Michael Mann's Best

Rating: 10/10 (12 September 2002)

I enjoy pretty much everything Michael Mann does, but this one tops them all. I've heard some people say there are a lot of slow spots in this movie, but I have to disagree on that one. This film will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. I love how Mann plays out the scenes to give you the feeling he's looking for. It's Pacino's best performance since Scent of a Woman, and Russell Crowe is terrific. Christopher Plummer (from 'A Beautiful Mind') was the perfect man to play Mike Wallace. This is a story about truth, integrity, and the politics of the business world. The ending almost makes you cry. It's a fight for truth. A masterfully told story, excellent camera work, one of the best scripts in a long time, and Lisa Gerrard's score is perfect (remember her from 'Gladiator'?). You can see Michael Mann pays attention to even the smallest details to set the right mood. I can't think of anything I would change in this film - it should have won best picture. This would easily make my top five, and is a must see.