The Academy

An excellent depiction of police training and how grueling it is inside the academy. The story presents the character's struggles realistically and the result is a movie that really pays off. Well worth a look.

THE ACADEMY is a great docu-drama with a genuine sense of realism! I thought this film was a really great find. The acting was really realistic and not pushed like most Hollywood film which really helped maintain the reality for me. Sometimes I had to remind myself it wasn't a documentary. It's really done that well. Regarding the social issues related to the police and the system that other reviewers mentioned, The Academy definitely goes there, but it's not heavy- handed or one-sided. The Academy is a must see! BRAVO!

Authentic, unflinching, documentary-like look at a young police officer recruit's arduous experience getting through boot camp. The training scenes are raw and convincing and help overcome the weaknesses of the cliched but brief domestic moments. The primary drill instructor is really good, not unlike Lou Gossett Jr in Office and a Gentleman. He gives a powerful monologue late in the film on the reason why officers need to take pride in their appearance. The Academy climaxes with a wildly improbable but tense finale. And the officer's creed is an eloquently placed coda that packs an emotional punch. The young actors who play the cadets have a nice, believable rapport. At its best the movie is a taut and compelling tribute to the men and women in blue.

The Academy is a great docu-drama that is unique and compelling. Well worth watching!

The Academy offers an incredibly authentic glimpse into what going through the police academy is like. I'm guessing that the director has an intimate personal knowledge of the process based on this detailed story. My father was a police officer early in his life and watching The Academy reminded me a lot of his stories of how challenging it was to go through the police academy. I'm realizing that watching this film might actually be a really good way for applicants to know what is ahead of them before they start the police academy. In terms of the filmmaking, The Academy brings a docu-drama style approach to the story, which further adds to the feeling of authenticity. I would highly recommend The Academy to anyone who is interested in policing or has always wondered what goes on during academy training.