Despite violence I still love this film

Rating: Null/10 (18 December 2001)

You must realize I was shocked to find how much I loved this movie being that generally I'm not a fan of mobster movies and additionally I don't have a high tolerance for graphic violence (with which this movie abounds) I think the fact that it still managed to make a devoted fan out of me is a testament to how gripping and well done this movie is. Part of it has to do with the casting certainly. Kevin Costner was born to play Ness, it seems to me! I don't often find he fits into the roles he plays in his movies but here he is powerful and yet human and you can really feel his pain and frustration throughout. I love Sean Connery in general and here he is in classic form playing a strong, growling Irish cop with a big chip on his shoulder and a lot of heart hidden beneath his gruff exterior. I think everyone agrees De Niro as Capone was incredible casting, no need to say more on that. The score was a perfect fit as well, lending a sense of urgency and foreboding without stealing the whole scene. Also the directing is so well done that I can watch this film again and again and each time it reaches one of the suspenseful scenes I still find myself holding my breath and tensing up despite knowing exactly how it will all end! Now that's powerful storytelling!