New Orleans isn't just a backdrop. It's a character. If you’ve watched the 2010 action-thriller Sinners and Saints, you know exactly what I mean. Directed by William Kaufman, this film didn't have a Marvel-sized budget, but it had something way more valuable: grit. Real, sweat-on-the-brow, brass-knuckle grit. The cast of sinners and saints brought a specific kind of intensity to the screen that made the post-Katrina setting feel alive, dangerous, and deeply mourning.
Most people stumbled onto this movie late at night on a streaming service or caught it because they were fans of the "tactical" action genre. It's a cult classic for a reason. It doesn't use shaky cam to hide bad choreography. Instead, it relies on a group of actors who actually look like they know how to handle a firearm and a city that looks like it's seen too much.
Johnny Strong and the Weight of Detective Sean Riley
Johnny Strong is an interesting guy. He’s not your typical Hollywood leading man who jumps from rom-com to action flick. He’s a musician, a knife maker, and a guy who takes his tactical training very seriously. In the cast of sinners and saints, he plays Sean Riley, a New Orleans detective who is basically a walking open wound.
Riley is grieving the death of his son and the collapse of his marriage. Strong plays him with this simmering, quiet rage. You don't see him doing big, theatrical crying scenes. Instead, it’s in the way he holds his shoulders.
- Tactical Realism: Strong did a lot of his own stunts and brought a level of weapon manipulation that most "A-list" stars can't touch.
- The Look: He spent time with actual NOPD officers to nail the vibe of a guy who has spent too many hours in a humid squad car.
Honestly, the chemistry—or lack thereof—between Riley and his surroundings is what drives the first half of the film. He’s a man who has lost his "saint" side and is leaning heavily into the "sinner" territory just to survive the day.
Kevin Phillips: The Necessary Moral Anchor
Every "loose cannon" cop needs a partner who actually follows the rules, or at least tries to. Enter Kevin Phillips as Will Ganz.
If you remember Phillips from Notorious (where he played Mark Pitts), you know he has range. In this film, he has the hardest job. He has to be the audience's eyes. He’s the "new" guy in the unit, even though he’s experienced. He provides the contrast to Riley’s nihilism. Without Ganz, the movie would just be a depressing slog through the mud.
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Their dynamic isn't the typical "buddy cop" banter. It’s professional, tense, and eventually, loyal. Phillips brings a warmth that balances out Strong’s coldness. It’s a classic pairing, but it works because they don't play it for laughs. There are no "I'm getting too old for this" jokes here. Just the sound of reloading magazines and the humid New Orleans air.
The Supporting Cast of Sinners and Saints: Heavy Hitters and Familiar Faces
The depth of the cast of sinners and saints is where the movie really surprises people. You look at the credits and realize, "Wait, is that Tom Berenger?"
Yes. Yes, it is.
Tom Berenger as Captain Trahan
Berenger is a legend. From Platoon to Sniper, he knows the "tough mentor" role better than anyone. As Captain Trahan, he doesn't have a massive amount of screen time, but he lends the film instant credibility. He’s the weary authority figure who knows Riley is a disaster waiting to happen but also knows he’s the best man for the job.
Method Man (Clifford Smith)
It’s always a treat when Method Man shows up. He plays Ben Thompson. He brings that sharp, street-level charisma that he honed in The Wire. Even in a smaller role, his presence is felt. He’s part of the texture of the city.
Kim Coates and Costas Mandylor
If you want "tough guy" energy, you hire Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy) and Costas Mandylor (Saw franchise).
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- Kim Coates: Plays Detective Dave Besson. Coates has this way of being twitchy and menacing at the same time.
- Costas Mandylor: Plays Raymond Crowe. He’s the heavy. He’s the "saint" who fell or the "sinner" who never tried to rise—depending on how you look at the plot.
Why the Casting Matters for the Action Genre
Most action movies today feel like they were filmed in a green screen box in Atlanta. They’re clean. Sinners and Saints is the opposite.
Director William Kaufman (who also did The Marine 4 and Daylight's End) has a very specific style. He likes "gun porn" in the best way possible—meaning the physics of the fights make sense. The cast of sinners and saints had to undergo legitimate training because the camera doesn't cut away every two seconds.
The villains aren't cartoonish. They feel like mercenaries who actually have a tactical plan. This elevates the stakes. When Sean Riley gets into a firefight, you actually feel like he might run out of ammo. That’s a rare feeling in modern cinema where heroes have bottomless magazines.
The New Orleans Setting: The Uncredited Star
You can't talk about the performers without talking about the city. Filmed just a few years after Hurricane Katrina, the movie uses the lingering devastation of the 9th Ward to tell its story. The debris, the abandoned houses, the "X" marks on the doors—those weren't props.
The cast had to navigate real locations that were still recovering. This adds a layer of authenticity to the "sinners" aspect of the title. The city itself was a victim, and the characters are just picking through the remains.
Nuance in the Narrative: More Than Just Bullets
Is it a masterpiece of high art? No. But is it one of the best-executed independent action films of the 21st century? Probably.
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The film explores the idea of "moral injury." Riley isn't just "sad." He’s spiritually broken. The "Saints" in the title aren't literal; they are the people trying to maintain order in a place that has been forgotten by the rest of the country. The "Sinners" are those who realized no one was coming to help and decided to take what they wanted.
The nuance comes from the fact that Riley blurs the line. He uses the tactics of the sinners to achieve the goals of the saints. It’s a messy, gray area that the cast inhabits perfectly.
Critical Reception and Where They Are Now
When it was released, critics were somewhat split. Some saw it as another "tough cop" movie. Others, specifically those in the tactical and firearms community, praised it for its realism.
- Johnny Strong: Continued to work with Kaufman and recently starred in Warhorse One. He remains a fiercely independent filmmaker and artist.
- Kevin Phillips: Has maintained a steady career in TV and film, recently appearing in projects like The Harder They Fall.
- William Kaufman: Has become a "director to watch" in the low-to-mid budget action space, known for getting the most out of his budget.
What You Should Do Next
If you haven't seen it, or if it's been a decade since you did, it's time for a rewatch. But don't just watch the explosions. Look at the details.
Actionable Steps for the Action Fan:
- Watch the "Making Of" Features: If you can find the behind-the-scenes footage, watch Johnny Strong’s weapons training. It’s a masterclass in how to prepare for a physical role.
- Look for the Continuity: Notice how the characters reload. Notice how they use cover. It’s one of the few movies that gets the "small things" right.
- Explore the Soundtrack: Johnny Strong actually composed the score. It’s moody, atmospheric, and fits the New Orleans vibe perfectly.
- Check out "The Package": If you like this cast and director, look for other William Kaufman collaborations. He often works with the same core group of people who understand his vision for grounded action.
The cast of sinners and saints isn't just a list of names; it’s a collection of actors who committed to a very specific, very dark vision of urban warfare and personal redemption. It remains a benchmark for how to do a "cop movie" right without the bloat of a major studio's interference.