Turk 182

Turk 182 from 1985 starring Timothy Hutton, Robert Urich, and Kim Cattrall is a drama and action film that remains a cult classic due to its engaging plotline, superb acting performances, and exceptional directing. It's set in New York City - the city that never sleeps, and the film itself is just as lively, ingrained with urban grit, teeming with energy, and bustling with activity.

The film was directed by Bob Clark, who has a forte for crafting the narrative beautifully, keeping the audience engaged throughout the story. The screenplay was thoughtfully penned by Denis Hamill and John Hamill to portray a captivating story of heroism, brotherhood, and protest against the system's injustices.

Timothy Hutton excels in his dynamic performance as Jimmy Lynch, also known as "Turk 182". When we meet Jimmy in the film, he's a carefree youth, living an ordinary life with his elder brother, Terry (Robert Urich), a devoted and respected fireman. However, his world gets turned upside down following an incident involving his brother. When Terry is brutally injured while saving a child from a blazing fire — off-duty and under the influence of alcohol — the city refuses to compensate him, declaring his act as irresponsible.

Frustrated by the city's bureaucratic system and cold-hearted refusal to acknowledge his brother's selfless act, Jimmy pledges to get justice for his brother in his way. He embarks on a quest, donned as an urban guerrilla artist, under the moniker "Turk 182". Using the city as his canvas, he pulls off a series of daring and audacious public stunts designed as a protest to call attention to his brother's plight. His actions become increasingly defiant and audacious as he attempts to expose the city’s hypocrisy and corruption.

Kim Cattrall gives an equally splendid performance as Danny Burlingham, an artist who becomes involved with Jimmy and eventually gets entangled in his mission. Her relationship with Jimmy adds a layer of romance, providing a softer counterpoint to the urban harshness and offering a glimpse of Jimmy's vulnerability.

One of the strongest elements of Turk 182 is the relationship between the brothers, which is filled with warmth and an intense bond of love. The lengths to which Jimmy goes for his brother and the complexity of emotions he goes through are genuinely moving.

The movie is covered with layers of social commentary, accentuated by the theme of standing up against injustice. It crafts an image of an everyday hero who uses his wit and bravery to fight against a system that failed him and his family. It perfectly captures the spirit of rebellion, painting a gritty yet vibrant picture of New York City in the 1980s.

Despite the heavy theme, the film doesn't forget to include plenty of comic relief. Jimmy's stunts and run-ins with the city's bureaucratic system are often hilarious, proving the movie's ability to find humor in the most difficult of situations. Tightly paced, it manages to maintain a balance between humor, drama, and action, making it an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

To top it off, the film comprises a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced plot and heightens the engaging experience, capturing the mood of the era in which it was set.

Turk 182 might seem like an underdog story on the surface, and in many ways, it is. However, it also explores profound themes, such as family, sacrifice, and the lengths that one will go to ensure justice. The movie effectively uses action and drama to highlight these themes and wrap them into an engaging storyline, which keeps the viewers glued to their seats.

In conclusion, Turk 182 is more than a time capsule of New York City of the mid-1980s. It's an emotionally rich and action-packed cinematic journey celebrating the heroism of the underdog, the bond of brotherhood with memorable performances, a captivating storyline, and expert direction. This is a film well worth watching for those who appreciate a good story combined with excellent cinematic craftsmanship.