Public Enemies (Blu-ray) (2009)
Violence
In the action-thriller Public enemies, acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Academy Award-winner Marion Cotillard in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) - the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J Edgar Hoover's (Billy Crudup) fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public. No one could stop Dillinger and his gang. No jail could hold him. His charm and audacious jailbreaks endeared him to almost everyone - from his girlfriend Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard) to an American public who had no sympathy for the banks that had plunged the country into the Depression. But while the adventures of Dillinger's gang - later including the sociopathic Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham) and Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi) - thrilled many, Hoover hit on the idea of exploiting the outlaw's capture as a way to elevate his Bureau of Investigation into the national police force that became the FBI. He made Dillinger America's first Public Enemy Number One and sent in Purvis, the dashing "Clark Gable of the FBI". However, Dillinger and his gang outwitted and outgunned Purvis' men in wild chases and shootouts. Only after importing a crew of Western ex-lawmen (newly baptized as agents) and orchestrating epic betrayals - from the infamous "Lady in Red" to the Chicago crime boss Frank Nitti - were Purvis, the FBI and their new crew of gunfighters able to close in on Dillinger.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 140mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (9)
9 Member
Reviews
Simon
says
Great action movie - Johnny Depp - brilliant
says
Not a bad flick bad but a little slow.
Russell
says
Directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, its hard to know why this isn’t a 5 star movie. Mann is a top director and this is a fantastic looking movie. The use of high-res digital cameras in low light and night scenes is particularly striking and adds a real sense of realism. There are some great action set pieces and Depp’s Dillinger has some great heroic scenes and lines. However, there is little delving into the motivations or character of Dillinger or the FBI agent hunting him, and there’s little emotional attachment to either side. The historical events feel pasted together and don’t always make for a cohesive feel to the film. Enjoyed the movie, but ultimately came away feeling underwhelmed.
William C
says
Strong cast make this the best gangster flick in years
Melissa
says
This movie was ok, but it was a bit hard to follow. But I loved the action scenes, just a shame about the ending.
Ian
says
Good film, well directed with good acting. Johnny Depp shows his non weird talent in this film.
Rudy G.
says
Agreed, this one is not up to the potential considering the director is Mann who was good at his prior movie, The Heat and the good stars playing e.g. Depp and Bale. The biggest problem is the storyline is done too slow and too few action-packed scenes that are mostly expected from Michael Mann movie and a story about legendary bank robber like Dillinger. The movie is more into drama genre rather than action.
V J P
says
Mmeh, it was ok. Nothing spectacular, a little slow in places and not much going on. The actions scenes were few and far between. Acting of course was great by Johnny and Marion. Not something id be dying to watch again.
Jan
says
Disappointing! Although there were some excellent shoot-out scenes - the movie on the whole was excruciatingly long and slow (thought it would never end). Also, it was very dark all the way through and the dialogue very difficult to understand at times. I had really been looking forward to this one (after seeing the shorts) but it was a real downer I'm afraid, although I must say that as usual, Johnnie Depp was fantastic in his role.