sections of Brooklyn. Labeled "The Dirtiest Cop Ever," Dowd turned the department's 75th Precinct into a den of corruption, both protecting and robbing drug dealers while lining his own pockets to the point of bursting with cash and drugs. His arrest in 1992 led to the largest police corruption scandal in New York City history. Packed with interviews with both those who broke the law and those who protected it, the "wildly entertaining" (Variety) THE SEVEN FIVE is the ultimate investigation of the notorious events, for the first time putting the audience inside the cars - and the minds - of these crooked cops.
I have seen three really good Documentaries this past week and "The Seven Five" is one of them. I am not going to go into details about the film because the synopsis above is all you need to know before watching this engaging documentary about one of the dirtiest cops ever. The thing’s Michael Dowd and his partner did are jaw dropping and disturbing. One thing I can't understand is how they got away with what they were doing for six years. Especially with all they were involved in including protecting local drug dealers and even selling their own cocaine. They say money is the root of all evil and I guess this film is one example of that.
Director, Tiller Russell only directed a few episodes of a couple Television shows before taking on this story but he sure nailed it here. "The Seven Five" is an in-depth, complex and captivating look at the NYPD and it's darkest time. Russell did a fantastic job getting all the necessary interviews and stock footage needed to tell the story. I look forward to seeing what this talented film maker has coming next.
I am surprised Hollywood never made a film about Michael Dowd but I am glad this documentary came out instead because we get the real story from all those involved on both sides of the law. I recommend this to fans of crime films in general. This is powerful story telling at its best.
"The Seven Five" is available now on DVD. You can order it HERE.
This is an amazing documentary about a police officer's descent into corruption during the most violent time NYC ever faced. A must-see.
Released by MPI Home Video/ IFC Entertainment
***** Out Of *****