Perfect important film!

Rating: 10/10 (30 July 2006)

I found this movie enthralling on almost every level. Emotionally, the story of a repressed man and his struggle with himself, his family and the world was at times heartbreaking and always interesting. The acting was top notch especially by Mann usuals Venora and Pacino, but also by Crowe, who did an Oscar worthy job in the main role, playing someone much older than himself convincingly. Visually, like all Mann films, it was experimental and breathtaking and the mood music perfectly complemented the colors and compositions of all the scenes. This film is also historically important for obvious reasons, and I felt that a biographical film like this is not usually given the thriller-drama that this film was given to such a quality degree, but Michael Mann never disappoints. What is disappointing is to see that this film is not higher on the top 250 list. A must see for edge of your seat memorable drama