Frank Serpico is a NYC cop who refuses to take bribes, unlike the rest of the force. His actions get Frank shunned by the other officers, and often placed in risky situations by his partners. When his superiors ignore Frank’s accusations of corruption, he decides to go public with the allegations.

American cinema in the 1970s was going through a transformation, bringing forward some of the best filmmakers to tackle new (and old) subjects in innovative ways. Sidney Lumet’s gritty, Big Apple cop drama—starring Al Pacino—is a hallmark, showcasing what makes Lumet’s cinema so fresh and exciting.