About 21 Bridges

21 Bridges is a 2019 American action-thriller film directed by Brian Kirk and produced by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. The screenplay was written by Adam Mervis and Matthew Michael Carnahan, featuring the story of Andre Davis, a highly skilled NYPD detective known for hunting down killers.

Plot & Summary

The plot of '21 Bridges' revolves around Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman), an NYPD detective with a knack for hunting down cop killers. When eight NYPD officers are slaughtered during a robbery, Davis is put on the case and orders a citywide manhunt. In a controversial move, he shuts down all 21 bridges out of Manhattan to prevent the killers - Michael (Stephan James) and Ray (Taylor Kitsch) - from escaping. As Davis uncovers more about the case, he begins to doubt his early convictions and uncover a massive conspiracy.

Making / Production

The approached Chadwick Boseman for the lead role. To portray the vivid police department background, they researched NYPD procedures and protocols, consulted with former officers, and went through sessions of firearm training. Filming commenced in September 2018, with several scenes shot directly in New York City.

Actors

• Chadwick Boseman portrays the central character Andre Davis, a dogged NYPD detective known for hunting down cop killers. Boseman gives an intense and substantiative performance, adding depth to the character.
• Sienna Miller plays Frankie Burns, Davis' partner in their pursuit of the dangerous criminals. Her performance provides a grounding contrast to Boseman's intensity.
• Stephan James and Taylor Kitsch take on the roles of Michael and Ray, the cop killers at the heart of the plot. Both actors instill their roles with a mix of desperation, fear, and menace.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was initially titled "17 Bridges". The title was adjusted to "21 Bridges" after the inclusion of all the tunnel and bridge exits.
• This was Chadwick Boseman's first action movie after his role as 'Black Panther' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• The film was released in November 2019, months after Boseman's untimely death from colon cancer in August 2020.

Quotes

• "We got 21 bridges in and out of Manhattan. Shut 'em down." - Andre Davis
• "You better have perfect diction calling me a trigger." - Andre Davis

Music, Soundtrack

The twenty-one-track original score was created by Henry Jackman and Alex Belcher. The intense and dynamic score creates an immersive atmosphere, enhancing the suspense of the film.