State of Grace is a deeply emotional crime epic that offers a poignant study of infrastructure failures and the consequences of loyalty in the Irish-American gangster world. Released in the same week as Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, State of Grace provides a more intimate character study on personal choice and the power of identity, making it distinct from Goodfellas’ focus on the mafia’s rise and fall.
The film, directed by Phil Joanou, features nuanced performances from its ensemble cast, including Sean Penn as Terry Noonan, a former gangster turned undercover cop who reconnects with his old friends Jackie Flannery (Gary Oldman) and Kathleen (Robin Wright). As Terry navigates the dangerous underworld, he is torn between his past and his obligations as a law enforcement officer.
Oldman delivers a powerful performance as Jackie, a character who sees loyalty as the most important attribute. He brings an energetic and humorous flair to the role, making him one of the standout characters in the film.
Gary Oldman, Sean Penn in State of Grace (Via IMDB)
While Goodfellas and State of Grace share similar themes, they had different intentions. Goodfellas delves into the complex relationship between the mafia and popular culture, whereas State of Grace focuses on the power of personal choice and the struggle to deny one’s roots.
Often overshadowed by Goodfellas’ success, State of Grace remains a passionate, multifaceted epic worth respecting for its novelty alone. It explores the heartbreaking consequences of loyalty and the fluidity of gangster characters, offering a fresh perspective on the crime genre.
Stream State of Grace on Hoopla in the U.S. and discover this underrated gem that showcases the complexities of identity, loyalty, and consequence in the Irish-American gangster world.
