Code of Silence (1985) User Reviews (73)

One of the best Norris film in which he takes on a violent gang war in the city of Chicago

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 3 February 2018]

Sgt Eddie Cusack , Chuck Norris , is a tough cop who makes his own rules in the noisy city of Chicago , as he faces off warring mob families , led by Henry Silva and Mike Genovese , and corrupt police officers , while his own comrades shun him . At the same time , he saves a damsel in distress , Molly Hagan , who has been kidnapped by an extremely villain mobster.

This thrilling film has a lot of killings , shootouts , car pursuits , violence , profanity and no-nonsense action . Its is a ¨Dirty Harry¨ formula action movie with the great Chuck as a loner on Chicago police force . Here Norris proved to be the heir to Chuck Norris as the king of the vigilante movie , as Norris acts as a judge , jury and executioner ; besides , he does his own stunts . Norris is caught in a middle of a gang war , but is helped by a shooter-machine called ¨Prowler¨ and he then takes the law on his own hands and smack down baddies . Norrris steals the show as a merciless police officer , giving a right-on-target acting and as one army man . At the American box-office, at the time this movie was first released in cinemas, this film became the third most financially successful Chuck Norris picture after Missing in action (1984) and Delta Force . Support cast is pretty well , such as Henry Silva , Ron Dean , John Mahoney , Allen Hamilton , Bert Remsen , and Dennis Farina was actually working as a real life police officer in Chicago, Illinois during the production of this picture. Actress Molly Hagan and actor Joe Guzaldo both received 'introducing' credits.

It contains an atmospheric Musical score by by David Michael Frank . Evocative and colorful cinematography by Frank Tidy .The motion picture was well directed by Andrew Davis , a filmmaker with a reputation for directing intelligent thrillers . He has directed good films as ¨Above the law¨, ¨The final terror¨ , ¨Chain reaction¨ , ¨Collateral damage¨ , ¨The Package¨ and Davis went on to direct 1992's top grossing picture, Under siege (1992), for Warner Brothers, a classic action film teaming Steven Seagal with Tommy Lee Jones . Being his greatest hit ¨The fugitive¨ , this film received seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and earned Tommy Lee Jones a Best Supporting Actor award. Andrew frequently casts 'Ron Dean', Joseph F. Kosala, Joe Pantoliano and his father 'Nathan Davis' . He often directs in his city : Chicago .

Leave it to Norris. He'll do it by the badge, and on his lonesome too.

[lost-in-limbo · 7/10 · 8 March 2008]

As I sat down, I wasn't expecting much even with the constant praise I read about this particular Norris effort. So to my surprise, I usually can't help but grin, or chuckle whenever watching one his films (humorous or not), but "Code of Silence" altered that perception. Well just say up until that waterlogged, lonesome gung-ho final curtain call into heroic pulp territory. Now then I couldn't help but raise a smirk, and go along with the fantasy. What really pushes this one along; is that it's professionally directed with balls and vigorous energy by Andrew Davis. The well-plotted material keeps you involved, while even following the standard textbook cop drama elements. The honest script has some cringe moments, but never becomes brainless. Just look at the witty humour and turmoil drama (a real concentration on loyalty from the cops to the criminals) that's thrown in, it fits along with everything that opens up in the meaty plot.

So it begs the question. How was our star? Norris's competently does a fine job. His easy-going nature, brought to the screen a comfortable performance, even when he wasn't kicking ass. And we know how good he's at the latter, but his acting turn here had a rather genuine feel to his character. Even though he's one man antics cross the line. He doesn't need a partner. Hell, just sack the entire police force as you can see by the results. Norris is capable enough. He got game. Henry Silva's stoically vicious drug lord villain, was a sturdy show-in and Molly Hagan admirably delivers. Ralph Foody amuses as a burnt-out cop.

Nothing about this project is award winning material, but assured catering in nearly every field makes it better than just your average cop drama. A confidently good-looking production, is filled with well-placed set-pieces and sweaty stunk work infused by its snappy pace and an uncannily, upbeat music score. The urban setting is put to great-use and fashionably-captured shots.

