HBO Max offers an impressive selection of crime dramas that delve into the compelling yet unsettling theme of police brutality. With captivating narratives and powerful performances, these shows shed light on important societal issues while providing an immersive viewing experience.
In New Zealand, viewers have access to some of the best shows about police brutality on HBO Max. Let’s explore these gripping series and discover the talent behind them.
1. 4 Blocks
| IMDb Rating | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1/10 | Oliver Hirschbiegel | Frederick Lau, Kida Khodr Ramadan, Almila Bagriacik, Veysel Gelin |
Description: Set in Berlin’s notorious Neukölln district, “4 Blocks” follows the tumultuous life of Ali “Toni” Hamady, who struggles to balance his role as a family man with his ties to the dangerous Hamady crime family. As tensions rise within the clan and law enforcement closing in, Toni must confront the violent world he once called home.
2. Barry
| IMDb Rating | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 8.3/10 | Alec Berg, Bill Hader | Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan |
Description: “Barry” is a unique blend of crime drama and dark humor. Barry Berkman, a hitman for hire, finds himself contemplating a different path when he stumbles into an acting class. As he grapples with the moral conflict between his criminal life and newfound passion for acting, Barry becomes entangled in a series of unexpected events.
3. The Sopranos
| IMDb Rating | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 9.2/10 | David Chase | James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli |
Description: Follow the life of Tony Soprano, a mob boss from New Jersey, as he deals with the demands of his criminal empire while seeking therapy to cope with personal and professional challenges. “The Sopranos” is a compelling exploration of the complexities of Tony’s character and the brutal realities of organized crime.
4. Boardwalk Empire
| IMDb Rating | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5/10 | Terence Winter | Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham |
Description: Set in the Prohibition era, “Boardwalk Empire” revolves around Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a corrupt politician and criminal kingpin who runs Atlantic City. The series showcases the lavish yet dangerous world of bootlegging, political intrigue, and shifting allegiances.
5. South Side
| IMDb Rating | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 7.3/10 | Bashir Salahuddin, Sultan Salahuddin, Michael Blieden | Sultan Salahuddin, Kareme Young, Chandra Russell, Lil Rel Howery |
Description: “South Side” takes a comedic approach to explore the lives of two friends, Simon and Kareem, who work at a rental center in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood. While navigating their daily challenges, they find themselves entangled in unexpected situations that bring humor and insights into the realities of urban life.
6. The Wire (2002-2008)
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 9.3/10 | David Simon | Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan |
Description: “The Wire” is a critically acclaimed crime drama that delves into the intricate networks of crime and law enforcement in Baltimore. The series intelligently portrays the city’s drug trade, educational system, media, and government bureaucracy, offering a comprehensive view of the complexities of urban life.
7. Mare of Easttown (2021)
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5/10 | Brad Ingelsby | Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson, Evan Peters, Jean Smart |
Description: In a small Pennsylvania town, Detective Mare Sheehan investigates a series of murders that shake the close-knit community. As she navigates personal and professional challenges, Mare must confront the ghosts of her past while seeking justice for the victims.
8. We Own This City (2022)
| IMDb Rating | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| 7.6/10 | Reinaldo Marcus Green | Jon Bernthal, Josh Charles, Jamie Hector, Anna Diop |
Description: One of the best shows about police brutality on HBO MAX, based on a true story, “We Own This City” follows the corruption and scandal within the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. Sergeant Wayne Jenkins and his team are exposed for their involvement in criminal activities, leading to a gripping examination of law enforcement’s dark side.
Conclusion
HBO Max in New Zealand brings forth a compelling selection of crime dramas that tackle the harrowing theme of police brutality. These shows provide an immersive and thought-provoking experience, delving into the intricate workings of crime, law enforcement, and the human psyche.
From the gritty urban landscapes of “The Wire” to the haunting mysteries in “True Detective” and “The Night Of,” viewers in New Zealand can access a diverse range of gripping narratives that highlight the complex and often disturbing realities of crime and justice.
