Public Enemies

Johnny Depp stars as legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger in Public Enemies.

5 stars

Rating: 14A
Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard

Tommy guns, pretty boys and gangsters galore.

What’s the story?
Based upon the true story of John Dillinger, Public Enemies depicts top FBI agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), in his attempt to apprehend criminals John Dillinger (Depp), Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson, during 1930’s America.

Why see it?
Director Michael Mann paints a stunning portrait of the Great Depression and the criminals who rose from the ashes of the stock market crash. Johnny Depp, playing the notorious John Dillinger (a charismatic criminal who gained notoriety through numerous bank robberies), relinquishes the role of a stereotypical 1930’s gangster and plays the role with a certain sense of realism tinged with sensitivity. It is extremely hard to dislike the criminals, for the human dimension of their characters is embraced, as opposed to being squashed by machismo. Gritty events, bespeckled with facets of human emotions only add to the ambiance created by this stunning piece. The events aren’t glorified, and leave you with sense of sadness mixed with a yearning to experience the 1930s.

Problems?
Public Enemies is punctuated with instances of blood and bullets, so those who are sensitive towards violence should avoid this film. As well, people who aren’t particularly enamoured with period films or those based on true events should skip the movie.

All in All:
An utterly enthralling movie that will make for a refreshing change from films lacking plot or substance.