Dog Day Afternoon
"Dog Day Afternoon" is based on a true story and follows the events of a bank robbery that took place on August 22, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. The film centers around Sonny Wortzik (played by Al Pacino) and his accomplice, Sal Naturile (played by John Cazale), as they attempt to rob a local bank. However, their plan quickly goes awry when they realize they are ill-prepared and find themselves trapped inside the bank with hostages.
As the situation unfolds, the media gets wind of the bank robbery, and soon, the entire country is captivated by the dramatic events unfolding in Brooklyn. The police and FBI agents surround the bank, and negotiations ensue, with Detective Sergeant Eugene Moretti (played by Charles Durning) leading the efforts to communicate with Sonny and try to defuse the situation.
Considered one of the best movies about FBI agents, "Dog Day Afternoon" sheds light on the workings of the FBI and law enforcement agencies in handling high-stakes situations. The power dynamics between the FBI negotiators and Sonny create a tense and riveting dynamic, as both sides try to outmaneuver each other in this high-stakes standoff.
Release: 1975
Stars: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Penelope Allen
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%