Harvey Keitel excels as a corrupt and depraved (he's lacking every single moral fiber) New York City cop in serious debt. Assigned to a case where a nun has been brutally raped by two teenagers on the altar of a local church, he's confronted by his own lagging Catholic beliefs and the need for saving grace.

As the nun forgives her perpetrators and refuses to name them, the lieutenant makes one final attempt to find the true depths of human sin and the power of mercy.

This is uneasy viewing filled with social chaos and degenerate characters. Keitel's junkie girlfriend in the film is played by Zoe Lund (who also co-wrote the script), who starred in Ferraras second feature Ms. 45 and is also his wife. I seem to remember a nun in that movie as well, hmm... strange.

Investigation finished: 2000-12-29

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Story: 6/10 - At times incoherent, but a good and shocking portrayal of a U.s. cop's unrelenting moral decline.

Acting: 10/10 - A brilliant performance by Americas most versatile actor.

Violence: 7/10 - Has Abel Ferrara (Driller Killer, Ms. 45, King of N.Y etc.) ever made a non-violent film?

Nudity: 9/10 - This movie is filled with grotesque sexual situations, not intended for seekers of the subtle.

Coolness: 2/10 - Keitel shoots, smokes, snorts heroin and crack, drinks, sells drugs, gambles on Mets games, masturbates in front of some teenage girls, and has sex with hookers. If you think that's cool, then I know a good shrink for you to call.

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