A fucking masterpiece.

The story of Frank Serpico who became the first police officer to report and testify against corruption within the NYPD. Serpico is played well by Al Pacino, and the story is both exciting and very sad (because the police should have been doing their job honestly) as we see Serpico put his life in danger as he tries to do the right thing.
What spoilt the film for me was the backing music - it was nominated for both a Grammy award and a BAFTA award, but I found it intrusive and annoying, turning a 'good' film into an 'ok' film.

There was a time, way back when, when Serpico was my favourite film. I don't quite know how it happened. Barely interested in cinema at the time, what few things I watched were the 18-rated DVDs taken from my brother's collection (cos there's nothing more appealing to a youth), almost always horror. How did a melancholy drama about police corruption manage to stick out and demand a dozen rewatches? Maybe it's the fragility of Pacino's performance, the incredible physicality as his appearance constantly shifts, his character never able to settle into one comfortable identity. Maybe it's the power of Lumet's direction, the remarkable depths of darkness that fills the frame making visually manifest the pessimistic weariness of the narrative. Whatever it was, it had me—young and only passably interested in movies—utterly hooked. Now, older and infinitely more engaged in cinema than I was then, I love it all the more.

Recommended by someone who saw it when it came out, but I think it has dated a bit. Struck me as a bit one -dimensional. The main character is the hero, constantly thwarted by the system. Did not realise till the end that it was based on a true story. Would not recommend it myself.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Oh, man, there's something about 70s Pacino. Just so damn good. Like every little nuance seems perfect.
Sidney Lumet is just the master. I didn't enjoy Serpico as much as Dog Day Afternoon or the masterpiece 12 Angry Men, but it's still really good.
Good guys finish last. Uncorrupt cops get shot first.

"The reality is that we do not wash our own laundry - it just gets dirtier."

Pacino, De Niro, Hoffman etc. were screen 'GODS' of the seventies and once again Al Pacino shines this time as Frank Serpico in Sidney Lumet's study of police corruption. Pacino is fantastic in this as an honest good cop, who becomes a bit of a hippie, and tries to combat police corruption whilst dealing with mental and emotional strain. The cinematography is wonderful and captures 70's New York perfectly just like Taxi Driver did. The music and sound can seem quite intrusive and strange at times but for the most part works well with Serpico's mental state and helps drive the narrative. Lumet and Pacino's partnership is one of cinemas finest whilst being severely under-appreciated to audiences I feel. Whilst I feel Dog Day Afternoon is the better film this is still a prime example of seventies cinema. Overall, a fantastic good cop versus the bad cops story with a brilliant performance from Pacino and great direction from Lumet.

Based on a true story, Al Pacino stars as a honest cop in New York City battling against police corruption. Pacino's performance as Frank Serpico is very powerful, earning him an Oscar nomination, and you really feel his frustration and anger and desperation at the situation he finds himself in. An intelligent script is well handled by director Sidney Lumet, dealing with Serpico's mental and emotional state while maintaining a gripping plot. The music is unusual but adds further emotional depth to the film, particularly during scenes of Serpico trying to enjoy normal relationships and life while under intense pressure. One of Pacino's better films.

A decent classis

In this cop drama acting, editing and directing are superb. Pacino steals the whole show while playing against well rounded three-dimensional characters.

The subject matter wasn't the most interesting one but very well told.

Serpico is one prime example for Pacinos method acting. He *is* Frank Serpico when he gives his new puppy some water, when he's angry and even when he nearly falls off a chair. He never breaks out of the role but incorporates everything into his performance.

You have to watch this movie just for Pacinos performance.

I usually love Sidney Lumet, but this one just struggled to float my boat.

Partially melodramatic in it's writing and music, yet gritty and minimalistic through it's acting and camerawork. The film just didn't get me invested in what was going on, it was just lacking in something to bring the two elements together and really sell me the film.

But regardless, mostly everything is stellar, Pacino is obviously great along with all the side players, the direction is solid although lacking in Lumet's typical conviction and craftsmanship. And it succeeded in making me respect the real life risks and dedication Freddy Serpico went though as a honest cop. But if you're looking for somewhere to start with Lumet, make it Dog Day Afternoon or Network.