End of Watch

Cops do their job, runs foul of drug cartel, cops pay for doing their job.
It is a classic storyline of films based around police activity, but End of Watch do it in a way that makes it a must-see. It's a gripping film, evoking every kind of emotion as it follows the lives of close friends and partners in the LAPD Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena).
The film is presenting through a series of unconventional means, with Taylor obsessed with filming his activities for a later project. Scenes are presented through a series of handheld cameras Taylor carries, as well as police dashboard cameras, and a camera held by cartel members to name a few.
The role of the LAPD is championed throughout the film as we get what we believe to be real representation of their work, and the way they go about it.
Unlike typical cop shows and films, we are taken behind the scenes and into their lives away from work. You get to understand the LAPD are one big family unit made up of little families, as social gatherings held by the two involve a large contingent from the force.
I'm trying quite hard not to spoil the ending but if I have, I do apologise. Do yourself a favour and watch the film - it's well worth the time and effort.
The final scenes are intensely gripping, especially if you allow yourself to be drawn into the lives of Zavala and Taylor. Pena and Gyllenhaal make it almost impossible to resist feeling like the third member of their team, making not only the end, but the whole film, an experience you will remember.

End of Watch: 109 minutes (2012)