An intricate mystery that contrasts the glamour of Hollywood with a sleazy underworld of corruption, L.A. Confidential is an adaptation of James Ellroy’s labyrinthine novel. Bud White and Ed Exley (Russel Crowe and Guy Pearce in extraordinary breakout performances) are two detectives in 1950s Los Angeles— one is brutally efficient with a strong sense of justice, the other willing to do almost anything in pursuit of his ambitions, both of them in love with the beautiful and elusive Lynn (Kim Basinger in an Oscar winning role). The vastly different men have to put their mutual antipathy aside when a mass murder sparks a chain of violence and coverups, unraveling scandalous revelations that may just go all the way to the top. Propulsive and satisfying, this is as finely woven a neonoir as you could want.

L. A. Confidential balances its lush beauty and evocative use of authentic locations with a willingness to turn over the rock of a deeply corrupt society and gaze at what crawls beneath. All the ensemble cast are in supreme form finding the rhythm and energy of Hanson and writer Brian Helgeland's deft script adaptation, but what really shines is the dynamic between Crowe and Pearce: there's a sense of competition and rivalry that gives tremendous tension to their interactions and is a delight to behold. The immersion, the craftsmanship and attention to detail lavished on this not-exactly-love-letter to the City of Angels makes this a truly transportive experience.