not one wasted frame....buy this DVD

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2014)

astonishing directorial and literary work > story itself is engrossing and when Pacino and Cazale (both from THE GODFATHER, II) lock-in, it's an instant perennial.
although the premise and plot have universal application, this is very much "New York" > all pomposity aside, we original Easterners have met these characters somewhere, on the subway, in a coffee shop.
the audience's empathy (and that of the supporting characters at the bank) pull us in...we almost forget these guys are fooling around with loaded rifles in a tight space.
I was drawn in right to the point when the police "manipulated" the surrender...no spoiler here.
Pacino is understated, as is Cazale...which brings out the underlying, physical and emotional tension.