Astonishing cops and robbers tale

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 2006)

Never have I seen L.A. look so cold and empty. The choice of music is superb as Mann depicts this self-sufficient city through a cold blue lens and a passion for detail I have rarely seen and creates one of the most complex character-study of cops and robbers ever to hit the big screen(incomparable to the original version which is not more than an action flick). The bold three hour marathon (a box-office draw-back) featuring a line-up of numerous character actors follows a web of numerous narratives(following not only the two leads, but also Neils crew: Chris, Michael, Trejo and traitor Waingro) in great detail rendering an extremely vivid picture of Hanna's relationship towards his job, life(deliberately placed second), colleagues, wife Justine, step-daughter and mainly McCauley, the man he's chasing after, but genuinely respects as a professional.
Neil McCauley's perspective is equally consistent in depicting his relationship towards his co-workers(deliberately called that, for in fact they are true friends respecting and trusting one another 100%) and trade of choice, which he does with an obsessive attention for detail and a devotion that finally will even suppress his conservation instinct and feelings for Eady.
The act of treason is depicted in rare realism and typological diversity, each shown for what it truly stands for and all involved condemned for breaking the code of honor, to which the two leads truly live and die by. Waingro-the psychotic serial killer who would sell anyone for a buck, Van Zant-the coward white-collar criminal, Alan Marciano- the sleaze ball two-timing snitch, Trejo- the true friend who succumbs to torture, and not at least Justine, for the chosen method of resolution with Vincent(these are but a few).
The moment of the heist is truly impressive for its complexity and dynamics. The attention to detail is razor sharp, as it presents a truly real-life outcome, leaving the final confrontation secluded and private between two hunters that share the same values but are on opposite sides.