One of the decade's best films

Rating: Null/10 (3 April 1999)

I saw this film again yesterday, while on watch. I'm glad I did: it's rare that I see a film more than once, and even more so that it should get better with each repeat viewing.
This time, I noticed the small, nuanced scenes, instead of the big, loud action scenes (which is not to say they seem any less stunning). Most importantly, the final scene between Ashley Judd and Val Kilmer carried more emotional impact with it than a dozen other lesser melodramas.
Also, further viewing made me understand the complex story a little better. The first time I saw it, in Virginia Beach three and a half years ago, I had trouble understanding Neil McCauley's decision to "do one last thing" near the end. Through careful observation this time, and taking notice of bits of dialogue I didn't hear before, it made sense. Then, and only then, did the climactic scene work (for me) the way it was intended to.
I have as much anticipation for Michael Mann's next drama, "Man of the People", as for the next Oliver Stone film ("Gridiron"), the next Martin Scorsese film ("Bringing Out the Dead"), or Spielberg's new sci-fi picture, "Minority Report". Mann has had an excellent track record over the past twenty-some years (Anyone who's seen "Thief", "Manhunter" or "Last of the Mohicans" will probably agree with me.) One can always count on him for an unusual level of intelligence and visual flair for his movies. Of all the directors working today, he is the most underrated.