To Live and Die in LA is a Masterpiece

[@ScudX]

Vice City AND Moonbeam City cuts on the soundtrack?! In a video about my favorite obscure 80s action masterpiece? You just got yourself a new pair o' eyeballs, buddy!

[@truthseeker5910]

One of the most underrated 80's crime gems of all-time !!! This movie is a True Masterpiece. 100% Adrenaline !!!

[@sgt.hollowpoint6968]

Not underrated at all.

[@Vibeagain]

Are you sure it was underrated? I was right there mid-80s and it was all over the place

[@DrakeDietrick]

Most underrated film ever because no one knows about it!!

[@robynlea6950]

Literally had me on the edge of my seat, magnífico.

[@GoldKingsMan]

Definitely one the best , and cool end credits.

[@tylertheguy3160]

I wish William Petersen did more movies like this when he was younger. That guy is a total badass.

[@akinalcitepe9130]

He did another one called Manhunter. Great film.

[@tylertheguy3160]

@@akinalcitepe9130 I've seen Manhunter. I'm a fan of Michael Mann as a director and it's my personal favorite of the the Hannibal Lecter series.

[@K-OnTheCase]

@@tylertheguy3160 Totally agree with you Tyler! “Manhunter” a truly underrated gem 💎!

[@K-OnTheCase]

@Stefano Pavone Yup 👍🏼 Ive seen it! Another great part! He’s very Dynamic! Still my favorite was “To Live & Die in LA, as well as “Manhunter”... he was just fantastic in my opinion! Thanks for the recommendation though!

[@sanctuaryism]

@@akinalcitepe9130 yeah he just done questionable things after that. he did things that were "close" to him I heard him say himself so hence why he fell off the planet when in all essence he could have kept doing more prominent stuff and maybe even should have BUT I suppose we all rediscovered him years later again with CSI...

[@Drjackdempsey9644]

I saw this in 1985 at 10 years old. My mom worked two jobs and my sister and I basically raised ourselves. Saturday’s, my mom would drop us at the theater with money for one movie and then we would sneak in the rest. I remember watching this at 10 years old and I thought it was cool but didn’t really get it for obvious reasons. Now, it’s one of my all time favorites. In 2017 I saw this and Platoon as a double feature on the big screen at a theater that plays old movies. The 80’s really had some great films.

[@sgt.hollowpoint6968]

The Getaway was solid too.

[@sadatrafsanjani]

Absolutely agree with.

[@0dinseye]

They sure did!!

[@Smudgeroon74]

@jackdempsey9644 nice that those old theatres are still about huh...

[@Sealdeam]

A lot of great films indeed, I mean if this movie and others like Manhunter, Year of the Dragon, Angel Heart and At Close Range are released and flop imagine the sort of competition there was back then if these sort of movies are the ones that didn't cross the line of profitability.

[@mpireone]

I'm still stumped at why this movie didn't get the recognition it deserves??!! This has got to be one of the best action/drama movies ever made!!

[@PaperStarship]

Honestly I think there’s always been some weird politics surrounding this film. Can’t say why it didn’t do well box office wise, might be the subversive ending. But nowadays it’s not available to stream anywhere, and ppl have told me it’s available on KZbin but it is blocked in the US and Portugal, and I think the reason is that it’s the only movie that gives a very realistic depiction of counterfeiting US currency. The production was always walking a fine line between making a movie and breaking actual counterfeiting laws.

[@targettarget3374]

That's because it was eclipsed by Rambo 2. Also, LA has more in common with Bad Company of the early 1970's which was a eclipsed by Deliverance. Both movies show good straight-laced youth being corrupted by peer pressure. Then becoming Rogue Outlaws themselves. Your thoughts?

[@bodhi8297]

@@PaperStarship I think it’s due to the fact it shows gritty reality of cops abusing their power to get what they want. The biggest maniac of the movie is Chance. At the end it shows the unethical behavior of cops vs criminal never ends. As soon as the head is cut off a new one grows, on both sides of the law

[@melanieinsaskatchewan7964]

@@bodhi8297 definition of The Thin Blue Line.

