The Untouchables: Special Edition

I picked up The Untouchables through sheer impulse. I'd never seen any clips, any showings on television, or read anything to do with the plot or characters. So I went into this completely unbiased.

One of the captivating points of this film is that it focuses primarily on the federal agents of America, and their struggle in bringing down the crime lords that are overrunning their country. Whereas other prominent mob movies, The Godfather, Scarface, and Goodfellas depict the criminals as the 'protagonists', or anti-heroes of the film.

As federal agent, Elliot Ness, Kevin Costner really digs into the role, and as the film progresses his descent into desperation is excellently portrayed. Sean Connery's also a stand-out as a veteran cop who becomes almost like a mentor to Ness. Whilst giving him harsh truths about the plans Ness has for capturing Al Capone - he also demonstrates loyalty, and fullfilment to the end
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There has been criticism of Robert De Niro's… more »

I picked up The Untouchables through sheer impulse. I'd never seen any clips, any showings on television, or read anything to do with the plot or characters. So I went into this completely unbiased.

One of the captivating points of this film is that it focuses primarily on the federal agents of America, and their struggle in bringing down the crime lords that are overrunning their country. Whereas other prominent mob movies, The Godfather, Scarface, and Goodfellas depict the criminals as the 'protagonists', or anti-heroes of the film.

As federal agent, Elliot Ness, Kevin Costner really digs into the role, and as the film progresses his descent into desperation is excellently portrayed. Sean Connery's also a stand-out as a veteran cop who becomes almost like a mentor to Ness. Whilst giving him harsh truths about the plans Ness has for capturing Al Capone - he also demonstrates loyalty, and fullfilment to the end
.
There has been criticism of Robert De Niro's portrayal of Capone, and also for some excusable reason - Sean Connery's accent. But it's easily overlooked as it's Connery's ACTING that shines through, and De Niro is rarely seen in the film....

With those extremely minor glitches out of the way..... What else can I say? It's a beautifully contstructed movie, with a superb mix of heightened drama, tension, comedy and emotional provocation - to say the least.

Be safe in the knowledge that Brian De Palma has not only directed a masterpiece in the mobster genre. But also a great piece of modern cinema.