Broken Angel

Broken Angel is a suspenseful crime-drama film from 1988 that stars William Shatner, Susan Blakely, and Roxann Dawson in leading roles. Known for its gritty portrayal of a family's struggle amidst urban corruption and illegal activities in New York, the movie presents a gripping and action-packed narrative.

The film centers on Stryker (William Shatner), a man living an ordinary life, doting on his wife Catherine (Susan Blakely) and raising their two children in the relentlessly busy city. Shatner's character is an appealing combination of an everyday man thrown into extraordinary circumstances with an intense need to protect his family. His performance anchors the storyline and drives the narrative, displaying a complexity of character that the audiences get fully invested in.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Stryker's teenage daughter, Angel (Roxann Dawson), mysteriously disappears from her school; she is suspected to have been unwillingly embroiled in the city's underworld activities. The frantic parents track down their daughter's classmates and friends, coming across occasional clues about her disappearance. These clues hint at her potential involvement in illegal activities, introducing an element of mystery to the storyline and leaving the audience guessing until the final act.

Directed by Robert Michael Lewis, Broken Angel challenges the conventional narrative structure of most other crime dramas. The movie delves into a parent’s worst nightmare, exploring a missing child's heart-wrenching aspect, instead of merely focusing on the criminal activities. It humanizes the very personal agony and desperation without undermining the underlying societal issues, resulting in a suspense-driven drama that pulls at the heartstrings and forces the viewer to think.

Shatner, renowned for his role in Star Trek, delves into the character of Stryker with a sensitivity that gives his role a very human face. His portrayal of a desperate father, ready to turn every stone to find his missing child, is commendable. The underlying love for his daughter and sheer desperation to carve through the city's murky underbelly adds layers of depth to his character arc.

Susan Blakely, playing Stryker's wife and missing Angel's mother, delivers an equally compelling performance. Her emotional journey provides a striking contrast to Shatner's more action-oriented role, yet they both work wonderfully together to create a dynamic, emotionally charged coupling that pushes the narrative forward.

Portraying Angel, Roxann Dawson also pulls off a remarkable performance. She embodies the young, naïve girl who may or may not have been led astray. Despite her mostly absent presence as the missing child in the storyline, her character looms large over the entire film. The audiences are left hoping for her safety and rooting for her parents to find her.

The film's backdrop of New York City plays a crucial role, with its urban landscape well-utilized to portray a sense of threat and deception. Each grim alleyway or starkly lit avenue underscores the important underlying themes of urban decay and societal corruption. The cinematography is handsomely shot to create an intensive atmosphere that is befitting of the thriller narrative.

The movie's pacing is also worth mentioning with it skillfully balancing suspense-filled scenarios with quieter, emotionally charged moments. This approach helps intensify the overall narrative, making for a riveting viewing experience. The film also explores the themes of innocent youth exploited by the city's criminal underbelly and the overwhelming, ceaseless love of parents for their children.

With excellent performances, a tightly woven narrative, and raw emotional appeal, Broken Angel offers an unusual mix of suspense, drama, and family ties. It is a compelling film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the family navigates the daunting corridors of crime and corruption to find their daughter - a journey that symbolizes an ordinary family's relentless fight against adversity.

Overall, Broken Angel, with its tightly drawn performances and intriguing storyline, delivers an immersive cinematic experience that pulls the viewers into its New York City wilderness, challenging them to confront the harsh realities of the world while reminding them of the extraordinary lengths one would go to protect the ones they love.