[@user-iy6rm6pm4j]

A lot of reviewers claimed it was a rip-off of Miami Vice. I was never into Miami Vice, so I woudn't know about that. The most ridiculous critique was that Friedkin ripped off the car chase from French Connection -- how can Friedkin rip himself off? I'm suspicious that, even in 1985, some reviewers were psyched out by Petersen's sexuality with Fluegel and also the cunnilingus scene. What cunnlingus scene? The one after Rick Masters left his girlfriend's dressing room, which I actually remember seeing and feeling but apparently I only imagined it.

[@davidcoblentz7468]

The car chase was insane.

[@McGeeification]

simply the best cinema.

[@The_Camera_Guy]

Watched this when I was 13. Shocking ending when Peterson’s face is blown off haunted me for years: I never saw it coming even thou it was obvious. Absolutely brilliant mid 80s thriller. Utterly underrated.

[@davidradovsky7405]

Ya usually the star doesn’t get killed

[@justmeeagainn]

Hard to make a sequel after that.

[@Largentina.]

@@justmeeagainn Good. One of my favorite movies but not everything needs a sequel.

[@Malum09]

I always give props to a movie when they decide to kill the lead or most recognizable actor almost at the climax of the movie.

[@MrCarpen7er]

*Petersen

[@ernestolombardo5811]

Friedkin killed our main character TWICE in this movie. Unheard of. Amaziing.

[@dman24ist]

I only watched this movie for the first time about 6 weeks ago and since then i’ve seen it 10 more times!

[@PaperStarship]

The rewatchability factor is off the charts. I’ve seen it at least 20 times

[@youtube8775]

Proof that it holds up.

[@georgehill7881]

Any movie is best judged overtime - and how many times you want to watch it, and truly enjoy it. Bottom line ..To Live & Die in LA is a haunting, unique, Masterpiece of film making ; with a fantastic plot, action, acting, stunt work, soundtrack, ect, ect, ect !!! As a movie buff, music lover & collector : I find To Live & Die in LA, to be a classic, mind-blowing, awesome display of stylish sights & incredible sounds that you will never forget ; and want to watch & listen to regularly !!!!!

[@McGeeification]

I agree with the commentary. I couldn't believe the ending. Jaw dropping. Until I realized the spirit now lives within his partner.

[@AdamG1983]

What I like about this movie is that there's very little exposition. You're just thrown into the scenes and get to react to them as if it was happening right in front of you. Narratively it doesn't hold your hand. You really have to pay attention and rewatch it multiple times to understand everything.

[@trustobey1016]

Underrated movie with a great soundtrack.

[@billbillards569]

I just bought a used copy in mint condition from a Goodwill for $2. Best score of the year so far.

[@ccarrera951]

WOW . what a find . my first movie at a theater in my life . In L.A. no less . scarred me for life . I'm such a criminal ( in my mind ) .

[@greeksoundtracksocietygss3993]

One of the greatest movies ever made!

[@Drjackdempsey9644]

Agreed

[@youtube8775]

That's not even an exaggeration.

[@x97s]

Its pretty much perfect

[@adampellett4917]

Rip to William Friedkin for making best filmmaking style ever even the 1980s.

[@CoolChannelNetwork]

Rediscovered this film about two years ago after growing up with it in the 80s. The best Michael Mann film that Michael Mann didn't make.

[@MaidenUtah1]

Whereas Heat is the best William Friedkin film William Friedkin never made.

[@Malum09]

TO LIVE AND DIE IN L. A. & MANHUNTER make for a great double feature.

[@ccarrera951]

DITTO .

[@ts1ezrdr]

My friends and I were in our late teens when this movie came out and we've loved it AND the soundtrack ever since. Can't even begin to count the number of times I've seen it. So ridiculously underrated. When we get together these days to watch it, it's either preceded by or followed with Michael Mann's "Manhunter" from 1986 that also starred William L Petersen.

[@quacksmack7449]

we share the same brain methinks :) Beer to you.!!

