The **Broken City movie** is a 2013 American neo-noir political thriller directed by Allen Hughes. It stars Mark Wahlberg as Billy Taggart, a former police officer turned private investigator, who is hired by the mayor of New York City (Russell Crowe) to investigate his wife’s (Catherine Zeta-Jones) suspected infidelity, only to uncover a much larger and deadlier conspiracy.
Ever found yourself scrolling through streaming services, looking for a gritty thriller that keeps you guessing? In 2013, director Allen Hughes delivered with Broken City, a political thriller brimming with corruption, conspiracy, and serious star power. This isn’t just a whodunit; it’s a deep dive into the murky world of New York City politics, where everyone has a secret and no one can be trusted. The Broken City movie might have flown under the radar, but it delivers a compelling story that cinephiles often appreciate.
This guide from IWatchMovies Blog breaks down everything you need to know about this intriguing film. Whether you’ve seen it a dozen times and still scratch your head at that twist ending, or you’re simply wondering if it’s worth adding to your watch list, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll unravel the intricate Broken City plot, dissect its surprising conclusion, introduce you to its stellar cast, and tell you where you can stream it.
So, if you’re ready to navigate the betrayals and uncover the truth behind this compelling political drama, let’s get started. We’ll begin by examining the plot of the Broken City movie.
What Happens in the Movie Broken City?
A Quick Synopsis
The Broken City movie is a thrilling political drama centered on Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg), a former NYPD detective. Seven years after a controversial shooting led to his discharge, Billy now works as a private investigator. His life takes a sharp turn when the city’s powerful Mayor, Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe), hires him for a sensitive case.
The Mayor’s request seems straightforward: investigate his wife, Cathleen Hostetler (Catherine Zeta-Jones), for suspected infidelity. After taking the case, Billy quickly gathers photographic evidence of Cathleen with Paul Andrews. Complicating matters, Andrews is a key figure in the Mayor’s own re-election campaign.
However, the plot thickens considerably when Andrews is found dead just days after Billy submits his findings. This shocking event leads Billy to suspect he has been used as a pawn in a much larger conspiracy. He soon connects the murder to a controversial real estate deal that Mayor Hostetler is aggressively pushing through.
As Billy digs for the truth, he uncovers layers of corruption, deceit, and murder, realizing the Mayor’s request was a smokescreen for his own nefarious plans. To expose the conspiracy, Billy must race against time, putting his life and the lives of those he cares about in grave danger. The Broken City movie ultimately unravels a tangled web of political ambition, betrayal, and justice.
Is Broken City a Good Movie?
Critical Reception vs. Audience Score
Determining if Broken City is a “good” movie depends on who you ask. Upon its 2013 release, critics and audiences had starkly different perspectives—a common occurrence for a gritty political thriller.
Critics, for instance, were largely unimpressed. On Rotten Tomatoes, a well-known review aggregator, only 29% of 144 critics gave the film a positive review [1]. Common complaints cited a predictable plot and a lack of narrative originality. This sentiment was echoed on Metacritic, where the film scored 37 out of 100 based on 38 critic reviews, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews” [2].
In contrast, general audiences responded more favorably. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score sits at 45% [1]. While not a stellar rating, it is notably higher than the critic consensus. Similarly, IMDb users gave Broken City a respectable 6.2 out of 10 score [3], suggesting the film resonated more with casual viewers.
Ultimately, while critics largely panned Broken City, audience scores revealed a more mixed and forgiving reaction.
Our Take: A Flawed But Entertaining Thriller
Here at IWatchMovies Blog, we see Broken City as a classic case of a movie with great potential. It boasts an excellent cast and a compelling premise but ultimately struggles with execution. While it’s certainly not a perfect film, we believe it is absolutely worth a watch for specific audiences.
