Pride and Glory is a 2008 American crime drama directed by Gavin O’Connor, starring Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, and Jon Voight. It’s a gritty, emotionally charged exploration of police corruption, loyalty, and morality within a New York family of cops.
Detailed Summary
Opening: The Family of Blue
The film opens with the Tierney family, a multigenerational NYPD dynasty, attending a family gathering. Francis Tierney Sr. (Jon Voight) is a respected police veteran. His two sons, Francis Jr. (Noah Emmerich) and Ray Tierney (Edward Norton), are also officers, while his son-in-law Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell) works in the same precinct.
A horrific event soon shakes the entire family and department: four police officers are ambushed and killed during a drug bust gone wrong in Washington Heights. This tragedy sets off a chain reaction that forces each member of the Tierney family to confront their loyalty to one another versus their duty to justice.
Ray Returns to Duty
Ray, who had distanced himself from active police work due to a previous scandal, is persuaded by his father to lead the investigation into the officers’ deaths. Reluctantly, he accepts, diving back into the violent and morally grey world he had left behind.
The Web of Corruption
As Ray investigates, he uncovers evidence suggesting that the slain officers were involved in dirty deals with local drug dealers. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes that the corruption runs through his own family’s precinct—and right up to his brother-in-law, Jimmy Egan.
Meanwhile, Francis Jr. begins to suspect what’s going on but is torn between exposing his fellow officers and protecting his family. The film paints a bleak but compelling picture of how systemic corruption can erode even the most tightly knit families.
Jimmy’s Descent
Jimmy Egan, portrayed with menacing intensity by Colin Farrell, becomes increasingly violent and desperate to keep the truth buried. In one particularly disturbing scene, he tortures a suspect by pressing his face into a steaming pot of food in front of the man’s children—a sequence that underscores how far he has fallen.
As the walls close in, Jimmy tries to cover his tracks while attempting to manipulate both Francis Jr. and Ray. His sense of loyalty and morality collapses completely as he turns to intimidation and violence to protect himself.
The Family Confrontation
Francis Jr., already dealing with guilt and moral conflict, confronts Ray, begging him not to pursue the case any further. Ray, however, refuses to compromise his ethics, despite knowing that exposing the truth will destroy his family.
The tension between the brothers builds to a breaking point, symbolizing the greater battle between justice and loyalty that the film examines throughout.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Ray corners Jimmy at a rundown apartment complex. The confrontation is tense, raw, and emotional. Ray tries to arrest Jimmy, urging him to come clean, but Jimmy refuses and the situation spirals into a physical fight.
Ray finally overpowers Jimmy and arrests him. However, rather than handing him over to Internal Affairs, Ray decides to let him walk out and face the community himself—a poetic form of street justice. Jimmy steps outside, where a crowd of angry civilians awaits him. Overcome by guilt and resignation, he allows himself to be beaten to death by the people he’s wronged.
Afterward, Ray returns to his family home. The closing scenes are quiet but heavy with consequence—Francis Jr. resigns from the force, their father is broken by shame, and Ray walks away from the department entirely. The Tierney family’s “pride and glory” lies shattered, leaving only the bitter truth that loyalty without conscience leads to ruin.
The movie closes with Ray walking down a cold New York street, the weight of his choices etched across his face.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Pride and Glory does not include any post-credits scenes. The film ends on a somber, reflective note, emphasizing closure and moral reckoning rather than teasing future developments.
Type of Movie
This is a crime drama / police thriller, grounded in realism and moral conflict. It explores themes of corruption, family, and justice with a dark, gritty tone typical of New York-set cop dramas.
Cast
- Edward Norton as Ray Tierney
- Colin Farrell as Jimmy Egan
- Jon Voight as Francis Tierney Sr.
- Noah Emmerich as Francis Tierney Jr.
- Jennifer Ehle as Abby Tierney
- Lake Bell as Megan Egan
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Mark Isham, known for his work on atmospheric and emotionally charged films. His music for Pride and Glory blends somber orchestral elements with subtle percussion, perfectly underscoring the film’s tension and moral decay.
Filming Locations
The movie was shot primarily in New York City, particularly in Washington Heights, Brooklyn, and Queens. These authentic locations lend the film its gritty realism and grounded tone. The use of real NYPD environments and actual neighborhoods enhances the authenticity of the story.
Awards and Nominations
While Pride and Glory did not receive major awards, it was noted for its strong performances and cinematography. Critics praised Edward Norton and Colin Farrell’s acting, even though the film itself received mixed reviews for its familiar narrative.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film’s production was delayed for several years due to financing issues and scheduling conflicts.
- Director Gavin O’Connor based much of the story on real-life NYPD corruption scandals from the 1990s.
- Edward Norton and Colin Farrell both reportedly immersed themselves in police culture, spending time with NYPD officers during pre-production.
- Gavin O’Connor’s brother is a former NYPD officer, providing insider knowledge for the film’s authentic tone.
Inspirations and References
The story was inspired by real cases of NYPD corruption and loosely draws influence from the Knapp Commission investigations of the 1970s. Its themes echo classic crime dramas like Serpico and The French Connection, focusing on the moral toll of corruption rather than action spectacle.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several minor scenes were cut from the theatrical release, mostly involving extended dialogue between Ray and his brother. These scenes reportedly deepened the family dynamic but were removed for pacing. There are no known alternate endings—the final version was always intended to end with Jimmy’s death and Ray’s silent reckoning.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Pride and Glory is not based on a book, though it borrows narrative elements commonly found in police literature and true-crime stories about moral compromise and systemic corruption.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The shocking ambush that opens the film.
- Jimmy Egan’s brutal kitchen interrogation scene.
- Ray confronting the corrupt officers in the locker room.
- The emotional final confrontation between Ray and Jimmy.
Iconic Quotes
- Ray: “You start with pride, you end with nothing.”
- Francis Sr.: “A man’s only as good as his word—and his word’s only as good as his pride.”
- Jimmy: “Sometimes you gotta cross the line to protect your own.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The bar where the Tierneys meet early in the film is modeled after a real NYPD hangout in Queens.
- The film’s title appears on a street sign in the background of an early scene—a subtle nod to the dual meaning of “Pride and Glory.”
- The color grading of the film subtly shifts from warm to cold tones as the family’s moral decay progresses.
Trivia
- The film was originally completed in 2006 but wasn’t released until 2008 due to distribution issues.
- Edward Norton suffered a minor injury during a stunt but continued filming.
- The project was once offered to Mark Wahlberg before Norton joined the cast.
Why Watch?
Watch Pride and Glory for its powerful performances, particularly Edward Norton’s quiet intensity and Colin Farrell’s raw volatility. It’s a morally complex police drama that dives deep into the tension between family loyalty and ethical duty. If you enjoy character-driven stories about flawed heroes and systemic decay, this film delivers a gripping, emotional experience.
Director’s Other Movies
- Warrior (2011)
- Miracle (2004)
- The Accountant (2016)
- Jane Got a Gun (2015)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Training Day (2001)
- Serpico (1973)
- The Departed (2006)
- End of Watch (2012)
- We Own the Night (2007)
