State of Grace 1990

Terry Noonan, portrayed by Sean Penn, makes his way back to the gritty streets of New York’s Hell’s Kitchen after spending a decade away. Reconnecting with his childhood friend Jackie, played by Gary Oldman, Terry soon learns that Jackie is deeply entrenched in an Irish mob operating under the leadership of his brother Frankie, depicted by Ed Harris. Adding to the complexity, Terry reignites a romantic relationship with Jackie’s sister, Kathleen, played by Robin Wright.

As events unfold, Terry finds himself caught in a web of conflicting loyalties. His secret identity as an undercover cop tasked with dismantling the gang weighs heavily on him. Under immense pressure, he confides in Kathleen, only to have her sever ties with him after learning from Frankie that Terry is on the rise within their criminal outfit and has already committed murder.

Amidst the chaos, one night, an increasingly intoxicated Jackie confronts members of a rival Italian gang, resulting in a lethal showdown where he murders all three intruders in an act of territorial defense. Meanwhile, Frankie faces a dilemma, as the Italian mafia leader demands he eliminate Jackie, who is becoming a liability. To avert an all-out war, Frankie cleverly reassures the intimidating Italian boss by hugging him in public.

Things take a pivotal turn when Frankie instructs Jackie to retrieve a substantial payout of $25,000 under the pretext of goodwill from the Italians. Jackie brings Terry along as backup but unknowingly walks into a trap. As Terry attempts to contact his police sergeant, he witnesses Frankie turn on his own blood, shooting Jackie in cold blood without Terry realizing the truth until it’s too late. The police finally arrive, and Terry decides to walk away from the undercover operation he’s been embroiled in.

At Jackie’s funeral, Terry confronts Frankie about what transpired at Pier 38, laying his police badge before him as a symbol of his resignation. St. Patrick’s Day brings renewed turmoil as Frankie orders Terry’s execution. While Kathleen watches the festive parade in solitude, Terry ventures into the bar where Frankie and his crew congregate. The tension escalates into a final gunfight, culminating in Terry killing Frankie, but not without suffering three gunshot wounds himself. The film closes ambiguously, leaving the audience to ponder Terry’s fate—will he survive or succumb to his injuries?