Gripping character study of a paramedic that becomes more and more graphic as it progresses into being more and more captivating.

... the most horrific things you can imagine an EMT experiencing...... and then more...I promise you, there is nothing you could do that could prepare you for this...Anyone who thinks they want to be an EMT/paramedic should be required to watch this film. This is a commentary on the experience of some of the bravest men and women serving our country on the home front. Asphalt City has great direction, a great vision actually, but gets lost in the rabbit hole of reality and possibilities. These are things nobody should see, unless they choose too, rendering this film only appropriate for an extremely unique, select audience. CONTINUE READING ON LETTERBOXD: https://boxd.it/8GPRWh

An unusually raw and honest-seeming movie for this unfortunate film era. Even (what's been left of) Penn, is in its perfect place here.

Cruda y bastante turbia. Una muestra gratis de 2 horas sobre lo que se trata el trabajo de paramédico, algo que yo por ejemplo jamás me animaría a hacer (y después de ver esta película menos).

This was a good work of art. Art is sometimes dark, and makes you feel things you would not have felt had you not watched the film. It's a good work of art.

Too dark. It went no where. A Depressed partner that was very unhealthy.

Movies are supposed to be entertaining and enjoyable. They should reach some emotion. This movie does none of that. It’s work from the very start. You work to try and understand what the movie is about. What the characters are about. The problem is it’s endless work. There is no development, no substance. It’s 2 hrs of pure emptiness.

Too long. Doesn't need to be a 2 hour movie. Fast forward through the ridiculous "romance" scenes like I did and you'll save like 20 mins overall. Here's the gist of it.. they don't fall in love and live happily ever after lol. Sorry. The sex scenes are pointless. Them talking is pointless. She dumps a good white guy over something dumb, like he's a crazy psycho or something 🤦‍♂️. It's pointless. Skip it all. Overall the movie is decent. Worth a watch. Movie shows the visceral nature of being an EMT in the "bad" parts of NYC. I don't believe any real EMT would "play with life" like some of these characters did, but the thoughts are definitely real. Any seasoned EMT, cop, firefighter, etc. working areas like this has thought "why am I trying to save THIS person?!" Could be a drug dealer, gang banger, someone who tried to shoot a cop, etc. BUT.. at the end of the day a good EMT does not choose morality over duty. Their job is to PRESERVE LIFE, all life, and that's what they do. Even the scene with the newborn, whether you agree with Sean Penn's character or not, that's not their call to make. Do they think about it? Sure. Do they act on it? Hell no. The director definitely captured the "hood" scenes well. I've seen enough REAL life footage of stuff like this to know it's true. Someone gets shot in the ghetto and 40 of these people run out to start yelling at cops and EMT's. It's like.. "do you WANT me to save his life or argue with you?! Pick one!" They'd usually have police there though to keep SOME order while EMT's work. EMT's don't arrive to shots fired calls until police have cleared them.

This is an excellent movie!! The acting was phenomenal and I would definitely recommend it. I was very surprised to see the low percentages on rotten tomatoes. This was such a well done movie and deserves some type of an award.

Amazing movie showing how stressful life can be especially for EMT's. Also really showcases how awful human beings are in general & how over 95% of them are not worth saving & the world is a better place without them.

This is a strong movie that shows that human being did not work as well as we think. Fine acting and direction; a must see.

I don't recommend it ay all. Terrible animal cruelty, lack of argument, and poor dialogue. Misrepresentation of minorities. Misogynist, degrading for women. Nota for kids aidience.

It’s basically scene after scene of death, mayhem and misery, set in a dystopian NYC, with Mike Tyson appearing every so often, playing a Mgr, yelling orders. If you’re into that, check out this film. It does have some great actors and is interesting/compelling/strange. The 55% rating seems accurate.

Is this film a homage to the NYC paramedic masterpiece film "Bringing Out the Dead"? It doesn't even come close to being the artistic work it aspires to be.

Just based on how real is was, we knew Hollywood types would cringe and worshipers of Hollywood would hate it, right? Don't listen to those that thought it was going to politically correct. Ignore those that didn't get that warm and fuzzy 'feel good' moment. This film was gritty, real and true. Understated performances from all. An intimate portrait. Good film. There just wasn't enough politics and Hollywood in it for some people.

The best performance is played by the red jacket with wings. Pulls off the role playing a misunderstood article of clothing perfectly.

This movie is about as deep as Sean Penn. Cliche everything. They obviously didn't bother to consult with real paramedics. A slap in the face to EMS workers everywhere. What a bunch of idiots.

This movie tried to be end of the watch type of film, but with paramedics and oh god its so depressing with no clear story......this would be better off as a weekly tv show like cops.

It was alright, but not great. 2hrs 3min that I could have done something else. Rookie that turns veteran too soon. I thought it would have been better as Penn couldn’t carry this one.

Gritty. Dark. Sometimes hard to watch, but pleasantly surprised.