Quite an exciting and always on the move action yarn, which has a little more thought behind it than you might think.

My badge? If I can't do this right you can have it

[sol-kay · 7/10 · 18 October 2003]

*****SOME SPOILERS***** Eddie Cusack, Chuck Norris,is both though and honest. During an impending drug raid on the Comacho mob by Cusack's undercover crew their interrupted by the Luna mob who kill eight Comacho gang members.

Luis Camacho, Henry Silva, the head of the Comacho mob vowed revenge and a full scale gang war erupts in Chicago. During the police raid officer Cragie, Ralph Foody, shoots an innocent boy down in cold blood and then plants a gun on him to cover it up. In full sight of his startled partner officer Kopalas, Joe Guzaldo.

With most of her family murdered by the Comacho mob, Cusack rescues Diana Luna, Molly Hagan, and hides her with a friend of his Ed Pirelli, Allen Hamilton, until he can get her to the safety of the police. Meanwhile at the police hearing of the shooting of the boy by Cragie, Cusack testifies that he wrote a memo some time ago that Cragie should be taken off the streets. Cusack says "30 years on the streets is too much for anyone" plus he saw that Cragie was not only a threat to those that he dealt with but also to his fellow police officers.

The Comacho mob finds where Cusack hid Diana and after murdering Pirelli who was hiding her takes her hostage. Cusack going to the Comacho mob headquarters calls for backup but his fellow policemen let him go at it alone and don't come to his aid since he broke the "Code of Silence" in regards to taking against a fellow police officer. Cusack gets brutally beaten by the Comacho mob and is told that if he doesn't bring them Diana' father Tony Luna, Mike Genovese, she'll be dead by morning.

Cusack finding out that Tony Luna is arriving at the Chicago train station from Wisconsin where he was in hiding tries to arrest him. In a wild shootout and car chase Luna is killed in a car smash up as Cusack was chasing him through the city streets. With nothing left for him to negotiate for Diana's life and with his fellow policemen treating him as a leper an not coming to his aid Eddie Cusack is now left to take on the entire Comacho mob by himself. In a last and desperate attempt to save Diana's life.

Chuck Norris's best movie by far with more story and less action then Norris movies usually have. Few as they are the action scenes are far more effective and exciting when they come on the screen. Because of the much more superior writing they don't come off cheap and monotonous like they usually would in a Chuck Norris action movie.

With great heart stooping shoot-outs in the beginning and end of the movie and an exciting and terrifying chase on top of the Chicago El Train in the middle of the film makes "Code of Silence" with out a doubt Norris's best movie ever. Norris's acting has also improved when he's directed to talk more and fight less which director Andrew Davis allowed him to do.

Direction Brings Out the Best in Chuck Norris

[eibon09 · 2 October 2000]

During the 1980's, Chuck Norris was a big star who starred in many sub par action flicks. Code of Silence(1985) is one of the raw exceptions where the action and story blends together. Code of Silence's story seems to take its roots from the Italian police thrillers of the 1970's. The locales of Chicago are beautifully shown.

Code of Silence(1985) along with Aliens(1986) contained some of the most slam bang action sequences during that period. There are two remarkable scenes that define the movie. First, the fight on top of the elavated subway. Second, the climax where Chuck takes on an entire group of villains on his own.

The sub plot involving a corrupt cop who covers up an accidential shooting adds some realism to the film. The title refers to the code that policemen uphold among themselves. Code of Silence(1985) deals with police corruption in a frank and honest many that many action specialist in the 1990's would be afraid to tackle. This is the only Police thriller I've seen where no one helps the main hero.

The director, Andrew Davis has created characters who always fight against corruption...E.G., Above the Law(Nico), The Package(Agent), Under Siege(Casey), and The Fugitive(Richard). Henry Silva is fantastic as the cool and cold blooded Luis Comacho. Dennis Farina is his usual sarcastic self in the role of a policeman named Dorato. The funniest scene is when two people attempt to rob a bar that's full of Police officers.

