Training Day (2001)
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Antoine Fuqua's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- The incredible score for Training Day was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
- Antoine Fuqua originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
Training Day is a 2001 American crime thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua. Denzel Washington stars as Detective Alonzo Harris, a decorated Los Angeles narcotics officer who takes rookie cop Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke, on a ride-along through the city's most dangerous neighborhoods on what proves to be the most important and terrifying day of Jake's life. Over 24 hours, Alonzo reveals himself to be a corrupt, manipulative predator who uses his badge to run a criminal empire, and Jake must decide whether to go along with Alonzo's methods or risk his career and life by standing against him.
Denzel Washington's performance as Alonzo Harris was one of the most electrifying villainous turns in cinema โ charismatic, intelligent, and absolutely terrifying, Alonzo used philosophical justifications for his corruption that were simultaneously persuasive and transparently self-serving. Washington won the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming only the second Black actor to win the prize after Sidney Poitier. Ethan Hawke earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor as the increasingly desperate Jake.
Training Day earned $104 million worldwide on a $45 million budget.
