Extreme Prejudice (1987)

“Extreme Prejudice” (1987) is a gripping American neo-Western action thriller that stands out for its intense exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities faced by its characters. Directed by Walter Hill and written by Harry Kleiner and Deric Washburn, the film is rooted in the classic Western genre but infused with a modern sensibility, creating a high-stakes narrative set in the contemporary landscape of the American Southwest. Based on a story by John Milius and Fred Rexer, the film delivers a raw and relentless story of law enforcement, crime, and the gray areas that exist between them.
The plot centers around the tense relationship between two men—Jack Benteen (played by Nick Nolte), a tough, no-nonsense Texas Ranger, and his former friend, the charismatic and morally ambiguous predator, Cash Bailey (played by Powers Boothe). Benteen is tasked with bringing Bailey to justice after he becomes involved in a violent drug cartel operation. However, things are not as simple as they seem. The two men, once close friends, find themselves on opposite sides of the law, and the line between right and wrong blurs as Benteen is forced to confront his past and the dangerous underworld that Bailey is now a part of.
One of the most captivating elements of “Extreme Prejudice” is the way it explores themes of loyalty and betrayal. Benteen and Bailey’s complex relationship is built on a shared history of friendship and a mutual understanding that transcends their roles as lawman and outlaw. The film delves into the emotional and moral conflict that arises when personal bonds are tested by violence, greed, and the pursuit of power. The tension between these two characters, and their willingness to push each other to their limits, creates a story that is both thrilling and emotionally charged.