Good,No-nonsense butt-kicker that's kinda been forgotten

[KUAlum26 · 7/10 · 6 February 2008]

To me,it's kind of unfortunate that many people,when people mention the name Chuck Norris think mostly of "Walker:Texas Ranger"(if they're not thinking of the barrage of Internet facts and the Home Gym infomercials he's been doing with Christie Brinkley),which is a shame. "Walker..." may've offered people who enjoy their television simple,straight-forward and moralistic(not to meniton full of round-house kicks),but to me,Mr.Norris seems better suited for movies,where his quiet,confident and likable minimalism as an actor--which perfectly balance his awesome fighting skills--can go from introduction through denouement of a three-to-four act movie involving situation,rising tension,action,climax and conclusion,all in the tight space of two hours or so(As opposed to a recurring character over the space of twenty-plus episodes per season). But that's just my humble Opine.

THis story isn't particularly taxing,as following suit with many of this genre: Tough,upright,fair and moral Chicago Sgt.Eddie Cusack(guess who?)has two looming problems on his hands--an IAD investigation into the shooting of a young boy in the projects involving two of his undercovers,one of whom becomes his de facto partner,and a gang war brewing between Italian and Bolivian(?) drug-families,which has him becoming the guardian of a scared Mafia princess(Molly HAgan). Cusack'll need his not only his toughness but also his wits(And a police robot,to boot)to play both families(the Latino family led by Henry Silva,a piece of excellent casting) off each other AND dodge the repercussions of bitter,corrupt fellow cops to make sure that justice is preserved and the innocent young woman in his care is not made yet another mob war casualty.

Directed by rising star director Andrew DAvis(in another seven years,he'll helm the surprise hit "UNder Siege" and in eight,the blockbuster "The Fugitive"),this show uses A lot of Chicago--it's scenery,it's landmarks,neighborhoods and(last but not least)it's actors,none the least of which is someday acting staple but then former Chicago cop himself Dennis FArina(As Chuck's easy-going partner and erstwhile comic relief)--and it's all used to very good effect. About the only thing that doesn't cut muster here is the almost CAsio-like music that scores this,but being that this was a 1985 release,I'm figuring that this show was no more or less guilty of that than most films of the era. I got this movie out of the cheap,cheap CHEAP bin at the local music and movie resold store,and I must say that it better than makes up for the price paid. This film's been swept under,but to me,coupled with such lost classics as "The Octagon","Lone Wold McQuade" and "Eye for an Eye" are definitely worth your Norris film library,if you are so inclined to start one,of course.

Routine but solid entertainment

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 10 April 2016]

An undistinguished action vehicle for Chuck Norris, this time playing a maverick cop (a real stretch for him) who has to battle a street war between rival drug dealers. What his movie lacks in an original plot it makes up for with an intelligent script which somewhat surprisingly focuses on characterisation instead of macho one-liners, and good pacing and direction from Andrew Davis, here cutting his teeth on the genre which would later serve him well in the likes of UNDER SIEGE.

Norris plays the typical tough-yet-likable hardman character he always seems to play, except that he's less reliant on the martial arts here. The physical fights that do ensue are generally unexciting and limp, the shoot-outs and gun battles more convincingly portrayed. Henry Silva (NICO: ABOVE THE LAW) is the chief villain, and is very good as per usual; there aren't many actors who manage to look as genuinely evil as Silva - except Christopher Walken perhaps. Dennis Farina appears in a minor role as a buddy of Norris, and the supporting cast are rounded out by passable actors and actresses who put in solid, if unmemorable, performances.

The movie draws in drug dealing and battles between rival gangs with a subplot involving police corruption, specifically an officer who accidentally shoots an innocent bystander. The various plot strands are woven together well, and there are a couple of set-pieces (like Norris taking on an entire bar) which certainly don't disappoint. The violent ending is predictable and pretty clichéd, but executed with a certain style. This is routine but solid stuff from Norris.

