The Onion Field (1979) Reviews

The Onion Field (1979)
Member Rating:  
Joseph Wambaugh's The Onion Field is based on an actual 1963 case. L.A. plainclothesmen Karl Hattinger (John Savage) and Ian Campbell (Ted Danson) routinely investigate a pair of suspicious types, Greg Powell (James Woods) and Jimmy Smith (Franklin Seales). Unexpectedly, Powell pulls a gun on the cops, then forces them into a deserted onion field, where he kills Campbell in cold blood. Hattinger manages to escape, and through his eyewitness account, Powell and Smith are arrested. But that is not that. Thanks to their knowledge and manipulation of the quicksilver legal system, Powell and Smith manage to evade prosecution for years. Meanwhile, Hattinger goes through hell on earth, tortured with guilt over the fact that he lived while Campbell died so ignominiously. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
John Savage, James Woods, (more)
Director(s):
Harold Becker
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(9 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Joe B.

James Woods is an enormously talented actor and this movie is at it's best when he's on screen. It drags at times when it focuses on one of the cop's guilt trip and family problems. All in all, it's a good watch and at times very engrossing.

Yes   |   No


Robert C.

With over 12 years in Law Inforcement at the time of the Onion Fields I greatly appreciate the accuracy of this DVD. Stirred thoughts of a time gone-by.

Yes   |   No


CECILIA T.

I was recently shipped the DVD titled"Onion Field" I was unable to watch the DVD as it was cracked and it looked like someone attempted to fix the crack in the DVD. I would like to be shipped a viewable DVD of the Onion Field for us to watch soon...Thank you.

Yes   |   No


Chelisa T.

Excellent movie based on a true story really makes it a must see the actors were great an original and a collectors piece.

Yes   |   No


Jamal G.

very good

Yes   |   No


John S.

John Savage plays a cop that has survivors guilt that makes this movie. James Woods does a lack luster effort. Ted Danson, if his character were not offed soon in the flick was brilliant.

Yes   |   No


Troy J.

As usual, this movie doesn't live up to the book. It's so hard to make a movie that comes close to the book with all the time contstraints, editing, and trying to speed things up so viewers stay interested. You're never fully able to get the background of the characters or the aftermath of the events. However this movie, based on a true story, just doesn't come close. If you want a better use of your time then buy the book. You'll enjoy it much more.

Yes   |   No


Rafi B.

I guess I would've rated it better if I saw it back then. I'm sure it was good for its time. But movie making is so much better today and our patience so much shorter that this movie seemed very long and slow at times. Although it has its good moments, it also has some really crappy moments too. It even has some unnecessary gross stuff. (Sick writer!!) So I'd never want to see this movie again! But as far as the message of the movie, it's just another one of those movies which perpetuates the myth of criminals always getting off. Just like when they perpetuate the false notion of Frivolous Lawsuits. You try to prove you're innocent when you're poor and accused of a crime, you try to sue a multi million dollar corporation when they do you wrong. And see what the real truth is!!

Yes   |   No


Sabrina B.

Couldn't even watch past 5 minutes. Had to shut it down and send it back...

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Read all (9)
     
    Joe B.

    James Woods is an enormously talented actor and this movie is at it's best when he's on screen. It drags at times when it focuses on one of the cop's guilt trip and family problems. All in all, it's a good watch and at times very engrossing.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Robert C.

    With over 12 years in Law Inforcement at the time of the Onion Fields I greatly appreciate the accuracy of this DVD. Stirred thoughts of a time gone-by.

    Yes   |   No

     
    CECILIA T.

    I was recently shipped the DVD titled"Onion Field" I was unable to watch the DVD as it was cracked and it looked like someone attempted to fix the crack in the DVD. I would like to be shipped a viewable DVD of the Onion Field for us to watch soon...Thank you.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 9 Reviews
       

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