Going in Depth

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2004)

Sure, "Heat" is a top-notch crime drama with bold action and gritty details but Michael Mann has created something special by exploring the characters more deeply. Within its 2.75 hour running time is enough room to show the consequences of the choices both the cops and the robbers make to themselves and their loved ones. That includes those characters that would get little or no lines in other films.
And there's Al Pacino being Pacino. It doesn't matter if his character is good or bad, divine or evil, sinner or saint, as long as he gets to pursue his art passionately.
Excellent work.