The French Connection
Classic crime thriller starring an iconic Gene Hackman as a ruthless New York cop who has his sights set on a group of drug smugglers.
After getting wind of a big shipment of heroin making its way to New York City, hard-nosed police detectives ‘Popeye’ Doyle and Buddy Russo hope to break up a narcotics smuggling ring and ultimately uncover their European suppliers, The French Connection. But when one of the criminals tries to kill Doyle, the loose cannon detective begins a deadly pursuit that will take him far beyond his jurisdiction and far outside the city limits.
William Friedkin’s breathtaking and documentary-style thriller redefined the crime genre. In particular, the nerve-wracking chase – filmed with unprecedented energy but without a permit – through the streets of New York, remains one of the most legendary action scenes in film history. Raw, unpredictable and uncompromising, The French Connection captures both the heartbeat of a city and one man’s obsession. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Gene Hackman).