Courage

Excellent 1980 Cops & Drug Ring Thriller - w. A Woman in the Lead Role! - and what a woman!

Sophia Loren. She established her acting creds early on in Two Women - this woman is not just a pretty face, but an Italian actress easily of the professional stature of Ana Magnani.

This isn't a big budget film - but w. Loren carrying the pivotal character's role w. With an unfailing graceful gravitas, the thing rises above itself.

It's incredible that this is based on a true story - and I won't do spoilers - but it has a serious message about ordinary people victimized by the maw of international drug cartels nonetheless standing up against that nightmare - hence the story's well-deserved title 'Courage".

And although it's not a big budget extravaganza, it's has its share of very respectable cops & robbers suspense and car chase scenes, and the filming in NYC - and the Island - is quite well done, realistic but with a sheen that properly frames the various local backdrops and sets.

The other cast - most notably. Billy Dee Williams - all bring their professionalism to the table and as an ensemble work flawlessly together.

But there is no doubt that this is a Sophia Loren masterpiece - her performance is dignified, intelligent, piercing.

Bravo to all the production team; this is a good one.