Extreme Prejudice (1987) is a neo-Western action thriller directed by Walter Hill, starring Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe, Michael Ironside, and Maria Conchita Alonso. Blending the hard-edged ethos of classic Westerns with modern crime drama, the film unpacks themes of loyalty, law, and betrayal on the unforgiving Texas-Mexico border.
🔥 Story Overview
- Jack Benteen (Nick Nolte) is a by-the-book Texas Ranger haunted by his past friendship with Cash Bailey (Powers Boothe)—now a ruthless drug kingpin operating just across the border.
- When a black-ops military unit led by Major Paul Hackett (Michael Ironside) rolls into town under a covert mission, Jack’s pursuit of justice becomes tangled in a larger, more dangerous conspiracy.
- Loyalties fray and secrets unravel as personal history collides with professional duty, leading to an explosive desert showdown where no allegiance is safe—and no one walks away clean.
âś… Why It Stands Out
- Walter Hill’s Signature Style:
Gritty atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and unflinching action in a modern Western setting. - Powerhouse Performances:
Nolte and Boothe deliver rugged, emotionally charged portrayals of two men on opposite sides of the law but bound by a shared past. - Relentless Action:
Packed with tense standoffs, fiery shootouts, and a slow-burning intensity that pays off in blood-soaked catharsis.
🏆 Reception & Legacy
- Released on April 24, 1987, Extreme Prejudice received mixed reviews—praised for its visceral action but critiqued for underdeveloped characters.
- Despite this, the film has since earned cult classic status, admired for its tough-as-nails tone, Western noir aesthetic, and Hill’s uncompromising direction.
Extreme Prejudice stands as a bullet-riddled tribute to the myth of the lone lawman—where justice is a dusty road paved with consequences.
