The Onion Field
1979, Drama/Crime, 2h 2m
13 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsYou might also like
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The Onion Field Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Det. Karl Francis Hettinger
Gregory Ulas Powell
Jimmy Lee "Youngblood" Smith
Det. Ian James Campbell
Det. Sgt. Pierce R. Brooks
Dist. Atty. Phil Halpin
Critic Reviews for The Onion Field
All Critics (13) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (2)
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The Onion Field is a serious and most uncompromising movie. It lacks, however, the sort of disciplined craft that might have made it a powerful and affecting one.
September 10, 2011 | Full Review… -
James Woods as the near-psychotic Powell is chillingly effective, creating a flakiness in the character that exudes the danger of a live wire near a puddle.
March 26, 2009 | Full Review… -
It's the usual heavy Wambaugh brew: police procedure closely observed without a trace of romanticism, suggesting simply that life in the force is psychological hell.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
The film is generally crisp and at times exciting, but it's also full of incidents that are only sketchily explained, and minus the all-important narrative thread that might have provided a clear point of view.
May 9, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/5 -
Thoughtful trial movie with a disturbing edge.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
If the story weren't based on true events, it would nevertheless be fascinating because of its precise and impeccable technical mastery. [Full Review in Spanish]
August 12, 2019 | Full Review…
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The Onion Field is a serious and most uncompromising movie. It lacks, however, the sort of disciplined craft that might have made it a powerful and affecting one.
September 10, 2011 | Full Review… -
James Woods as the near-psychotic Powell is chillingly effective, creating a flakiness in the character that exudes the danger of a live wire near a puddle.
March 26, 2009 | Full Review… -
It's the usual heavy Wambaugh brew: police procedure closely observed without a trace of romanticism, suggesting simply that life in the force is psychological hell.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
The film is generally crisp and at times exciting, but it's also full of incidents that are only sketchily explained, and minus the all-important narrative thread that might have provided a clear point of view.
May 9, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/5 -
If the story weren't based on true events, it would nevertheless be fascinating because of its precise and impeccable technical mastery. [Full Review in Spanish]
August 12, 2019 | Full Review… -
Brutal, even sordid, but compulsive viewing.
September 10, 2011 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Onion Field
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May 05, 2021The movie often underlines its themes in some clumsy ways however I appreciate the slow pacing which does a better job of examining the inherently unsatisfying concept of "justice" both in legal and emotionally satisfying terms.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Nov 29, 2011"The Onion Field" features a complex narrative and well-developed characters, but ultimately, it never goes anywhere. The scenes that are meant to provoke emotion fall flat, the final twenty minutes or so are unnecessary, and the pacing is slow and unbalanced. James Woods delivers a strong performance, but that's about it. There's nothing noteworthy about this film other than that.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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Jul 30, 2011The Onion Field has real potential to be a very compelling film. There are tons of great character pieces with a complex plot, but it all somehow just doesn't go anywhere. This film is based on true events, but I'm wondering if the actual events were portrayed as is, and if so, did they need to be so true to them? I'm not going to spoil the entirety of the film, nor am I going to get into a discussion on dramatic character development and satisfactory story, but it basically winds down to nothing. Dramatic tension tries its hardest to kick in at times with little to no pay-off. This, to me, seemed more suited to be a Broadway production rather than a film. Two hours of complex plot and emotionally unsatisfying events make for a very dull film, despite the talent behind it.Tim S Super Reviewer
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Sep 06, 2010A fantastic crime/prison movie, the story is really incredible, and the actors are great. The only problem is that it's a little too long. Other than that I loved it.Aj V Super Reviewer
The Onion Field Quotes
| Mrs. Powell: | Besides it's all in the family. |
| Gregory Ulas Powell: | I believe I can help you make some real money. Real money, Jimbo! |
| Karl Hattinger: | [while in the onion field seeing his partner crying] That's the onions. It makes you eyes water. |
| Greg Powell: | Don't waste bullets! |
| Karl Hattinger: | At least you're tall enough to carry it. Married life's making me feel like an avocado with feet. |
| Jimmy Smith: | Mr. Brooks... I believe... I think that is something that rich white guys dreamed up to keep guys like me down. I honestly don't believe there is such a thing... such a feeling. Guilty? That's just something the Man says in court when your luck runs out. |
| LAPD Captain: | Any man who gives up his gun to some punk is a coward. Any man who does can kiss his badge goodbye, if I can help it. You're policemen. Put your trust in God. |
| District Attorney Phil Halpin: | Let 'em walk. If only I could send some lawyers and judges to the gas chamber. |
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