This movie was inspired by true life events.

Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) was one of the most powerful figures in the criminal underground in America during the 1940s and 1950s.  Already having conquered a number of cities, he then set his sights on Los Angeles.  Being a smart criminal and having key figures within the justice system on his payroll, he became untouchable.  When Sergeant John O’Mara (Josh Brolin) saved a young girl from Cohen’s thugs, he was approached by Chief Bill Parker (Nick Nolte) to wage war on Cohen.  With the help of his reluctant and pregnant wife, he recruited fellow officers to help him form the “Gangster Squad”.  A fellow Sergeant, Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling) initially turns down the offer, but after falling for Cohen’s girlfriend, Grace Faraday (Emma Stone) and witnessing an innocent boy whom he knew, being killed during one of Cohen’s operations, he decides to join the squad.

This movie features an all-star case including Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, Giovanni Ribisi and Michael Pena.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer.

Running time – 113 minutes.