[@davidlitz9600]

Yep, two of my absolute favorites from back then. Saw them both at the theater when I was in my teens. Both blew my mind. I’ve had the pleasure to meet Friedkin before....great storyteller, and a very hilarious guy!

[@youtube8775]

I don't know why it hasn't gotten more recognition, but I really don't care. It's cool that I still love it so much, along with a relative handful of other elite fans. Thank God for KZbin.

[@j.cgallagher7092]

That's a wonderful double. Gotta finish with manhunter, go out on a high. You've seen these films !, haven't you my man!. KZbin used to have that entire 8 minute seen, gone now. Manns best.

[@LeadingIndicator]

I remember seeing this in '85 in LA, and again in '99 at a screening in Hollywood with a Q&A w/ William Friedkin. LA is a terrible place now, and I will never return there, but it was a helluva place to grow up in the 70s and 80s. THANK YOU FOR THE BONUS GIFT AT THE END 🙏🏼

[@Alprazolam08]

Yep, one of my all-time favorite films and the most underrated movie of the '80s. A masterpiece.

[@BodyOpt]

Finally saw it last night, first time, in a sold out cinema here in London. Incredible film!!

[@cymanca]

Never heard a soundtrack that drives a movie like this one. Brilliant movie, brilliant score

[@nexxxus7498]

Great movie... doesn’t get the hype and recognition it deserves. William DeFoe and William Peterson were awesome!!!

[@chaddelk3605]

I agree! I think To Live and Die in LA could be summed up as a west coast version of Miami Vice.

[@ccarrera951]

that's exactly why I would have bet this was a Michael Mann Movie vs. Friedkin .

[@rishdog100]

Watched this only recently , have to say this movie really is a masterpiece , absolutely brilliant film.. Glued from start to finish.

[@robertellis5581]

When you see others appreciating an underrated movie you consider your favorite, you've got to pull over and watch. Excellent and thank you. The words "To Live and Die In LA" and "masterpiece" have belonged together since 1985.

[@billphilips8522]

whenever im talking about movies with other people and i mention this movie and the fantastic car chase, it is a shame not many people have seen it. this movie has a nice pace and intensity throughout that is hypnotic. a great movie that never recieved the credit it deserved.

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

This movie should be a big hit! Great actors, great soundtrack, a lot of action, one of the best car chases...

[@GP30RDMT]

You did a great job with this video. To Live and Die in LA is one of my absolute favorite movies. Knowing it’s coolness is like having a secret as it seems like very few people (I know) have even heard of this movie. When I visited LA for the first time ten years ago, I even drove across the Vincent Thomas bridge, took video POV style like from the end credits, and synced it up to “Wait” for a a video on my channel. Great work.

[@Studanski]

Man, the soundtrack is everything. I never thought much of Wang Chung before I saw TLADILA, but after that I was hooked and it made me pay more attention to their other work outside of Mosaic and Points On The Curve (the two LP's with their hits). Now a very clean promotional LP of the TLADILA OST on vinyl sits comfortably nestled among my other movie OST's (admittedly, almost all John Carpenter). All that is to say; Wang Chung is criminally underrated and often pigeon holed as just another 80's synth pop one or two hit wonder when in reality their abilities went far beyond that. Phenomenal band. Really enjoyed your video on this film.

[@PaperStarship]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s one of my all time favs, it’s been really cool to see how many other ppl enjoy this movie and hell year the soundtrack rocks

[@denisdaly1708]

The ending of this film, was one of the major reasons why I liked it.

[@denname123]

Definitely gonna have to rewatch it again after seeing this... and then maybe once more for good measure I wish William Petersen had done more films. He's so good in this and Manhunter

[@dvdny]

He was great in manhunter, and I still think that was the best ‘hannibal’ movie.

