One of Michael Mann's best.

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2010)

Two men in control with a desire to be perfect at their craft, but on the opposite end of a much familiar line. Despite their intentions, they are not distinct from each other. They do what they are best at, and factors such as pride, ego, and passion for their work bind them. There is this tension in the air all through the movie. It's the heat that you feel gradually smoldering; both the characters have much on the line to lose.
The hallmark of a great director is to use music as a tool for their suited method of story-telling. Michael Mann always does that beautifully, just like Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg. 'God moving over the face of the waters' by Moby just simply and silently crawls under your skin at the end sequence.
Two great actors never share the screen together too often to spoil the anticipation. In the only scene (shot masterfully) when they truly interact, they acknowledge each others' stand and strength. But things always are, just the way they are.
Neil McCauley walks away from the life that he desired for, after a long tenure of restless and lonesome squandering, but never too far. Vincent Hanna manages to get a better deal.
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino don't need to rehearse or prepare much for a role at this stage; they could just read the script and be ready to deliver the best. Both are riveting as always.
As for the supporting cast, Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, Jon Voight, Hank Azaria, Ted Levine, Diane Venora and Amy Brenneman, you can't get any better than this. Michael Mann comfortably manages to provide each of them a shine, even under the deep perpetuating shadows of such legends.
Great cinema, fast paced, grows on you all the way.