Chuck Norris is the man

[sveknu · 7/10 · 21 February 2010]

One of Chuck Norris' best movies, this is. It's a role that is absolutely perfect for him. He's a rock solid, super tough, good to the bone police detective who isn't afraid to resolve the situations all on his own if nobody will help him. I tell you, the last scene is so hardcore Chuck Norris action that you'll love it if you like action. There's just something great about one guy annihilating lots of scumbags on his own. Especially when it's either Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone doing it. It's Chicago in the 80's, a great backdrop for this kind of movie. Superb action and the man himself make this a must watch for action afficionados.

No code of conduct...

[fmarkland32 · 7/10 · 7 August 2006]

Chuck Norris stars as Eddie Cusack a tough cop who finds himself in the middle of an all out mob war one that finds him in the position of being the only who can protect a mafia princess(Molly Hagen) from an assassin's bullets. At the end Norris saves his martial arts and turns into a one man army with the help of a police robot. Code Of Silence interestingly predates Robocop and in the climax we see what could have very well inspired ED-209, in any case Norris' stoic demeanor actually provides the film with a hero that is quite believable and the action sequences are slick, spectacular as well as gritty. 1985 was really Norris' year since Missing In Action 2, Invasion USA and this were all very enjoyable. Indeed his streak would extend until the awful Firewalker. Code Of Silence has aged somewhat but for a better than usual policer, few can top Code Of Silence.

* * * out of 4-(Good)

Generic

[brebitzer · 2/10 · 5 February 2020]

Took me three times to watch this because nothing stood out as unique or noteworthy. A complete stick in the mud. Maybe was a good film in 1985, but there's nothing special about it. Probably the only boring Norris I've seen.

One o the best of the Chuck Norris films

[AlsExGal · 6/10 · 6 December 2019]

1985 was perhaps the peak year for action star Chuck Norris, with three big hits released. This was the second one out, and it's arguably one of the best made of his career. It still manages to make enough mistakes to limit its appeal, though. Chuck stars as a Chicago cop caught in the middle of a bloody drug war between the Italian mafia and Colombian drug lords. He's also having trouble at work, where a burn-out veteran detective involved in a bad shooting incident asks Chuck for support, which he denies, and most of the force turns against him because of it. Co-starring Henry Silva as the head Colombian, Bert Remsen as the police captain, Molly Hagan as a mobster's daughter, John Mahoney, and Dennis Farina in his largest role to date. He was still on the job as a real Chicago policeman at the time, but he would turn to acting full-time the following year, with a major role in Manhunter and the lead in the TV series Crime Story.

The mood is much grittier than in most Norris films, and the Chicago location shooting adds a lot of atmosphere. Much of the story is more than a little cliched, though, and the finale takes things into 80's action film absurdity. Several of the earlier action scenes are well mounted, a trademark for director Andrew Davis (Under Siege, The Fugitive).

Forgettable Norris nonsense

[Groverdox · 5/10 · 15 June 2016]

"Code of Silence" is a lacklustre Chuck Norris vehicle that goes nowhere interesting. It's also confusingly plotted, with half hour gaps in between important plot points so that you forget about them in the interim.

The employment of action movie clichés is at least a source of unintentional comedy here. Norris is the typical lone wolf cop that action heroes usually are. The movie handles this so badly that his actions in fact serve as a demonstration of why police are supposed to have partners. Norris leaves his own partner behind constantly, and then gets involved in situations that wouldn't have occurred if he hadn't been so foolish. For example, in one scene a girl is taken hostage by a thug while he uses his martial arts skills to dispatch a bunch of other crims before giving chase. If his partner had been with him the girl probably wouldn't have been taken - he could have stopped the kidnapping while Chuck dealt with the other bad guys, or vice versa. The fact that she was taken means she could have easily been killed or otherwise injured. Either way, I'm sure she'll get a nice case of PTSD. Nice going, Chuck.

The movie also doesn't let Chuck play to his strengths, or, er, strength. Apart from the scene mentioned above, he only really breaks out his martial arts skills once, in a fight that is admittedly impressive, but ends with Chuck getting his butt kicked. This will be unbelievable to anyone who remembers those jokes floating around about him back in the mid 2000s.