[@conorsmith8551]

Yeah I say this after watching this and Manhunter every time that I wish William Peterson had done more films

[@Vyan00]

I saw this film in Westwood with Dolby sound and the separation on the theme song was insane. The guitar wammy bit was coming from the back right corner of the room - it was nuts. You didn't even mention that they staged a robbery of some bad guys to get the seed money they needed to nail Masters and it turned out that they had robbed an undercover FBI Agent. Then the chase scene starts which was absolutely INSANE.

[@skeena59]

They weren't bad guys, Thomas Ling was undercover FBI.

[@vickdisco]

I absolutely loved this film growing up in the '80s....It's so underrated, as is Thief by Michael Mann....I recommend both as a late-night double bill.....

[@GenX4ever]

Perfect double. I saw these at the beverly cinema in LA years ago as a first for me. So cool. Cheers!

[@chadellis11]

For thirty years I've been explaining to people why this is the greatest movie ever.

[@pb4595]

where is your video?

[@rb5519]

Did anyone get it? I've been doing the same. People don't seem to know what I'm talking about. Another one of my faves is Deep Cover. So bad ass, but never became super popular.

[@nexxxus7498]

I wished Willem DeFoe played more badass characters like this in movies... William Peterson also!!!

[@r4h4al]

He did...

[@charlesfrandolig5090]

I'll try & help, Platoon-1986, willem dafoe as lianeus, linus, just watch the movie. Flight of the intruder- 1991 is another W. Dafoe masterpiece. I am 505.

[@Smudgeroon74]

Brad Johnston the other main actor in Flight of the Intruder.

[@MrCarpen7er]

*Dafoe, *Petersen.

[@MrCarpen7er]

@@charlesfrandolig5090 Actually,William Petersen was supposed to star in Platoon to play Sgt. Barnes, he just declined it.

[@quacksmack7449]

One of my favorite movies of my youth,. Not the typical predictable crap they spit out in Hollywood normally .....but a raw and visceral STUD of a movie :) With the best soundtrack ever imaginable.

[@glennbotes8937]

I count myself very lucky that I got to see this movie at the cinema in '85. May not have rented it on video a year later. One of the first DVDs I bought in the late nineties. Finally found a CD copy of the soundtrack at a flea market a few months ago.

[@maddalena5708]

It is a masterpiece. I was actually shocked Petersen wasn't awarded at all for his performance, hard not to fall in love with his character, even if you all well aware that he's enjoyjng every momrent his own adrenalin kick, he is a sort of addict. The film comes out complex, enjoyable, has incredible rythm, and it' also sad.

[@obscure.reference]

how do you like him at all after that first scene with the woman

[@nonnobissolum]

One of my top five flicks of all time, and I think deserving of being in history's top ten or twenty of all time. And, having watched every documentary, interview, commentary, etc, that I have ever been able to lay eyes/ears on re this flick....somehow this whole crew manages to pull off epic douchebaggery, swagger, arrogance, insufferable egoism, etc, WITHOUT offending. No small feat, in my book. And when it comes to cinematography, dynamic plot with twists, character interest, general aura of time/place....jfc, this fever dream of a masterpiece...I know, the world doesn't care what I think about any of it, etc, but...if you haven't seen the movie, do it. Now. Why are you still here reading this?

[@migthulhu]

I bought the VHS in 1991 and had it up until 2012. I love that movie. I got in the theater when it came out when I was 14.

[@Smudgeroon74]

@migthulhu pardon my intrusion, would you mind my asking how much did the VHS tape cost in 1991.. thank you

[@framedragged]

No movie has ever left me more shocked than this one when it ended, and yet, once I looked back on it (after I had recovered) the ending is incredibly telegraphed, the viewer just doesn't want to believe that's how it will end. Over and over he tempts fate, and over and over he barely survives by some grace of god. Right up until he doesn't. It truly is a masterpiece, very few movies even compare to its impact on the viewer as far as I'm concerned. Great video/documentary/whatever this is!

[@VulcanDeathGrip44]

Love this underrated classic! I also absolutely love another rarely remembered Friedkin masterpiece the Sorcerer. That movie had the misfortune of premiering the same summer of a little film called Star Wars. Also, the title is confounding. Please,anyone reading this check out the Sorcerer. Yes, the first 20 minutes or so are setting things up, but once those trucks start rolling, the film takes off into an awesome man vs nature adventure.

