Well-directed criminal tale

Rating: 7/10 (26 July 2016)

Michael Mann's remake of his own L. A. TAKEDOWN boasts impressive performances from two powerhouse actors of the late 20th century - Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. It's a surprise that the two actors haven't been matched before, seeing that they are so alike - same age, same appearance, same intensity. Frankly, any film in which these two face a brutal showdown was going to be intense, and HEAT doesn't disappoint. In fact, it's one of the best, most realistic portrayals of criminal life since GOODFELLAS. Eschewing all-out action in favour of plot development, this is a film which really makes you care about the characters - even if they are all criminals, and murderers at that. Most of the screen time is given to showing us the parallels in Pacino's and De Niro's lives, their relationships, and gives us a character study of the two men, for whom work is the number one priority.
Al Pacino comes off worse in this case. Although putting in an impressive performance, this reviewer was constantly detached from his character, who basically doesn't possess a single character trait that makes him likable. He treats his colleagues and family like dirt. Yes, he might be brilliant, but at what price? The other reason for one to hate Pacino's character is because he's dedicated to catching De Niro, and De Niro is such a likable character that you don't want anybody to seriously oppose him. It's a testament to De Niro's acting ability that you end up liking a super criminal who shoots people in cold blood. It should be the other way round, surely? After Pacino and De Niro, there is a solid supporting cast of actors to fill out the roles of De Niro's criminal gang. Tom Sizemore, a family man who lives for the rush of a bank job; Val Kilmer, a hopeless gambling addict who just needs the money; and the ubiquitous Jon Voight, De Niro's shady contact. All three men are as equally as impressive as the two leads, but in a smaller way.
For action fans, there isn't really much in the way of gun battles to get excited about, with one major exception: the street battle between the cops and the criminals. This one lasts for at least quarter of an hour, and has to be one of the most accurate and relentless battles I've ever seen. It's very good. However action isn't really what this film is about, it's about family values, loyalty, betrayal, and honour. And who can forget the ending? It wouldn't work anywhere else but here, and it's sheer brilliance.