Chuck without martial arts isn't much of a Chuck at all. He doesn't have the personality to come off as anything other than a weirdo as he wanders around leaving his partner behind and, at one stage, pulling guns on a police robot. The superb character actor, Henry Silva, also barely does anything as a villain we hardly get to see. Thus we get two wastes in one movie.

Norris's acting performance

[holtrb · 8/10 · 20 July 2000]

This movie was made right at the time I call "the peak" of Chuck Norris's career. I was really quite surprised at the 5.6 rating this movie got from viewers. As far as Norris goes, this is really good stuff. He uses many classic one liners, always staying a step ahead of Victor Camacho and "Crazy" Tony Luna's bunch. If you enjoy the "honest cop" movies, this should be near the top of your list. I would rate it right there with Clint Eastwood's performance in "Magnum Force". To top it all off, the soundtrack is really a typical 80's theme. I really wish someone would release the music from some of Chuck's movies, like Delta Force.

Probably Chuck's best

[DanTheMan2150AD · 7/10 · 3 July 2023]

Legend has it that this was originally the fourth Dirty Harry movie before eventually being retooled into the Chuck Norris vehicle it's known as today. Code of Silence is a suitably slick urban police thriller debating ethical conduct within the Chicago PD all the while Chuck Norris does what Chuck Norris does best, take names and kick arse. It's noted that Norris possesses all the dramatic range of a bowling ball, he's suitably stoic for the role of Eddie Cusack proving to be a particularly snug fit here amongst his peers. The acting is all pretty solid, the direction by Andrew Davis has this awesome grunge and grim to it befitting of 1980s Chicago, great set pieces with plenty of wonderful stuntwork and the music by David Michael Frank is very funky. The dialogue may be cliched but Code of Silence is a very fun, heavy-duty, energetic and stylishly made thriller, definitely my favourite of Norris' filmography so far.

A Pretty Average Film, Lacking in the Roundhouse Department

[gavin6942 · 5/10 · 21 September 2006]

Chuck Norris plays a cop who is tracking down mafia drug runners. The fight becomes personal when the daughter of a mafia man gets kidnapped and Norris must save her.

The film follows a pretty basic idea: cop wants drug dealer, cop chases drug dealer. With Norris being the lead ,a little more karate action is added, but not as much as one might expect. Nobody was roundhouse kicked to the face. Another scene, involving a pool table, had surprisingly little use of the table in the fight (when everyone knows broken cues are the key weapon).

I was expecting the Rubik's Cube to pay off, since it appears earlier in the film a few times. This subplot (if it even deserves to be called that) is never fully developed.

The box makes a big stink out of the police department's remote-controlled tank. But don't be fooled by the box. The tank is a big let-down and never really makes sense in the context of the film. If you're looking for high tech police, watch "Robocop". Ed-209 could easily beat this tank without a moment's notice.

If you have nothing better to do and you want to see Chuck Norris, this film is acceptable. But it's not his best film (I like "Sidekicks") and not one of the better police films or karate films on the market. So, unless you need Henry Silva and Chcuk Norris on the screen together to be happy, pass on this.

This was Chuckies high water mark...

[gazzo-2 · 30 September 2000]

This came out after he had made some increasingly better films, which also made more $$ than earlier foot-in-face efforts...His stuff like 'Lone Wolf McQuade' and 'Missing in Action I and II' were hits, weren't terrible and showed him on the rise. Then came this in the spring of '85, it made a lotta $$$ and was actually seen as starting a new phase to his career. It got good reviews too.

It was seen as being like a good Bronson or Eastwood flick.

Then he fell off the wagon with two more hits-Invasion USA and Delta Force, before tanking with the Firewalker and Missing III. Never recovered save for the '93- TV series. That at least is okay. Its too bad things went that way, for as Code shows, it didn't have to happen.