[@aaronrocs]

I remember Sorcerer. I went looking for it after watching this. It's actually kind of a remake of another obscure film "The Wages of Fear". Both are hard to find now a days. Moving nitroglycerin sweating dynamite through the jungle trucks was just a cool concept I had never considered.

[@tomasandrew9354]

Sorcerer is a masterpiece. Wages of Fear has things going for it, but Sorcerer is just on another level. Friedkin just pulled no punches and made the material have epic, existential, biblical proportions.

[@shogun7p7]

One of the greatest movies ever made! Top 10 for me. It is so unfortunate most people haven't seen it!

[@Smudgeroon74]

It's quite surprising that so many film buffs don't know about this film, as you say. It definately got overlooked this film..

[@fishyfaceism]

Masterpiece indeed

[@H20689]

This is how real movies are made...

[@lobsterdfw1]

That ending is the most unconventional I've seen. Fuckin loved it

[@stephencarter7266]

And that headshot of Darlanne Fluegel with the bridge in the background and the unusual lighting.😍 RIP Baby girl.

[@skeena59]

They shot 2 endings, Friedkin chose the one you see.

[@sifu64]

I still remember watching this in the theater, then evangelizing it. Saw it a couple more times with "you gotta see this" friends. One thing that made it so unusual is...the actors were all relatively unknown at the time. That just added to the unique feel.

[@Rubycon99]

Yeah, I think it adds to the immersion in a way. It sorta takes you out of the world being created when you're like "Oh look, it's Al Pacino" or whoever.

[@aaronrocs]

When they yeeted the main character 3/4 of the way through I was shocked, and yet very pleased that they had the balls to do that. Most movie plots follow a specific formula and don't stray from that. Refreshing is the word I'm looking for

[@ararespeciesauthenticity5281]

Brilliant, simply put, "I just can't get enough"! Great run down. W. Friedkin is a rare breed, wish he was my dad. Buddy Lee Hooker, simply the best. One sided 20. All the cast deserve an Oscar. Wang Chung = Engery, musical geniuses! To the man who wrote this story, Thank You, Gerald Petievich!!

[@ericstathis67]

Loved it when it came out and love it today. One of my all time favs. Impeccable acting

[@thebarbarian1225]

This movie brings me an 80´s vibe overdose! also, it offers the best car chasing scene ever filmed, and has one of the most shocking and tragic endings of all time.

[@SelectiveINfusion]

One thing not mentioned, in addition to the reasons listed as to the film is awesome, the visual scenery and use of light was superb, and captures the 80’s vibe very well.

[@LeeFred78]

I remember watching this movie for the first time back in the 80's on VHS and being absolutely stunned at the end. I had to rewind it to see if I really saw what just happened! It was the same feeling I had when I saw the end of Vanishing Point when I was a kid.

[@78motivator]

Truly a Master Piece. A movie that changed my life and I'm from L.A. as well. I went to all the film locations.

[@davids11131113]

When I was stationed at the Long Beach shipyard they were filming this movie around there it was so cool to see it when it came out I thought then and still now it’s one of the coolest movies ever.

[@tommyzDad]

The car chase and the counterfeiting scenes are a couple of my favorite in this one. I love the _toilet paper_ segment in *Manhunter* . It's those detailed parts of movies that stand out for me. And let's give Jane Leeves a short round of applause for her small role.

[@skeena59]

What role did she play? She definitely looked different than now.

[@ShadowSonic2]

@@skeena59 She was Serena, the other dancer lady. She doesn't say much but she has sex with Bianca and leaves with her at the end.

[@fullbound]

Its hard for me to say this, but this has slowly become my favorite movie of all time, and that is hard to admit - above others like Mad Max 2 etc

[@PaperStarship]

@@fullbound you’re among friends. It is just this perfect hypnotic movie I still watch it once a year at least. And I do still play the song To Live and Die In LA on my Spotify when I take the train to Union Station.

