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To Live and Die in L.A.
1985·116 min·★ 7.1
CrimeThrillerAction
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters.
Status
Released
Budget
$6,000,000
Revenue
$17,307,019
Cast
William L. Petersen
Richard Chance
Willem Dafoe
Rick Masters
John Pankow
John Vukovich
Debra Feuer
Bianca Torres
John Turturro
Carl Cody
Dean Stockwell
Bob Grimes
Discussion
griggs79★ 8/10
_To Live and Die in L.A._ is a sharp, cynical thriller where style trumps sentiment. Friedkin pairs bold visuals with a pulsing Tangerine Dream score, driving a fast, morally murky plot. Corruption spreads, rules bend, and no one stays clean. The car chase is a highlight—second only to _The French Connection_. Boldly killing off the lead mid-film, it bridges classic noir and modern thrillers. In this world, survival means faking it better than the rest.
