Why Chadwick Boseman's final theatrical release involved a total lockdown of Manhattan island
In short: In the 2019 action-thriller 21 Bridges, an NYPD detective orchestrates a massive citywide shutdown to trap two cop killers. Beyond the high-stakes manhunt, the film reveals a dark web of police corruption, marking a significant final theatrical performance for Chadwick Boseman before his passing in August 2020.
Directed by Brian Kirk and produced by the Russo brothers, 21 Bridges follows Andre Davis, a detective haunted by his father's murder. When two ex-military thieves accidentally stumble upon 300 kilograms of cocaine and kill several officers, Davis secures a rare authorization to seal all 21 river crossings of Manhattan until 5:00 a.m. The film, originally titled 17 Bridges, was shot primarily in New York City and Philadelphia starting in September 2018.
The plot thickens as Davis discovers that the officers he is hunting were involved in a drug trafficking operation linked to their own precinct. The corruption reaches the top, with the precinct captain and other officers profiting from the illicit trade. Davis eventually exposes the entire network online, forcing his partner, Frankie Burns, to surrender after she is revealed to be complicit in the scheme.
Released in November 2019, the film earned $49.9 million worldwide against a $33 million production budget. While critics gave it mixed reviews, noting it was less arresting than its cast suggested, it remains a notable entry in Boseman's filmography. Beyond his acting, Boseman served as a producer and famously donated part of his own salary to ensure co-star Sienna Miller received fair compensation.
The film's legacy is tied to Boseman's final theatrical appearance. Following his death, his subsequent projects were distributed via streaming platforms. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film provides a gritty look at police ethics and the personal costs of seeking justice in a system compromised by those sworn to protect it.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 21 Bridges
- Also: Wikidata — 21 Bridges · CC0
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