[@rhizomorph-music]

A perfect tribute! I have loved this movie deeply since the day I saw it in a theater (in L.A.!) upon its release. I knew even then that it was one of the greats and that it would be recongnized eventually for that greatness. There are some films that just somehow put it all together and it works fantastically, and this is one of them. Like you said, the casting and acting was so perfect that it felt more like you were watching real people than a movie. This film is, as you said, a fucking masterpiece.

[@IngoFilmfreak]

Along with STREET SMART and TALK RADIO one of the most underrated films of the 80s.

[@rikaardyyz3039]

Yep 👍👍👍 Talk Radio amazing , great dialogue " Barry " ,jeez fuck I'm feeling old 🤔🤪

[@IngoFilmfreak]

@@rikaardyyz3039 You're not the only one.... :) :) :)

[@rikaardyyz3039]

@@IngoFilmfreak Although time fly's the 80s was good to me being 19/20 when L&D came out, a time of care and worry free, travel and classic films Live & die, Blade Runner in 82 , great TV Like Miami Vice ,lol oh to have time travel 🙄🤗

[@chewey3rd]

Absolutely love this 80's classic.

[@darthkek1953]

To Live & Die in LA is a perfect A-feature to a double-bill along with THE HIDDEN as the B-movie Creature Feature.

[@requinremembers]

oh absolutely, I love the Hidden too.

[@ChrisBennettGameDesign]

Two of the most underrated and genre subversive films of the 80s right there!

[@isaiah2261]

Wanted to watch this the last time you mentioned it, couldn't really find it. Long story short, thanks for the dropbox in the description!

[@PaperStarship]

Yeah of course. It’s odd, there are versions on KZbin but the only country it’s blocked in is the US🤷‍♂️. Although I have wondered if it’s because of the films very true showing of counterfeiting US currency

[@isaiah2261]

@@PaperStarship i could definitely see it being on some lists due to that

[@requinremembers]

Well done. Like you, I absolutely love Petersen, esp his younger-days work. He's mesmerizing, and has never gotten the full recognition he deserves, IMO. I can still remember how I felt when he dies in this movie--it really is like you said, a gut punch. ..Also, I cannot stand Willem Dafoe, at all, in any role, so he fits well as the skeezy villian against Petersen's charisma and studliness lol.

[@paulpatane2439]

Wonder if Michael Mann liked this movie? Always felt like his movie,his directing and film shots. Its so the movie "Thief" and "Heat" in many ways. Raw and real!

[@ccarrera951]

if you only knew ... did he "like" this movie ... if plagiarism is the highest form of admiration , let's say he for sure LIKED the movie .

[@MrNomad1978]

One of my favorite movies ever! Rules beyond comprehension.

[@phdtobe]

Great analysis! I loved this movie and can’t wait to see it again!

[@davidellis5141]

" You're Working For Me Now ! "

[@PaperStarship]

Like Clockwork baby! Like fuckin clockwork!

[@jasonthornberry1875]

Great video. To Live and Die in LA has long been one of my all-time favorite films, and it's nice to see if it finally gets explored and receives its just due as a classic of cinema.

[@tel5690]

I have the poster of this movie on my wall and totally appreciate you revisiting the film. Rest in Peace Billy Friedkin and the other actors who have passed away who are in this film

[@Smudgeroon74]

Hard to believe Darlanne Fluegel is no longer with us..

[@lisahertel2415]

I saw it in theaters when it came out. Never saw an ending like that before or since.

