Iffy for 15+
Depp scores as Depression-era robber, but lots of violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this 1930s-set crime drama starring Johnny Depp as infamous bank robber John Dillinger is full of very realistic violence that some will find hard to take. Gun battles are frequent and intense, and characters suffer gory wounds and die. A woman is beaten during an interrogation scene; other characters are shot down in cold blood. Although there's not too much in the way of sexual content (aside from one somewhat steamy love scene with no nudity) or language (there's one use of "f--k," plus a smattering of other salty words) for an R-rated film, the movie's focus on the differences and similarities between cops and crooks yields complex role models and messages. Some law enforcement officers are depicted as corrupt and cruel, while others are dedicated, dignified, and diligent; similarly, there are cold, calm professionals among the film's criminals, as well as hair-trigger sociopaths. Expect lots of period-accurate smoking and drinking.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does its realistic, almost intimate style (intensified by the use of handheld digital cameras) affect its impact? Is it more or less disturbing than booming (but bloodless) explosions and big-budget mayhem?
- Families can also talk about how the movie portrays both criminals and law enforcement officials. What distinguishes Dillinger from Purvis? Both are smart and determined; why is one a hero and one a villain? Is the rule of law more important than the rule of force?
- Also, why do you think Dillinger, a convicted criminal, became such a well-loved figure during the Great Depression? Why did so many working-class people admire (and even shelter) him? How did he use the media to his advantage?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite -- or, in many ways, because of -- its violence, the movie offers a remarkably accurate look at social conditions in Depression-era America -- as well as a series of cautionary tales about the moral and physical cost of crime. Dillinger may be a bank robber, but he nonetheless has a moral code about what he will and won't do; similarly, lawman Melvin Purvis has the law on his side but also feels challenged by the moral issues of what his work entails.
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Role models: The movie's two main characters are complex men. Dillinger is a hardened, violent criminal ... who also happens to be loyal, polite, and remarkably self-aware.Purvis is steadfast, principled, and dogged -- albeit somewhat ruthless. Supporting characters run the gamut from amoral goons and crooked cops to conflicted confidantes. As the movie's only significant female character, Dillinger's girlfriend Billie is both independent and easily influenced by Dillinger's charm and persuasiveness.
What to watch for
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Violence: Extensive, very realistic violence (particularly with guns), including close-range shootings; gaping bloody wounds; and more. Many extended gunfight scenes with barrages of noise and debris. Several characters die on screen. Characters are also beaten, and hostages are taken. A woman is roughly interrogated -- she's slapped and hit and not allowed to use the bathroom. Another prisoner is pressed for information by investigators while in enormous pain from a gunshot wound to the head.
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Sex: Some kissing and writhing in one fairly steamy love scene; intercourse is clearly implied, but no sensitive body parts are shown. A woman relaxes naked in a bathtub, shielded artfully from view (you only see her legs, arms, and shoulders). Depictions of prostitutes and prostitution as part of the criminal underworld; some women shown in states of relative undress, but no nudity.
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Language: One use of "f--k," as well as fairly infrequent use of words like "s--t," "son of a bitch," "goddamn," "hell," "pricks," "damn," "bulls--t," and "Christ."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Extensive, period-accurate smoking; plenty of drinking (hard alcohol, beer) in nightclubs and bars, etc.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
What the hell happened? by ashjean
I was soooo excited to see this movie. I love biography type films and it had 2 of my favorite actors in it so of course I was going to see it. The theatre was pretty full on opening day, but it didn't seem like anybody thouroughly loved it. I think it ran too long. I have no idea why it was rated R. Some PG-13 movies have worse language and violence than this. It only got exciting the last hour. The sex scene was weird. The actors did a good job portraying the characters, but the characters didn't have enough background or depth. It should have started with Dillinger's childhood, so one could understand how he turned into a bankrobber. The cinematography was a little weird. I would save this movie for either a day where you want to see any movie you haven't seen or just wait til it comes on pay per view. It was kind of a letdown. I give it a B or B-.
2
The biggest let-down ever by JadedRaine
Johnny Depp and Christian Bale are two of my favorite actors, i was so read to go see this movie. From the looks of the previews it was going to be action and drama, and keep me on my seat ready for whatever is coming at me next. I was SO WRONG.
The movie was so bad, i got a migraine somewhere in the last 3 hours it was still on. The movie dragged itself out f-o-r-e-v-e-r!! The plot fell apart somewhere right after the middle. It was filmed as though it was a low budget horror movie. I was so upset.The acting was great. It was awesome, the rest of the movie...blah All the amazing action scenes, are what you see in the previews. Most of the movie is long close up shots of peoples faces and dialog. It was just bad. I just cant get over how bad it was. Finally both of these guys have made a movie that was horrible. and it had such promise too. =( shame.
