True cinematic artwork

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2005)

I can honestly say that in terms of style, this is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. The way Michael Mann weaves two sides of the law together and puts in the perfect amount of action, superb performances by Pacino, DeNiro, Kilmer, Sizemore, and every one else, it is just an amazing piece of work. It is simply one of the most entertaining and satisfying movies ever put on screen.
Think I'm exaggerating? Name one other movie that has been able to so stylishly film an action sequence (the bank robbery shootout) that not only is captivating and intense, but is so real in the sounds of the gunshots, the buildings of downtown LA, the routines of the policemen, the reactions of the people, and again the performances of the actors.
Can this even be considered an action film? The action is so stylishly done it is Kurosawa with guns, and is so thrilling at the same time. The only other film in recent memory that has modern gunfights in such a stylish way is Ronin, but this movie has such a deep and rich plot that it far surpasses any other action movie of the last 20 years.
I can say no more without repeating myself, only to say that to claim to be a movie enthusiast, actor, or the like and not see this movie (and the amazing cinematic experience that has made me a huge Michael Mann fan) is like being a sculptor and not witnessing Michelangelo's Pieta.