Broken City (2013)

In "Broken City" (2013), Allen Hughes plunges viewers into a grimy, disillusioned New York City where ex-cop Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) is tasked with an investigation that quickly spirals into a labyrinth of corruption and deceit. Framed and betrayed by the city's formidable mayor (Russell Crowe), Taggart embarks on a relentless quest for both redemption and retribution. Fueled by his inherent toughness and street smarts, Taggart becomes a formidable opponent, systematically dismantling the powerful figures who wronged him and exposing the rot at the city's core. This film finds a natural place on a "Best Allen Hughes Movies" list due to its characteristic blend of gritty realism, complex moral ambiguity, and a compelling crime narrative. Hughes, known for his directorial partnership with his brother Albert in their early impactful works, showcases a mature and sophisticated solo vision here. "Broken City" expertly crafts a palpable atmosphere of urban decay and political machismo, reflecting Hughes's consistent ability to capture the underbelly of society and the moral compromises of its inhabitants. The film's intricate plotting and Wahlberg's raw performance further solidify its standing as a noteworthy entry in a director's filmography that often probes the darker facets of the American dream.