H E A T

1995 ***** 172 mins.

No one can deny the power of Heat. Michael Mann has created an epic masterpiece. On one hand, it is a first-rate action film, in which a cop (Al Pacino) is chasing after a criminal (Robert De Niro). On the other hand, it is a very compelling drama about the lives these people live when they're not chasing each other or other things. This is an action film that is deeply human, as well. The film hardly seems to be nearly three hours because of all there is in it. To quote Richard Schickel, this film is "Awesome. Truly Epic. A Masterpiece. Wholly Original." One part that I can never forget about this film is the character played by Natalie Portman. We only see her three times. She does not seem to be all that important; we don't even pay that much attention to her. That is why, near the end, we feel guilty about not paying her more attention. The fact that this film makes the viewer feel that way shows that this film has a power that few action films have. This is an action film that actually makes us care about the characters.
Rated R for violence and language.