This is a good flick, I liked the action, Henry Silva is an effective baddie, the El-train stunts are fun, the foot in face stuff not too insulting to yer intelligence, Norris seems to show some real concern for the young gal he is protecting, etc. You have to also like the corrupt cop angle here. They didn't blow that either.

This one is good and is better remembered than you would think.

*** outta ****

Henry

A Chicago Cop

[AaronCapenBanner · 6/10 · 28 November 2013]

Andrew Davis directs this Chicago-based action film that stars Chuck Norris as police officer Eddie Cusack, who is a tough cop determined to take down two rival and warring drug gangs that are plaguing the city. Trouble is, Eddie has made himself an outcast in the department by testifying against an aging officer who shot and killed an unarmed teenager, and Eddie doesn't think he should get away with it. Despite this, Eddie goes forth with his duties, which also has him using the department's newest weapon: a robotic crime-fighting vehicle called "The Prowler". Reasonably good film has Chuck in fine form, with efficient direction, though the plot itself is routine. Funny scene involving two crooks trying to hold up a restaurant filled with cops!

Chucking Hell

[CuriosityKilledShawn · 7/10 · 14 February 2020]

I watched Code of Silence on Sky Movies in 1994 and wasn't impressed. I just wanted a mindless action film and what I got was a tough police thriller in the vain of Out For Justice (which, strangely, I also disliked upon my first viewing). Many of Chuck's movies are OTT and stupid, but occasionally he did churn out something hard-boiled and serious and Code of Silence is one of his best.

With muscular direction from Andrew Davis, who went on to direct Under Siege, The Fugitive, and the Guardian, all shot in real, earthy Chicago locations, Chuck plays Eddie Cusack, an incorruptible cop in a force who looks the other way to ignore evil within their own ranks (as Chicago really is to this day). When two rival drug gangs clash it's up to Chuck to rescue the innocents caught in the middle and take down the villains with no help from his colleagues.

In an age of over-produced action movies something like Code of Silence is a breath of fresh air. It's tough and believable and an insight into a fascinating world. A contemporary movie to compare it to would be Dragged Across Concrete, a similar hard-bitten cop thriller. Numerous character actors pop up here, many of which were often featured in most of Davis' movies. The man loves to shoot Chicago and this movie, along with The Fugitive, Above the Law, and Chain Reaction, captures the city in all of its polarizing environments.

The perfect antidote for anyone who is burned out on modern blockbusters. I miss these mid-budget movies and they need to make a comeback.

"Grit & Grime Chi-Town Style"

[kevinkishin · 7/10 · 19 July 2021]

First off this is one of three Chuck Norris's grimmiest films for me "Silent Rage, Hero & The Terror" being the other two, Second supporting actor's Dennis Farina & Henry Silva give this film it's secondary punch, third the overall back drop of the North, Northwestside Chi-Town grimey edge gave this film blood too keep it moving. A collector of 80's kickass films must have this in their Library!!!!!

They don't make 'em like this anymore.

[tarbosh22000 · 7/10 · 28 October 2013]

Eddie Cusack (Chuck) is a Chicago cop under attack on all fronts. The Italian mob hates him because he and his partner Det. Dorato (Farina) got involved in a drug deal they were doing with the Colombian cartel, led by the evil Comacho (Silva). Now the Colombians are after his blood as well. And even members of his own department are after him because his honesty and integrity forces him to break the "code of silence" when a fellow cop Cragie (Foody) shoots an unarmed teenager and plants a gun on him. And his young, new partner that he didn't initially want, Kopalas (Guzaldo) is cracking under the strain. But Cusack does have a dependable ally in all this mess: a prototype police robot named Prowler. Will Cusack and Prowler win the day? Find out today! Code Of Silence is a classic 80's adult cop drama. It's also one of Chuck's best. The makers of this movie were smart: they crafted a vehicle for Chuck that plays to all of his strengths. (Though this seems to be somewhat accidental, as Chuck wasn't the first choice for the role of Cusack). Here, Chuck is the strong, silent type: a rock of relative calm in the sea of chaos around him. He's not "wooden", he's quiet, reserved, even contemplative. Someone finally decided that Chuck could be in a serious-minded, non-goofy movie, and not only does it completely work, but it's a highlight in his career.

