Public Enemies

The Great Depression of the 1930s provides an excellent opportunity for gangsters and outlaws to strike at banks who were blamed for the meltdown. This film traces the rise and fall of charismatic bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) who was considered a modern day Robin Hood by many.

After his release from jail John unleashed a 14-month crime wave in Chicago and to contain him an equally popular FBI man Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) was asked to head the operation to track down the most wanted man who ‘makes the justice system a mockery’.

Having the full support of technology on his side Purvis is driven to capture John and his loyal friends ‘dead or dead’. The film seems to be more interested in ethics, morals, and society than the car chases and gun shots. Nonetheless the action is quite satisfactory. ‘Public Enemies’ is a thoroughly watchable piece of thriller cinema, with Depp and Bale spinning a web of constant determination to outdo the other. There’s an air of freshness in the story as it probes John’s past and his charm over his lady played by an equally convincing Marion Cotillard.

The film has little plot hampered by a clear cut position on crime. Passion for life is what the film  is all about.  ‘Public Enemies’ pursue the finer side of human character and relationship and after all the fictitious summer blockbusters the film is a relieving experience.