The Glass Shield

A slow, sobering procedural that simmers with quiet outrage as an idealistic rookie watches the system close ranks around its own.

Directed by

Charles Burnett

Genres

Drama, Action, Thriller

Starring

Michael Boatman, Lori Petty, Ice Cube

Tagline

In a world filled with violence... his only weapon is the truth!

Overview

J.J. is a rookie in the Sheriff's Department and the first black officer at that station. Racial tensions run high in the department as some of J.J.'s fellow officers resent his presence. His only real friend is the other new trooper, the first female officer to work there, who also suffers similar discrimination in the otherwise all-white male work environment. When J.J. becomes increasingly aware of police corruption during the murder trial of Teddy Woods, whom he helped to arrest, he faces difficult decisions and puts himself into grave personal danger in the service of justice.

How it feels

Tense, dark, earnest and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Corruption, race, justice, betrayal

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore, sexual content and language.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)