The Untouchables Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1987

The Untouchables was a hard-hitting Brian De Palma film about federal agent Elliott Ness and his hand-selected band of "untouchables" that risk their lives and careers to take down the notorious gangster Al Capone. Featuring immense star power, savvy production and a story that instantly absorbs you, The Untouchables is one of the best gangster movies to have ever hit the big screen.

Set during the questionable Prohibition period, The Untouchables explores the infamous historical gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) and his iron grip over the city of Chicago.

Elliott Ness (Kevin Costner) is a young and idealistic federal Treasury agent that has been assigned to uncover Capone's illegal activities and bring him to justice. When an informant within the police force tips off Capone about an impending raid, Ness' sting fails miserably and leaves the federal agent with egg on his face.

It becomes clear that the corruption that ran rampant throughout Chicago has corrupted the police force, the judiciary and the politicians, so Ness decides that the only way he can beat Capone is by gathering together a small group of individuals that can be trusted completely.

His first recruit is Jim Malone (Sean Connery), a gruff beat cop with a strong sense of honor and the belief that one must do whatever it takes when facing a monster like Capone, even if it means bending the law to do so. Soon a young sharpshooter, George Stone (Andy Garcia), and a bookish federal accountant, Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), join the group and together they become known by the media as The Untouchables.

The Untouchables' fearless quest for justice does not impress Capone. He has a few tricks of his own up his sleeve, including a deadly and slippery assassin named Frank Nitti (Billy Drago). Both forces collide repeatedly until only one is left standing.

Yes, if we are well versed in history we all know how Capone's reign finally ended, but that doesn't stop this movie from being intense and thrilling throughout. Although the story is based on historical figures, like any good Hollywood production there is more fiction than fact… and it's darn good fiction at that.

Brian De Palma may be best known for Scarface, which is an undeniable classic, but The Untouchables could very well be his best work in a long and impressive career. His direction was sharp and potent throughout. The action appealed to the eyes, and the writing/direction made the characters very lifelike and likeable.

Of course this film would never have been possible were it not for the star cast. Sean Connery was simply brilliant; Robert De Niro was still on top of his game; Andy Garcia exuded a quiet charisma and Kevin Costner absolutely nailed his role. The secondary actors did not disappoint either – this film was a high point in the careers of all involved.

If you enjoy gangster films and haven't yet watched The Untouchables I have just one question for you: what are you waiting for?

Movie rating: 9 stars

If you enjoyed The Untouchables you may also find the following films to be of interest:

• License to Kill
• Extreme Prejudice
• Shakedown

Enjoy the Untouchables experience in the comfort of your own home with these products!

DVD

Soundtrack

Poster The Untouchables Buy this Mini Poster at AllPosters.com

Other Resources:

• The Untouchables IMDb Page

Movie Sitemap

• Action/Adventure
• Animation
• Comedy
• Drama
• Fantasy
• Horror
• Sci-Fi