Clockers (1995)

"Clockers" (1995) is a crime drama directed by Spike Lee, who co-wrote the film with Richard Price, which they based on Price's novel under the same title. The movie features an outstanding cast, including Mekhi Phifer, Harvey Keitel, Keith David, John Turturro, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Regina Taylor, and Thomas Jefferson Byrd. The film also has a great soundtrack that peaked at #54 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. 

Spike Lee produced several classic movies before '95, but "Clockers" is an underrated gem by the director. And it's understandable when notable films like "School Daze," "Do the Right Thing," "Mo' Better Blues," "Malcolm X," and "Crooklyn" existed earlier. However, "Clockers" shows Lee's versatility as a filmmaker, and the cast delivered an exceptional performance. I highly recommend this film for the viewing. 

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: Richard Price, Spike Lee

Starring Mekhi Phifer, Harvey Keitel, Keith David, John Turturro, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Regina Taylor, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Peewee Love, Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Elvis Nolasco, Lawrence B. Adisa, Hassan Johnson, Frances Foster, Michael Imperioli, Lisa Arrindell, Paul Calderon, Brendan Kelly, Mike Starr, Graham Brown, Steve White, Spike Lee

Storyline

A "clocker" is a 24-hour drug dealer, and Strike (Mekhi Phifer) is the hardest-working one on the streets. But for Strike, time is running out. When the local drug kingpin tips Strike off about an opportunity for advancement, a rival dealer ends up dead, and Strike suddenly finds himself caught between two homicide detectives. One is Mazilli (John Turturro), who's only looking for an easy bust. The other is Rocco (Harvey Keitel), who's looking for something much more challenging to find—the truth—and when Strike's law-abiding brother confesses to the murder, Rocco vows not to rest until he's sure the real shooter is behind bars.