The film boasts an impressive lineup, with Mark Wahlberg delivering a solid performance as Billy Taggart, Russell Crowe proving menacing as Mayor Hostetler, and Catherine Zeta-Jones bringing a sharp edge to her role. Their collective talent significantly elevates the material. The core mystery—political corruption and infidelity—is intriguing enough to keep you engaged, particularly in the first half.
However, the plot becomes somewhat convoluted, with twists that can feel forced. The pacing is also uneven, causing the film to lose some of its initial momentum. In its attempt to juggle multiple threads—including personal vendettas, political ambition, and moral dilemmas—not all are fully explored.
Despite these flaws, Broken City remains an entertaining watch, especially for fans of gritty, old-school political thrillers. It offers enough suspense and strong performances to hold your attention. If you enjoy urban crime dramas with a touch of noir, it’s worth a shot. While not a cinematic masterpiece, the film provides a solid two hours of escapism.
If you enjoyed the themes or style of Broken City, you might also like these similar films:
| Movie Title | Year | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|
| L.A. Confidential | 1997 | Police corruption, noir mystery, political intrigue |
| The Departed | 2006 | Undercover agents, crime, moral ambiguity |
| State of Play | 2009 | Investigative journalism, political conspiracy |
| Michael Clayton | 2007 | Corporate cover-ups, legal thrillers |
Answering the Biggest Plot Questions
Who was sleeping with the mayor’s wife in Broken City?
In the Broken City movie, one of the central mysteries is the affair of the mayor’s wife, Cathleen Hostetler. Mayor Hostetler hires private investigator Billy Taggart to identify her lover, but the truth proves to be far more complex and dangerous than simple infidelity.
As Billy investigates, he discovers Cathleen’s lover is Paul Andrews, the mayor’s own campaign manager. The revelation shocks Billy, pulling him deeper into a convoluted web of lies and political conspiracy.
The affair is not merely a personal betrayal but a calculated part of a much larger scheme. This subplot is crucial to the film’s intrigue, as it fuels Billy’s determination and directly connects to the mayor’s corrupt dealings and desperate cover-ups.
Did Billy go to jail at the end of Broken City?
No, Billy Taggart does not go to jail at the end of the Broken City movie. His story is one of redemption. Once a respected NYPD detective, Billy left the force in disgrace after a controversial fatal shooting that continues to haunt him.
During the film’s climax, Billy confronts Mayor Hostetler and exposes his vast network of corruption, which includes fraudulent land deals and the murder of Paul Andrews. By gathering enough evidence to implicate the mayor and his associates, Billy ensures justice is served, though it comes at a significant personal risk.
In the end, Billy walks away with a clear conscience, having brought down a powerful and corrupt figure. Although he doesn’t rejoin the police force or receive public acclaim, he achieves personal vindication. His journey underscores the film’s themes of integrity and the struggle against systemic corruption.
Who’s Who in the Broken City Cast?
The Broken City cast features an impressive lineup of talent. These actors bring the film’s complex characters to life. Their performances are key to the movie’s intense atmosphere. Let’s meet the main players in this gripping political thriller.
- Mark Wahlberg as Billy Taggart: Wahlberg portrays the film’s central character, a disgraced former police detective turned struggling private investigator. He is soon drawn into the mayor’s web of secrets. Wahlberg is known for diverse roles, including action films like The Departed and comedies such as Ted.
- Russell Crowe as Mayor Nicholas Hostetler: Crowe portrays the city’s powerful, ambitious, and morally ambiguous mayor, who is at the heart of the film’s corruption. His commanding presence shines through in this role. An Academy Award-winning actor, Crowe famously starred in films such as Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones as Cathleen Hostetler: Zeta-Jones plays the mayor’s sophisticated yet troubled wife. She hires Billy to investigate her husband’s alleged affair, a move that adds deep layers of intrigue and betrayal to the plot. Zeta-Jones, who won an Oscar for Chicago, has a strong track record in both musicals and thrillers.
