Based on a true story, Al Pacino stars as a honest cop in New York City battling against police corruption. Pacino's performance as Frank Serpico is very powerful, earning him an Oscar nomination, and you really feel his building frustration and anger and desperation at the situation he finds himself in. An intelligent script is well handled by director Sidney Lumet, dealing with Serpico's mental and emotional state while maintaining a gripping plot. The music is unusual at times, like something out of a romance, but here it adds further emotional depth to the film, particularly during scenes of Serpico trying to enjoy normal relationships and life while under intense pressure. One of Pacino's better films. 8/10