Stallone perhaps could have played the Eddie Cusack role, and truly this is Chuck's Nighthawks (1981). They both grew beards and wore sweaters to prove they could make gritty, realistic fare for grown-ups. Smartly, the makers of Code Of Silence saved all the action for the final third, which makes total sense. Now, in today's ADD-afflicted culture, someone somewhere decided movies have to have Vin Diesel or The Rock doing some sort of cartoonish, silly CGI car stunt in front of a green screen in the first seconds of a movie (or trailer) in order to satisfy an audience of dummies. By contrast, Code Of Silence's pace is slow and deliberate, and thank goodness for that. It hearkens back to a time when action movies were MOVIES, not glorified video games. With the passing of time, Code Of Silence looks better than ever.

Some of our most-loved clichés are on board as well, such as the WYC (White Yelling Chief), the copious sax on the soundtrack, and, in a 2-for-1, the abandoned warehouse in an abandoned shipyard. And, proving definitively it was the glorious 80's, Chuck has a Rubik's cube. The great Henry Silva makes a worthy enemy for The Chuckster, and Dennis Farina is a great buddy for him to have. And Ralph Foody is the original foodie. Director Davis went on to work with Seagal on his vehicles Above the Law (1988) and Under Siege (1992), but don't hold that against. him. Code Of Silence is a winner all around.

Sadly, they don't make 'em like this anymore, but at least we have gems like Code Of Silence to remember that quality used to come to the movie theater.

Chuck Norris walks around with a determined scowl

[kaine800 · 3/10 · 30 December 2007]

This is, gladly, the only Chuck Norris movie i have ever seen. This film, i believe, is acclaimed by fans as one of his best, so i most certainly don't want to see anything that could be even worse. It is possibly the most formulaic 1980s cop movie i have ever seen. Hackneyed phrases akin to "I'll have your badge for this!" and "Dammit, Cusak!" are sprinkled liberally throughout the script. The Police Chief character is a walking cliché. The tension between the Columbian drug dealers and the Mafia is never explored or explained very well. It seems like the writer just used the situation as a convenient backdrop for a pretty girl being in danger. It could have been about anything. The big finale is far too predictable; the typical one-man-kills-every-last-criminal gunfight scenario, which is the inevitable climax of all such movies. The direction is average. No more than competent. Some of the fight sequences are quite terribly shot/choreographed (eg on top of the tram) to the point where a parody of such scenes would be redundant. They just look sloppy and very unrealistic. Chuck Norris shows off some pretty impressive kung fu moves in the bar fight, but this is about the only high point. Pity there wasn't more action, as his acting is pretty horrible. He just pulls a tough-guy scowl and mumbles. Not recommended. A very clichéd and run of the mill 80s cop movie.

"If I wanted your opinion I'd beat it out of you"

[andyajoflaherty · 7/10 · 24 January 2023]

I haven't seen that many Chuck Norris movies to be honest, so I'm not sure what to expect with his performances. So, taking this film at face value what we have here is a fairly generic 80's cop drama about drug busts gone wrong, police corruption and gang wars. It's clearly not going to win any awards for originality, but to be fair it was still an entertaining watch, with some great action scenes, explosions galore and Chuck beating the crap out of thugs left right and centre. Sometimes you are in the mood for a film like this, and while it is extremely predictable it makes up for it with pure entertainment value. You'll know if this is your sort of thing or not...

Not bad - One of Norris best movies

[Maziun · 5/10 · 29 June 2013]

Interesting thing - this was supposed to be a Clint Eastwood movie , but he decided to do "Pale rider" instead. It's funny , because the story here feels a little bit like western . "COS" has got obviously more story than average Chuck movie . The corrupt cops angle is nothing new or particularly deep , but works well enough. It's hard to call this story unpredictable and the ending conclusion is rather unfitting to the rest of the movie , but doesn't destroy it. There is one very funny scene involving two unlucky robbers that will make you laugh hard. There are some silly moments here and there , but overall this movie manages to be serious and have decent dialogues .