5
perfect balance by kuroiryu
This movie was the perfect balance between action and violence, and humor and emotion. While it was mainly violence, there were sprinklings of humor and emotion throughout that drew me in and kept it from being to dark and depressing...but at the same time, it didn't pull you away from the drama with "hey audience, here's a funny moment to lighten the mood"...they were just little things that were woven smoothly in. Definitely worth seeing!
5
A Must See! by horomedybuff
I loved the film very much. Johnny Depp did so welll as the infamous John Dillinger. I couldn't wait for this one to come out-- I did know the history and such, so I was anxious. Dillinger was a in-your-face representation of what all the citizens felt towards all those banks that were making a killing. He was a voice for the people, and they loved him. Johnny Depp did a great job. Not to mention Christian Bale did fantastic as the prideful and self-battling agent, Melvin Pervis. I knew his history too, and I was pleased to see Bale play a troubled man who was slowly loosing it inside. The cast did superb, and the cinematography was Fabulous for the time period. I like the old-grainy moments intergrated, it added to the movie most definitely and the music was choice!
2
Visually nauseating by lily_marlowe
While Johnny Depp and Christian Bale both deliver strong performances from a stellar script, I found myself literally (physically) unable to watch this film. Director Michael Mann's mystifying choice to film almost every scene in chaotic, hand-held close-ups left me feeling nauseated at nearly every turn. A visual assault, I think I would have enjoyed this movie much more if it had been a radio play.
5
A great action movie by tkdancer
I was never apprehensive about seeing this film. Johnny Depp and Christian Bale in the same movie playing characters from the 30's? I was in. My two guys friends took me to see this film and while it was almost too much shooting for me to handle, I definitely became a fan. Depp's acting is once again flawless: he always manages to make me believe he IS the character. Of course, being a girl, I loved the scenes with Marion Cotillard - Depp gets so romantic, and it's so sexy!
My one concern with this film was Bale's acting. He seemed like he was just reading the lines, not being a certain character at all, and it really bothered me. He was definitely overshadowed by Depp.
Overall, I thought it was a fantastic movie and I will definitely see it again!
5
Public Enemies by Kade McClements
I just returned home after attending the movie Public Enemies. I must say, I am a huge Johnny Depp fan so I might have a better opinion then people who don't care for him.
The Movie was absolutely one of the best films I expect to see of 2009.
The acting was absolutley incredible. Christian Bale was marvelous, and Johnny Depp ofcourse was quite good himself, In my opinion, better. The gun fights, the chase scenes through the woods, the bank robbery's were at-the-edge-of-your-seat-amazing!
The gun shots may leave you a bit distracted, and everybodies similar attire may also get you confused, but for the most part your not entirley asking your partner what is happening.
Very great job, Michael Mann did an awfully great job.
And also, again, Johnny Depp made the movie what it was, he kept you on an emotional edge and believing the bank robber was the good guy.
Very well, a must see.
5
Mixed Reviews Not Included by yatie1939
"Public Enemies" showcases the visionary Michael Mann. Despite grousing from some critics and a frustrating lack of knowledge displayed by bloggers, this is Mann's Masterpiece. Complaints over gritty camera work, black/ white ?jolts," and slurred lines: all unfounded. If you appreciate individualized style amid conformity, you will recognize Mann's masterwork for its richness. This Depression Era gangster drama is so meticulously sketched, a box of matches is authentic to the period. This is crime as art, in all its ugly beauty. Depp is a heartbreaking ?Dillinger in love." His eerie recreation of the dual Dillinger as both beauty and beast, is riveting. No other actor (except Brando) matches Depp?s empathy of character. Marion Cotillard shatters us with her plucky, vulnerable love for Dillinger. Bale as an FBI staris nuanced perfection. The film engenders our coldest comfort: Hoover's FBI elite undermined American liberties far more than Dillinger ever did or, any gangster could.
5
A Modern Gangster Classic by halzmark11
IMO the Michael Mann-Johnny Depp-Christian Bale take on the class gangster picture is a winner. Mann's striking use of HD photography made the story, the characters and the action come alive; so did the unique camera angles. (In truth, I wasn't fond of the handheld shots, many of which I found jarring and overdone.) Also liked Mann's use of evocative period music and homage to '30's gangster flicks near the finale.
Messrs. Depp and Bale do a great job of converying Dillnger and Purvis's conflicting personalities and striking similarity in guts, ambition and will. Kudos also to Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover (another kind of public enemy, but much later in history) and Marion Cottilard as Billie Frechette (the French actress' s midwestern English accent is spot on). The excellent supporting cast even includes jazz artist Diana Krall in a cameo as a supper club singer.
If you're an adult who likes intelligent crime films, then see this one. Now. Before it's Oscar time.
4
Public Enemies by aries61
My partner and I both enjoyed this movie very much. I am a bit of a history buff and the movie seemeed to follow what I had read about the time and characters portrayed. The acting was good in every instance, the music and set design added to the realistic feel of the piece. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys seeing a we;; put tiogether production with little or no real profanity or violence that does not "fit" the story line