Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
An Incredible, Engaging Drama
"The Insider," based on the actual story of a big-tobacco whistle-blower, is one of those movies that must to be seen to be believed. Director Michael Mann creates a film whose sense of urgency crescendos as the picture goes on. The tense atmosphere created in this film is simply incredible, considering there is no violence, only innuendo.While the factual aspects of this picture are in dispute, there can be no denying the incredible attention to great story telling that Mann displays. Al Pacino is, as is usually the case, an impressive force on the screen. His character is powerful and convincing, but never over-the-top. Russell Crowe, however, absolutely steels the show as an overly aggressive tobacco executive who goes to the national media to tell of the industry's crimes. His performance shows amazing humanity and vulnerability (It's amazing this is the same, nearly-immortal General Maximus of "Gladiator."). Crowe acts the part of the typical Shakespearean tragic figure; giving up everything he is just to do the right thing."The Insider" is an intriguing dramatic thriller that is not to be missed