Chuck is his usual self here , but somewhat less wooden . Henry Silva ("Nico : Above the law") is effective enough as the mob boss. The rest of the cast involving known faces like Ron Dean and Dennis Farina is also very OK.

The action is rather unspectacular , although it's well placed and enjoyable. The big shootout at the end (Chuck versus mafia) is both silly and kinda creative. Director Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive" , "Under siege" and "Nico : Above the law") keeps the movie at nice pace. Veteran action movie composer David Michael Frank gives a nice funky score. Chicago does look really nice in this movie.

I give it 5/10. Not really an underrated movie , but decent enough to watch it if it's on TV and you have nothing to do. It lacks that certain something that would make it stand out from many movies of the genre. Compared to almost every other movie Norris made this is however a freaking masterpiece. Along with "Delta force" and "The Lone wolf McQuade" his best work.

Chuck Norris doesn't like silence. In particular the code of silence..

[HarryLags · 8/10 · 19 October 2016]

Well, I certainly wasn't expecting this; Chuck Norris in a genuinely good film.This is one of the better ones though. There isn't much in the way of martial arts, but there's a great one man army style finale.

It's more of a cop thriller, which has a genuinely good story and a damn good cast to boot. You've got the legendary Denis Farina and Henry Silva, who can never, ever play a good guy; he just looks evil all the time.

I love stories about corrupt cops; there's something that really grabs you emotionally because you get so angry that even "heroes" can be corrupted. Not our Chuck though, who ends up alienating himself from the force because he wants to bring down one of his own.

Code of Silence is a gritty, old-school cop thriller kinda like Dirty Harry and it's one of Chuck's more serious roles and he is actually pretty damn good in it too. Its a little slow in the first half and isn't constant action, but it is really tense in places and doesn't skimp on the violence either.

I would have given it a higher score if there was more martial arts in the film. But overall, if you're a Chuck Norris fan then give Code of Silence a watch. It's definitely one of his better films. 8 out of 10

Pretty good up until the end.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 24 February 2019]

It it hadn't been for the rather silly ending, I might have scored this film a 7, as it's generally well made. But the end...it was pretty ridiculous.

"Code of Silence" is a Chuck Norris film that is unusual in that he doesn't do that much martial arts compared to other movies I've seen him do. Instead, it's more a cop film...a bit like Dirty Harry in style...but with a bit of kicking...just a bit. The story has two main themes--a gang war which erupts because one idiot gangster arranges a hit on some rival gangsters...which occurs just before the police raid the joint. During this raid comes another plot...a cop accidentally shoots a teen and then plants a gun on him...and the police force give Norris' character the cold shoulder when he testifies against the creep.

So let's talk about the ending. Like a Van Damme or Seagal movie, Norris is ridiculous in that he takes on an entire gang in a warehouse and wins!! They have tons of weapons...and he comes with a police robotic tank!!! The whole thing really cheapens an otherwise decent cop film. Don't believe me...see it for yourself.

Not Chuck's best

[asgard-5 · 2/10 · 29 May 2010]

Code of Silence is basically Andrew Davis' training ground for Above the Law with Steven Seagal. Chuck plays a cop who's so righteous, that he has to do it alone, cause his buddies wouldn't bother helping him, fearing for the safety of their public image. The whole movie rushed in front of my eyes like it wasn't even there. The plot, although interesting, is handled in the same clunky way as Above the Law, where the story's also a little hard to follow and could also be presented much clearer, but at least it had a supercool main man Nico throwing around people left and right. What stops CoS in its tracks is that Chuck's so minimalistic, that it feels like there's no protagonist, as for Henry Silva - not much time spent to show him off either. Code of Silence really is a mixed bag. The style that the story is told is mangled by the style the action is presented (lookout for the robot). Although whenever Denis Farina pops up on the screen the movie sucks you back in, because you expect something interesting to happen. Well, nothing ever did.