Inarguably the classiest, most deceptive and downright creepiest of the Mission Impossibles.

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2020)

Watching Ethan Hunt unravel and then gain control is a tour de force performance and the smooth old Hollywood spycraft with its split diopters and German expressionist angles is blended with the action chops of a helicopter chase through a train tunnel to spectacular effect. While the new Mission Impossible films are a perfect pinnacle of what action films could/should be now, DePalma's Mission Impossible was something unique when it was released, something special. That scene at Liverpool Street where Ethan sits opposite his villain and figures his plan while placating him with lip service is a dynamite moment.
It's intriguing, technically savvy and with great actors, stunts and effects. Mission 1 set the standard and it still holds up.
Impossible Mission: The Langley heist is clear with a simple transaction in one stimulating location with a good ensemble effort. Likely due to the lack of audio, it's a tense, fun and memorable mission.