An epic movie beyond the narrow boundaries of film genres

Rating: 10/10 (11 April 2014)

I am not sure if this is De Palma's best work. But most definitely, it is one of his most rousing one, packed with a great ensemble cast (greatest for any of his movies) backed up by a solid screenplay, great camera work and masterful editing. It is a rare crime and gangster movie that set its moorings very wide and deep into moral and religious righteousness. And it is that very mooring which lends the movie a very credible emotional base and connect whereby we share 'the untouchables's feelings of despair, joys and triumph. This film also brings out De Palma's versatility in ample abundance and shows that he is equally adept in showcasing drama and action-piece set on an epic scale (for example the scene at the US-Canada border) on screen as much as voyeur-driven suspense and pulpy thrillers. The climax scene (another greatly set action set piece) at the railway station bears Brian De Palma's stamp all over.
Sean Connery is extremely charming as an honest competent and resourceful cop whose performance clearly stands out. Kevin Costner is good while Andy Garcia and Patricia Clarkson provides credible support. However it is Robert De Niro leads all of them with a short but nevertheless the most menacing gangster role that he has ever portrayed. It is a very physical role and he clearly had a great time playing it.
But apart from all of the above, it is an extremely engaging and entertaining movie which will be equally absorbing to the serious and the non-serious viewers and followers of cinema.