"I like to get kissed before I get f*cked."

Rating: 10/10 (17 March 2012)

A fantastic film coming from the direction of Sidney Lumet, I'm surprised the name isn't more famous. Starring the incredible talent of Al Pacino, John Cazale and Lance Henriksen, Charles Durning and more. Each performance is breath taking because no character is dull or without flavor. The amount of plot and dialogue mix together so well it gives the film a true sense of realism, one not many films these days can muster. And the pacing matches perfectly because despite its length the movie never feels long. In its sheer brilliance the plot never sits still. I find it better to go into the movie only knowing it's a 'bank robbery' and just that. As the movie goes on, you get the sense it's about more than just money.
Speaking of which, another great aspect of the film is how it captures the anti-establishment mood of the 70s, as well as portrays the terror even the criminal goes thru in a tense situation ("Don't take the car, we need the car."). This is not "Die Hard", this is not "Swordfish", and these are real human characters that you actually feel connected to and embrace. It's impact after viewing never loses its potency.