public enemies

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2014)

This film is based on the life of the notorious gangster John Dillinger. He was a famous bank robber in the mid-thirties. This period was also called "America's Golden Age of crime". His gang robbed four police stations and two dozen banks. He escaped from jail twice.
Like I already said, the story take place in 1933 so the whole movie is in this style. This is the reason why I think it should be in the list of 'Greatest Films of All Time'. They created such a good atmosphere as a result that it seems lifelike. It's like you're dropped in this period. This is mainly due to the perfect choice of music. An example is when in the beginning, suspect John Dillinger arrives in a plane, it's with the song 'Black heart' by Calexico. The feeling that you feel when you listen to that song, describes exactly the circumstances: fear and sinister. Also they have made a great choice of clothes and scenes.
The lead actors are Johnny Depp (John Dillinger), Marion Cotillard (girlfriend of John Dillinger) and Christian Bale (FBI bureau chief). I think nobody else could have done it better. The way Johnny Depp impersonates the person of John Dillinger is really phenomenal! The producer made good decisions about the close-ups of Johnny Depp. His facial expressions make the film more realistic. You can feel and see what he's thinking.
Also the chemistry between him and Christian Bale is very good. Bale is hunting on Johnny Depp and he succeeds almost a few times. But when you see the arrogance between the two, you already know it isn't over yet.. They are playing cat-and-mouse games all the time. It's very nice to see the two acting in the same movie. Of course it's still a Hollywood production so it needs some romance. Because of that, there is the role of John Dillinger's girlfriend, which Marion Cotillard is wonderfully suited. John Dillinger had nothing to lose, except now. The romance becomes one of the most important things in the movie. It is all about his vow to show up for her, to protect her. Against what? Against the danger of being his girl. Will they stay together? Will they survive? You have to see it yourself! One thing that I need to mention is that the movie is well-researched. I already knew a lot about one of the most notorious bank robbers in America. The things they have used in the movie are all correct. Of course it's still a Hollywood production so they add things to make it more attractive. I think Michael Mann (producer) has made a wonderful film again! A beautiful action movie with a golden acting duo : Johnny Depp and Marion Cottilard.