This is the first major film from Hollywood that I remember seeing in which Russell Crowe had a major role. Needless to say I was very impressed with his work in this crime drama. The story and cast were both excellent. Not a movie for children or the big special effects viewer. A thought provoking well told film noir tale for the modern fan of that genre. I do agree it can be classified along side the great film Chinatown. Well recommended.

This is one of my favorite movies, I just loved this movie!  The cast was GREAT, especially Guy Pierce & Kevin Spacey, and the story was great, the sets were great, I just really enjoyed this movie, who doesn't like a period movie about murder and mayhem?  I just was totally wrapped up in the entire movie from beginning to end.

IMO this should be at the top of the pile. To think that this and Titanic came out the same year... but which got all the Oscars! Proof if it ever was needed that the 'great and good' of the film industry are retards. LAC is just sheer class in every department.

I find it interesting that the only people who have commented negatively are a: linguistically challenged, and b: desire more action. Next time rent a playstation game folks. This is one of the top ten movies of the last ten years, and a brilliant adaptation of a complex novel. I think a good case can be made to put this movie in the top hundred all time, maybe top fifty. There are no flaws here.

This movie got a lot of press and high praise. It is a good movie but it is not a great movie. It is a little slow and gets a little hung up in places. Great cast.

Awsome! see this film rewind and see it all over again a masterpeice

Released in 1997 and directed by Curtis Hanson, L.A. Confidential was a throwback to the original film noir, seedy detective films of the 1940's and 50's. For the uninitiated, the movie tells the story of three mismatched Los Angeles police detectives, Bud White (Russell Crowe), Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), and Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), who get entangled in several interrelated schemes involving high-dollar prostitutes, police corruption, and organized crime. The story is complex, and the characters are intriguing as they put aside their conflicting personal philosophies and personalities to unravel the conspiracies. James Cromwell does his normal stellar job in a supporting rule (Police Chief Dudley Smith), and Kim Basinger was okay as prostitute Lynn Bracken (though I did not see how her screen time merited the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress). On more technical matters, the pace of the film and cinematography is well done to give the movie that retro film noir aura. The bottom line is that L.A. Confidential is a very good mystery drama along the lines of Chinatown (1974).

Released in 1997 and directed by Curtis Hanson, L.A. Confidential was a throwback to the original film noir, seedy detective films of the 1940's and 50's. For the uninitiated, the movie tells the story of three mismatched Los Angeles police detectives, Bud White (Russell Crowe), Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), and Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), who get entangled in several interrelated schemes involving high-dollar prostitutes, police corruption, and organized crime. The story is complex, and the characters are intriguing as they put aside their conflicting personal philosophies and personalities to unravel the conspiracies. James Cromwell does his normal stellar job in a supporting rule (Police Chief Dudley Smith), and Kim Basinger was okay as prostitute Lynn Bracken (though I did not see how her screen time merited the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress). On more technical matters, the pace of the film and cinematography is well done to give the movie that retro film noir aura. The bottom line is that L.A. Confidential is a very good mystery drama along the lines of Chinatown (1974).

Someone said this movie was boring; I'd have to differ with you on that one. Someone also said that Kim Basinger was in this one for eye candy. I'd have to say you're dead wrong on that. There was plenty of purpose to her character and she did a good job in her role. I believe she was not only put on screen as a major character in the story, but she was there to show that the people comitting the crimes were good-looking, Hollywood-type people. Just because a woman is thrown on screen and she is made up to look good does not mean she's there for the purpose of playing eye candy.

A great movie with an excellent cast. The script was brilliant. Kim Basinger gave an awesome performance.

Old-fashioned, nostalgic action flick doesn't deliver all that much action...but an excellent, oscar-calibur performance by Kim Basinger. Hot and sexy.

