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Public Enemies

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Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Billy Crudup

Director: Michael Mann

Rated: R

Runtime: 140 minutes

Crime/drama/history

Available to rent now at Leisure Time

Charismatic bank robber John Dillinger's crime spree against big business in Depression-era Chicago makes him a public hero - but Public Enemy No.1 in the eyes of the fledgling FBI.

Its director, J. Edgar Hoover, sends ace agent Melvin Purvis to bring him to justice.

As Purvis struggles with the manhunt, Dillinger faces the reality that his days are numbered as friends and allies turn their back on him.

Public Enemies is a stunning return to form for director Michael Mann after his last effort, the lacklustre Miami Vice in 2006.

The violence is as stylized as his classic Heat, while the attention to period detail is flawless. He even includes a haunting 30s score featuring the likes of Billie Holiday.

But what really makes Public Enemies stand out is the vibrant performances from its cast.

Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard dazzles as Dillinger's love interest Billie Frechette, as does Christian Bale as Purvis, who should be the hero of the piece but you can't help rooting for the bad guy.

Johnny Depp is as incredible as ever as Dillinger, perfectly capturing the gangster's gestures and mannerisms.

He could have played him as a caricature - as a stylish schemer toting his Tommy gun like James Cagney in 1931's The Public Enemy.

But his well-rounded and intensely likeable depiction keeps people rooting for him regardless of how many people he and his gang kill.

Public Enemies is long at nearly two-and-a-half hours but the story is fast-paced and never less than enthralling - don't miss it.

Watch if you liked: Heat, The Public Enemy, Key Largo.

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