Fieberhaft - Undercover in der Drogenhölle

Rush was a controversial film upon it's initial release. Scenes depicting drug use by police officers were denounced by the usual Fraternal Orders and right wing cranks. Those scenes are only part of what makes Rush such a memorable experience. Good performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh as a starry eyed rookie narc, Sam Elliott as her burned out boss, and especially Max Perlich as a construction worker making some extra bucks in the drug trade anchor a film that makes a mockery of our vain attempts to somehow end the importation and use of these illegal substances. When does use change into addiction? How far will we go to stop people from abusing their bodies, and how many lies must be told in the process? Rush is a brave and provocative film that tells it's story without histrionics, a minimum of gunplay, and a dearth of sensationalism...despite what Officer Friendly may say about it.

Although this story isn't about the average person's everyday life, in my opinion this film is one of the most realistic and interesting movies I have ever viewed. This tale takes place in Caterly, TX where two undercover detectives have found their chance to make a difference, but after becoming involved in this world they realize that right and wrong is not always black and white. This film is very close to my heart. There are no cheesy lines that you only here in movies where you find yourself thinking "who really talks like that?" The emotions displayed by these characters come across the screen as guanine and hit you where it hurts. Most of all this movie has an unbelievable soundtrack including hits from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Set in East Texas an undercover narcotics agent by the name of "Jim Raynor" (Jason Patric) is given an assignment to gather enough evidence to convict a well-connected drug dealer named "Will Gaines" (Greg Allman). Realizing the risks in an operation of this sort he chooses an attractive rookie cop by the name of "Kristen Cates" (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be his partner. Although she is warned beforehand that the narcotics environment can drastically affect a person she agrees to accept the assignment in the naïve belief that she can "make a difference". Little does she know just how bad it will get for her and her partner as they descend into seamy world of drugs and addiction. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that I was very impressed with the raw and brutal nature of this film with both Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh put in outstanding performances in their respective roles. To a lesser extent I also liked the performance of Max Perlich (as the small-time drug dealer known simply as "Walker") as well. In any case, as mentioned earlier this film has some rather explicit scenes here and there but it definitely kept my attention from start-to-finish and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

For those who claim this film unrealistic, mind you it is based on a true story. I hail Rush as one of the most powerful and emotional films to ever portray addiction. The characters coupled with Pete Dexter's realistic and sincere dialog paint a very sad, yet human picture of our culture. Our need to punish crime, yet our inability to steer 100% clear of it, is one of many themes intertwined with Rush's story. This film is a fine example of true filmmaking. There are no big effects, no trick stunts, yet one cannot turn away from the screen. Everything from the sutle production design to Eric Clapton's score make Rush a true modern classic.

While no masterpiece, "Rush" is an offbeat, well made film set in the early '70's centering on the efforts of some Texas cops to bust supposed drug dealer Greg Allman -- at all costs.

All of the actors perform well -- Jason Patric gives a particularly intense performance as the once idealistic officer who has obviously stayed undercover too long.

Great score by Eric Clapton. I really have no idea why this fairly unconventional film (gee, maybe that was the reason -- it wasn't a formulaic cop/buddy movie) did not receive more acclaim. 7/10.