The Seven Five

The Seven Five is a remarkable documentary from 2014, directed by Tiller Russell, that presents a fascinating exploration of corruption within the New York City Police Department in the 1980s. Starring Mike Dowd, Ken Eurell, and Walter Yurkiw, the film delves deep into the lives and testimonies of these men, who once stood as the gatekeepers of law but ended up as the symbols of its degradation. Priding itself on its raw and immersive quality, The Seven Five redefines the understanding of police corruption by focusing on its ground realities and sees the participation of several ex-cops, painting their confessions exclusively against a severe backdrop of crime and institutional decay.

Centering on the notorious precinct of Brooklyn's 75th Precinct (hence, the film's title 'The Seven Five'), the story primarily revolves around Mike Dowd and Ken Eurell, two former police officers. The film presents a vivid portrait of Dowd, recognized as the dirtiest cop in New York City's history, who ruled the streets of the highly drug-ridden district in East New York, Brooklyn, in the late 20th century. His actions and influence were significant enough to lead to an enormous city-wide scandal, forever tarnishing the image of the NYPD.

As The Seven Five progresses, viewers are introduced to Dowd's partner, Ken Eurell - a man equally involved in the corruption but was in many ways Dowd's opposite. This contrast is a driving force behind the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters' explorations. The narrative propels towards an impending storm of investigations and trials, offering viewers an unfiltered look at the corruption that threatens to destroy every ounce of morality left in these men.

Meanwhile, Walter Yurkiw, another former officer of the 75th Precinct, is an intriguing addition to the roster, providing an essential perspective to the depths of malfeasance that infiltrated the precinct. The film gives ample personal and professional insights into the lives of these men, who began as men of law but became harbingers of corruption.

The Seven Five is more than just a study of corruption; it's also a narrative about relationships, loyalty, and the pull between personal ambition and professional duty. Through its raw and often unsettling footage, personal interviews, and compelling narrative, the film reveals the complexities and contradictions inherent in police work, showing just how blurred the line between law enforcers and lawbreakers can become.

Perhaps what sets The Seven Five apart from other documentaries in its league is the first-hand storytelling, the self-narration from the men involved directly in the issue at hand. Rather than taking a traditional investigative approach, the film instead adopts an intimate storytelling format, with the primary subjects Dowd, Eurell, and Yurkiw, relaying their experiences. These confessional-style narratives allow for a deeply personal and human exploration of their lives and crimes. The effect is individual investigations into morality, ambition, and the very nature of corruption itself.

In the end, The Seven Five proves to be a deeply engrossing, distinctively raw documentary that shakes one's faith in the integrity of law enforcement. It is a gripping cautionary tale that elaborates on the thin blue line between the police and the criminals, effectively blurring the boundaries between the defenders of the societal order and its violators. The Seven Five is a film that forces viewers to question the implications of unchecked power, the insidious nature of corruption, and the resulting collapse of moral and societal order.

While the film delves into dark corners and explores corrupted souls, it manages to do so with a well-paced and well-woven narrative that keeps the viewers hooked from start to end. The Seven Five emerges as a compelling portrayal of a tumultuous period in the NYPD's history, shedding light on the ramifications of unchecked power and the vulnerability of those meant to uphold the law.

As such, The Seven Five isn't just for fans of true crime or cop documentaries. Instead, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in probing the depths of human morality and the societal structures that both facilitate and fight corruption. With its unflinching look at one of the darkest chapters in police ethics, The Seven Five ensures that the audience leaves not just entertained but also reflecting upon the dichotomy of good and evil, even within the space of law enforcement.