Heat

Rating: 10/10 (27 February 2007)

Michael Mann's thrillers are almost unmistakable. Even if the plots are different, you can feel it's a Michael Mann-movie by this strange mixture of melancholy, violent and urban atmosphere he creates. "Heat" is definitely one of the best thrillers of the nineties. What's so special about it are the characters (like in nearly all of the big movies). The two men on opposite sides of the law, who fight against each other until one of them dies. It's inevitable. They don't really like what they are doing, but are doing what they have to, because that's what they are good at. When this seemingly vastly different men finally meet, it's an unforgettable moment. One of many in "Heat". I'm impressed with the way the two players are being shown failing to maintain the relationships with their wive/girlfriend. And when there's action, it's a blast. All of this brought to screen by gangster-film legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, with the direction and writing of Michael Mann. (Nearly) Perfect.