Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) leads his experience by going to a barn in his Irish American neighborhood in New York City. It seems that the life of this young man is still complicated, and there Terry is torn between his loyalty to his friends who participate in the Irish mob and his attitude towards some.
What's best about "State of Grace" is what's unique to it - the twisted vision of the Oldman character, who lives in a world of evil and betrayal and has somehow thought himself around to the notion that he is doing the right thing.
Mr. Oldman gives an electrifying performance that both establishes a tragic, terrifying character and explains why that character's world is such a perilous place.
Washington Post
January 01, 2000
Penn's affecting performance, a strong and silent struggle with his warring emotions, is hard pressed to offset Oldman's shrill shenanigans.
It's (mob) business as usual, elevated by some deft plotting and sharp dialogue from scripter Dennis McIntyre and forceful turns by all the principals, particularly Gary Oldman as a twitchy live wire who's fiercely loyal to friends and family.
