Bad Lieutenant

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Bad Lieutenant

NC-17

1992

1h 38m

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

54 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is a corrupt cop steeped in gambling debt who exploits his authority to sexually harass teenage girls, embezzle money and abuse drugs. His troubles come to a head when a mob lackey delivers an ultimatum: pay off his debt, or else. His fate appears sealed. But when The Lieutenant learns that a $50,000 reward is being offered to whoever catches a pair of thugs who raped a nun (Frankie Thorn), he jumps at the opportunity, hoping that he can still redeem himself.

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Critics Consensus

Bad Lieutenant will challenge less desensitized viewers with its depiction of police corruption, but Harvey Keitel's committed performance makes it hard to turn away.

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Jake Cole

Slant Magazine

Jun 5, 2024

Even by the scuzzy standards of Abel Ferrara’s filmography, Bad Lieutenant is particularly filthy.

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Peter Rainer

Los Angeles Times

Jan 8, 2019

[Keitel] keeps us watching his descent without wanting to look away. Only an actor with tremendous reserves of power could accomplish that.

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Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

Jan 8, 2019

It's a powerhouse performance in a film of jabbing intensity and wit.

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Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

Jul 7, 2026

3/5

The title of this gritty, disturbing crime drama doesn't even begin to describe just how depraved and detestable the central character really is.

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Matt Glasby

Flicks (AU, NZ, UK)

Jan 8, 2026

This time, I’m glad to say I made it all the way through, and was (un)pleasantly surprised. It’s still a punishing watch - and flawed as hell - but closer to art than exploitation.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Aug 21, 2025

4/5

…Abel Ferrara’s Bad Lieutenant is an extreme film about an extreme character... even if the subject matter is intended to disturb, it’s still a very good film, with a colossal central performance from Harvey Keitel as a corrupt cop with religious leanings

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Marc Z

@TKDLife 1 day ago

Harvey Keitel gives one of the darkest and best performances of all time in the lead role of this crime drama. Abel Ferrara's Direction is outstanding. This was a controversial film because of its dark imagery, sexual violence, and drug use. The film rises and falls on the memorable performance by Harvey. This is an Oscar worthy performance that was overlooked, obviously because of the controversial content. See this film. It holds up.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 6, 2026

Bad Lieutenant is a *4* star Movie!

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Ashequl I

@Tofa13 Aug 7, 2026

Abel Ferrara’s Bad Lieutenant (1992) is a harrowing, deeply visceral drama that fearlessly dives into the darkest corners of human nature. Harvey Keitel delivers a tour-de-force performance as a deeply corrupt, drug-addicted NYPD detective spiraling out of control. His worldview is fundamentally shaken during an investigation where a victim chooses radical forgiveness over vengeance, sparking a painful and profound spiritual awakening. While it is far from a traditional thriller and offers a relentless, uncomfortable atmosphere, the screenplay’s emotional weight and Keitel’s fearless acting elevate it into a powerful, unforgettable piece of cinema.

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Dark D

@RT65718715 Mar 1, 2026

I knew nothing about this movie before watching it last night. I found it awful (mostly laughable, and at times painful.) It begs for a laugh track, especially the church scenes. Harvey's constipated moans are a hidden treasure.

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Steve C

@RT19610513 Feb 6, 2026

A cop so morally corrupt; I don't know whether to pity or laugh

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James H.

@420Drive-in Feb 2, 2026

Harvey Keitel gives an amazing performance in this dark and gritty crime drama. This movie shows the despair of addiction, religion and morality. This movie was like following Hunter Biden around for a day.

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Abel Ferrara

Director

Harvey Keitel

The Lieutenant

Frankie Thorn

The Nun

Zoë Lund

Zoe

Anthony Ruggiero

Lite

Eddie Daniels

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Synopsis

The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is a corrupt cop steeped in gambling debt who exploits his authority to sexually harass teenage girls, embezzle money and abuse drugs. His troubles come to a head when a mob lackey delivers an ultimatum: pay off his debt, or else. His fate appears sealed. But when The Lieutenant learns that a $50,000 reward is being offered to whoever catches a pair of thugs who raped a nun (Frankie Thorn), he jumps at the opportunity, hoping that he can still redeem himself.

Director: Abel Ferrara
Producer: Edward R. Pressman, Mary Kane
Screenwriter: Abel Ferrara, Zoë Lund
Production Co: Bad Lt. Productions
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 1, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA): $47.5K
Runtime: 1h 38m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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