[@Glenrsi]

Loved the movie and watched it on circuit in 1985. Since then probably another 6 times. Great movie soundtrack as well. Strangely enough watched it again 2 weeks ago. It is available to watch for free on KZbin. A genuine masterpiece.👍👍👍

[@SSK-27]

I remember renting this at a gas station after a long second shift as a young dude, expecting a mediocre cop procedural. I generally got off work, picked up a sixer and a random movie and went home to fall asleep while downing a few beers. I get home and start watching and was immediately shocked by it. There would be no falling asleep to this one. From the amazing soundtrack to the incredible performances, authentic action and dark moodiness it just blew me away. The dialog is so good, I mean the writing is stellar. So many memorable lines.Visually stunning. The car chase is amazing but the whole film is just nonstop iconic shots. There's a mysteriousness to it as well, like we are seeing a hidden world unfolding which we really are. I think your description of how practically every character was intriguing to where they almost merit their own movie. Dafoe's portrayal of Rick Masters was just so intense. The dude is super complex. Charismatic,, scary and almost likeable in a strange way. Peterson's performance is so perfect. Chance is so driven by revenge it just consumes him and ultimately kills him. Again, charismatic beyond belief, yet he is dark and cruel too. Chance and Masters are each others ultimate foils.And in the middle of it is John Pankow who ultimately is seduced by the dark side. We watch him transform as he gets pulled deeper and deeper into Chance's obsession until it becomes his own. The subtext element that the entire robbery was a set up put into motion by Masters adds even more layers of complexity. There s a ton of questions for which there are no definitive answers or certainty. Much like life. Things happen and we don't know why. We don't see the complete picture. Easily a top 10 movie for me, maybe even top 5. Yeah, it just hit home for me so much. Great review. It truly is a masterpiece. Criminally underrated.

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

The guys at Rockstar who created the GTA series said in an interview that this movie was an inspiration for them, in addition to Michael Mann's "Heat". Just a great movie. I remember being fascinated by the counterfeiting process at the beginning. Drew you right into the film right away. Amazing performances by everyone. Michael Mann grabbed the lead actor for "Manhunter", another classic. Thanks for posting this video to showcase a movie that deserves more attention.

[@markmccarthy7887]

Ya absolutely obsessed with this movie …added to the mystique is you can’t stream it anywhere…Wang Chung supplies an incredible collection of tracks that absolutely layers the feeling of the 80’s nostalgia into the film ..great video..thank you

[@ccarrera951]

literally the very FIRST MOVIE eye ever watched at a movie theatre in L.A. could've sworn this was Michael Mann . shoutout , Mr. Friedkin .

[@arthur_payne]

Four quintessential neo noir cult classic films of the 80s: Year of the Dragon (1985), To Live and Die in L.A. (1985), Manhunter (1986) and Angel Heart (1987). Starring Mickey Rourke and William Petersen.

[@JayAr709]

Agreed.✅

[@jrcflaus]

One of my favorite movies and your review is the best I've ever seen. Nicely done "my man".

[@bluelivesmatter719]

Dude...excellent doc on what is without a doubt the greatest unsung film of the 80s. Saw it when I was 14, loved it then and appreciate it even more today.

[@paulrom446]

I used to know the 1st 17 scenes by heart almost! What also makes this different is that Friedkin allowed Peterson to retain his Chicago/Midwest accent instead of insisting on the flat atonal almost laconic California dialect. Also Peterson and Fluegel were actually Roommates in Ruth's Apartment during filming of this movie! Amazing!

[@lukenorth7127]

Excellent analysis. I appreciated the section on Friedkin’s “Get In, Get Out, Get What You Need.” The part about Petersen running over the railing and Hackman barreling down the streets pursuing the train set off an avalanche of other “unorthodox” moments, many of them from the Exorcist. Since The Exorcist is not relevant to analyzing this movie, this review gets a 10/10 from me.

[@borisnegrarosa9113]

My favorite movie growing up in the 80's. Great movie, great video. Thanks !!!

[@yellow-dino]

Such a great breakdown! The acting, style and music is so perfect in this film, you deserve more views!

[@stevecurcuru]

Great tribute to an awesome film! Just saw it yesterday for the first time and have to watch it again today. Love how it calls out the buddy cop genre itself for being counterfeit (at least to me, on first viewing). Recognized a lot of the locations, some were used in True Detective season 2. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@motorcityjoe611]

What a fantastic synopsis of one of my favorite films. Underrated by many but it is truly a masterpiece.