- Jeffrey Wright as Carl Fairbanks: Wright plays the city’s police commissioner, a morally upright man caught in a political storm. His character attempts to navigate the corruption surrounding the mayor. A highly versatile actor, Wright is known for his roles in projects like Westworld and The Batman.
- Barry Pepper as Jack Valliant: Pepper plays Mayor Hostetler’s cutthroat campaign manager, a fiercely loyal and driven man deeply involved in his boss’s darker dealings. Pepper is recognized for his intense performances in films such as Saving Private Ryan and The Green Mile.
- Alona Tal as Katy Bradshaw: Tal plays Katy, Billy Taggart’s loyal and resourceful assistant who provides him with crucial support. Throughout the film, she helps him uncover vital information. Tal’s other credits include TV shows such as Supernatural and Veronica Mars.
Where Can You Watch the Broken City Movie?
Is ‘Broken City’ on Netflix?
If you’re looking for the political thriller Broken City (2013) on Netflix, you likely won’t find it. As of our latest check, the film is not available to stream on Netflix in most regions. However, since streaming libraries change frequently, its status could be updated. Always check the platform directly for the most current information.
Where Else to Watch ‘Broken City’
Even though it’s not on Netflix, the gripping film is still widely accessible. You have several convenient options to watch Broken City, whether you prefer to rent, buy, or stream it through another subscription service.
Here’s where you can typically find the movie:
- For Rent or Purchase:
- Amazon Prime Video: Easily rent or buy the movie to stream instantly. [4]
- Apple TV (iTunes): Another popular option for digital rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase through your Google account.
- Vudu: Offers both rental and purchase options, often with different resolution choices.
- YouTube Movies & TV: Similar to Google Play, you can rent or buy it here.
- Subscription Streaming (Availability Varies):
- While not consistently available, Broken City occasionally cycles through other subscription platforms. Keep an eye on services like Hulu, Paramount+, or HBO Max, as their movie lineups are always evolving. [4]
- Checking a movie availability aggregator can also provide real-time updates on which subscription service is currently hosting the film.
To ensure you have the latest details, it’s always best to check your preferred streaming service directly. Rental and purchase prices are generally affordable, making it easy to dive into the intricate world of Broken City whenever you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Broken City 2?
If you’re wondering whether a sequel to the 2013 thriller Broken City exists, the answer is no. There has been no Broken City 2 produced or announced, as the original film was conceived as a standalone story with a complete narrative arc. As a result, fans should not expect a follow-up to this gritty crime drama. [5]
What is the movie ‘Broken City’ about?
The compelling neo-noir crime thriller Broken City explores a world of political corruption and deception. The story centers on Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg), a disgraced former NYPD detective now working as a private investigator in New York City. His life takes a complicated turn when the city’s powerful Mayor Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe) hires him to investigate his wife, Cathleen (Catherine Zeta-Jones), whom he suspects of infidelity. However, the seemingly straightforward case quickly unravels into a dangerous conspiracy involving murder and political scandal. As Billy races to expose the truth, he risks losing everything in the process. [6]
Who are the main actors in Broken City?
Broken City features a stellar cast whose performances bring the film’s intricate plot to life. The primary actors and their key roles include:
- Mark Wahlberg as Billy Taggart: A former cop turned private investigator who is haunted by his past actions.
- Russell Crowe as Mayor Nicholas Hostetler: The charismatic and manipulative mayor of New York City.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones as Cathleen Hostetler: The mayor’s sophisticated and mysterious wife.
- Jeffrey Wright as Captain Carl Fairbanks: A determined police captain investigating the mayor’s activities.
- Barry Pepper as Jack Valliant: Mayor Hostetler’s ambitious and loyal chief of staff.
- Alona Tal as Katy Bradshaw: Billy Taggart’s sharp and loyal assistant.
- Kyle Chandler as Paul Andrews: A prominent campaign manager who becomes entangled in the investigation.
These actors anchor the film’s intense drama and intricate character dynamics. [7]
