epic crime drama

Rating: 7/10 (21 September 2008)

I had read many a rave review before seeing this film. Most of them commenting on the performances, the direction, the way that 1930's Chicago was painstakingly rebuilt...and the list goes on. Does it live up to the hype? well, yes and no.
Basically, the story revolves around Elliot ness, who is newly appointed treasury officer, and his band of 3 other men (otherwise known as the untouchables) and their fight to bring down Alfonso Capone. And thats it. No beating around the bush, the story is simple. And that, for me is the films first failing. It is one of the few epic dramas which i felt could have gone on longer. There should have been more about Capone, and Chicago in general. I felt that it was just a bit...light. However, gripes aside, this is a fine piece of cinema which reeks of quality and is obviously a labour of love from every one involved. Every performance is brilliant, worthy of note are Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Andy Garcia. The direction is as good as anything we have seen from De Palma, and shows that he is one of the best directors out there, easily a match for Scorcese, Cameron, Spielberg, etc. He packs the film with detailed reconstruction of Chicago, brutal violence and knows how to get the best out of his cast.
My verdict? There is no doubt about the fact that this is a good film. However, i felt it needed something more. As period dramas go, Millers crossing had more style, Once Upon a time in America had more substance, and The Godfather...well, we all know what that turned out like!