[@GierigerMasseur]

this is by far the best analysis i have ever seen. this is my first video of yours and it is phenomenal. i loved this movie before your video and yes, i am very thankful to have seen it before. to live and die in la would be not the same experience if you watch this analysis before the movie. i haven’t seen cruising before, so the opening of this video was a little bit too detailed, but after two movies by friedkin, sorcerer and to live and die in la, i should not be surprised, so it was easy. i love that you covered so many topics about this movie in such a fun and entertaining way. especially the music is what makes you think about the movie days after you have watched it. maybe i am wrong, but for me „wake up, stop sleeping“ is a theme song more for ruth than for the main protagonist. it seams that she finally woke up, but no one cares about what she says, except the things they can use for their own pursuit.

[@gamedotfilm3929]

One of the best crime/action films ever. Outstanding color pallette and cinematography

[@bobbressi5414]

Best chase scene since the French Connection....which he also made!

[@blomegoog]

went to the theatres as a teen, because of wang chung soundtrack, and i was probably too young to understand all the crime and violence, and walked out of the theatre stunned. Since then, I have all the formats, DVD, HD, Blu, UHD. Watch it at least 1x/year. Never gets old. Even the BTS videos on the extended DVDs and here on YT is very fun to watch. Esp the parts about running on the LAX escalators against the rules...lol.

[@PaperStarship]

Yeah man this is one of my all time favs. I’m in that same boat with you of watch it at least once a year. Friedkin is hilarious to listen to in interviews discussing how he got certain shots. The story behind cruising is....interesting lol

[@paulpatane2439]

@@PaperStarship you should review Thief/Michael Mann

[@Malum09]

Learning that Jimmy was the lead in the book is interesting since the movie might have been very different, with that being said, is a good screenwriting technique to sometimes just remove certain characters and give their characteristics to other people in the story.

[@marinaromasheva2502]

i usually don’t care about action genre, but goddamn this film is a visual masterpiece. couldn’t take my eyes off screen throughout the entire thing

[@aleugenio]

Saw it tonight - 17/01/23 - in London for the first time at the Prince Charles Cinema and with a Q&A with the music score masters: Wang Chung. Screened 35 mm at it was... Amazing! Thanks for your video! ✊🏽💥💖

[@TheEternalOuroboros]

That sounds so incredible. Awesome dude.

[@joetorrey6922]

Excellent film, excellent commentary. Friggin classic.

[@mattwuxx3888]

The critics panned this movie as "Miami Vile" in its aesthetic and thematics. It's ahead of its time and pop culture pace-setting in so many ways. Mostly forgotten competing against BTTF/Thunderdome/Color Purple/Rambo II/Rocky IV/Out Of Africa/Goonies/Mask/Breakfast Club/Witness/Cocoon/Euro Vacation/Fletch, etc.

[@gootarguy2320]

Such a fantastic commentary on quite a complex film. Thank you!!

[@mbeenz]

ManyThanx!!!!! I Concur!!!!, An All Time Favorite!!! And Brilliant Soundtrack!!!!,!

[@jamesdesanders5618]

I've always loved this movie!

[@Quantum3695]

It was a great action and drama film. A gem from start to finish. Friedkin is a master director of intense visual art.

[@williamsullivan7635]

This is my personal favorite obscure 80s film.this film is a 10, out of 10 classic the William Peterson and Willem Defoe absolutely shine in!

[@jgreber1790]

Great movie, a good watch and an excellent period Piece. A gem of a movie that people often discover by accident. I also really love movies like “House of games”, “52 pick up” and “slam dance”!

[@Smudgeroon74]

Check out little known gem "Dead of Winter" Mary Sreenburgen 1987 film

[@edwardfarmer4230]

Great video! To Live and Die in LA is so unique that you can't frame it. Every actor was unknown and believable. William Petrson, John Turturro, Darlan Fluegal, John Pankow, William Defoe. And others. Car chase was the best in my opinion. Who knew Wang Chung had that Great of a soundtrack in them, but they did and it made half the movie ! Coolest crime drama ever !