Authentic, unflinching, documentary-like look at a young police officer recruit's arduous experience getting through boot camp. The training scenes are raw and convincing and help overcome the weaknesses of the cliched but brief domestic moments. The primary drill instructor is really good, not unlike Lou Gossett Jr in Office and a Gentleman. He gives a powerful monologue late in the film on the reason why officers need to take pride in their appearance. The Academy climaxes with a wildly improbable but tense finale. And the officer's creed is an eloquently placed coda that packs an emotional punch. The young actors who play the cadets have a nice, believable rapport. At its best the movie is a taut and compelling tribute to the men and women in blue.
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echapman715 January 2018
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kisiel-113 October 2018The Academy is a great docu-drama that is unique and compelling. Well worth watching!
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bohemianpirate-871-3834872 February 2019The Academy is a uniquely well made film. You get the sense you're watching a documentary at first, which I always find really interesting because I think you get more invested when a film starts out like that. Real, honest characters coming through. I was riveted by the intense world of police training. I have such a greater appreciation for the police academy now because I had no idea how intense it was. Kudos to the director for expertly executing such an ambitious idea. I didn't even feel like I was watching actors "act" at all. Really impressive film. Highly Recommend!!
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artistgp14 October 2015A true experience! I felt like the filmmakers did a fantastic job placing the viewer in the shoes of someone going through training. It's not everyday that one can truly feel like they've lived those moments.
The scenes involving the suits were particularly interesting to see play out. It definitely makes you appreciate the comfy couch you're probably sitting on while you watch the film.
There was clearly a lot of care and passion in the subject. If you have an interest in seeing the other side of police work this is the movie for you. Their team did a great job and I look forward to seeing what they do for their next project! -
ryanbartongrimley29 November 2017THE ACADEMY is a great docu-drama with a genuine sense of realism! I thought this film was a really great find. The acting was really realistic and not pushed like most Hollywood film which really helped maintain the reality for me. Sometimes I had to remind myself it wasn't a documentary. It's really done that well. Regarding the social issues related to the police and the system that other reviewers mentioned, The Academy definitely goes there, but it's not heavy- handed or one-sided. The Academy is a must see! BRAVO!
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Anmer935 August 2019An excellent depiction of police training and how grueling it is inside the academy. The story presents the character's struggles realistically and the result is a movie that really pays off. Well worth a look.
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JGReviews31 January 2019The Academy offers an incredibly authentic glimpse into what going through the police academy is like. I'm guessing that the director has an intimate personal knowledge of the process based on this detailed story. My father was a police officer early in his life and watching The Academy reminded me a lot of his stories of how challenging it was to go through the police academy. I'm realizing that watching this film might actually be a really good way for applicants to know what is ahead of them before they start the police academy. In terms of the filmmaking, The Academy brings a docu-drama style approach to the story, which further adds to the feeling of authenticity. I would highly recommend The Academy to anyone who is interested in policing or has always wondered what goes on during academy training.