Based on the book of the same title by James Ellroy (Very good author and if you like the film you should read the Dudley Smith Trio book) It carries off the style of Hollywood 1950's very well and the cast is amazing. Yes, the story is slow, but its meant to be. If you want a fast, simple film with loads of action then go and watch some of the s**t action films that Hollywood now spews out. This is a film thats meant to challenge you, make you think. Kevin Spacey is as magnificent as ever. If you liked him in 'The Usual Suspects' you'll definately like him in this. Russell Crowe plays a character that actually has some depth and shows off his acting abilities and Kim Basinger is absolutely stunning as the Veronica Lake look-alike (and she actually does look like her) but also shows that she can act - I'd say that this is her best film. Guy Pearce is outstanding and I'd say this is another film of his to be added to the list where he shows that Neighbours is way behind him now. This film is full of suspense, twists, sub plots, the corruption of the LAPD and shows the underworld of Hollywood. If you appreciate good acting and an intelligent plot, tehn this is a film for you.

An absolutely excellent and surprising movie with screenbreaking vibes between Basinger and Crowe! A thrilling story, excellent actors, great music: Bravo to the Director Curtis Hanson

This is one of the best films in the last 10 years. Infinately better than "Titanic" (eughhhh), and a great crime movie, L.A. Confidential is a mature thriller that delivers the goods. Very similar to Chinatown, but how could that ever be a bad thing? In my opinion, damn good. A must-see. Summary: A MATURE THRILLER THAT CERTAINLY DELIVERS THE GOODS.

The perfect modern film-noir. Screenplay, direction, casting, acting, cinematography were all excellent! It all comes together and of course has many surprises in store for the viewer. Much, much more than a glitzy remake of a 1950's detective story as it begins to appear at first.

Amazing adaptation. Screenwriter/director Curtis Hanson managed to streamline the story, which moves like a bullet. Every word and frame counts, so you have to pay attention. Direction, acting, editing all superb.

I would've given "LA Confidential" four stars because any film surrounded by so much hype has been a disappointment for me. But "LA Confidential" is an exceptional film, not because of, but despite of, the hype! The cast has left its indelible mark as the characters in this film: I couldn't imagine anyone else playing their parts better or more believably! The script is flawlessly written and does justice to the book, and the direction was masterful. The film has a wonderfully involved plot reminiscent of "Chinatown" and every scene in the film is necessary for its ending. It's so rare nowadays to find a film that not only acheives its original ends to be two hours of sheer entertainment, but also manages to be intelligent and astonishing as well!

A great movie because of the suspense and build up of the plot. Convincing and believable actors and an interesting plot. The movie is heroic because in the end the good cop prevails over the bad cops.

This was a wonderful movie about police cover up. All the mystery and the mis leads of the movie. The ending was unpredictable.

One of the most overrated films of all time. The movie is technically sound except for one flaw. No one is really going to believe that these intelligent detectives are going to throw away their careers for one night with a prostitute. Oherwise a good film.

A beautiful noir film. You're girlfriend will love you for Russel Crowe. You'll love it for the bad guys, with an engaging story and spirited performances, L.A. Confidential will grip you.

L.A. Confidential is a pretty recently released flick that is now one of my personal favorites. A movie masterfally directed with a steller cast including Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, and the Marvelous Russel Crowe. A must see for everyone.

The movie was hard to follow. Kim Basinger did an okay job at acting, but I don't think it was Oscar worthy. If you like long, drawn out movies you will like this.

Great film! I can watch it over and over. All the acting is great; Kevin Spacey is awesome. One of my top five all time favorites.

Even though it was a big hit movie, I really didn't like it. It was slow and not very exciting and the only reason that I could tell that Kim Basinger was in it was for eye-candy, and that really bugs me.

If you liked Russell Crowe in Gladiator, you'll love him as Bud White, an uncompromising LA cop with a short temper and zero tolerance for women beaters. This movie drags one deep into the corruption of 1950's LA police, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.

This movie is good! The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. Every character showed growth and development that every movie should have. I love Kim Basinger.

Very boring. Did not like the movie. Needs more excitement.

It's a wonderful movie, with great actors and better performances.

One of the best movies I have ever seen. Intelligent and suspenseful to the core

Very strong performances all round from the cast & memorable soundtrack

I thought this movie was excellent-so few people gave it "props", but after I saw it, I bought it and I watch it all the time.

Everyone says this movie is so great, but overall, it didn't live up to my expectations.

I don't think that it should have gotten best actress (she was so unremarkable that I can't even think of her name right now.)