The Untouchables

The Untouchables (1987) starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro. Directed by Brian De Palma. Crusading federal treasury agent Eliot Ness (Kostner) arrives in Chicago in 1930 to "get" Al Capone (De Niro). With the help of a small group of "untouchables" (Smith, Garcia and Connery), Ness has some early success at disrupting the illegal liquor trade -- and at arousing Capone's ire. The movie has plenty of action, with several notable shootouts and a rooftop pursuit. The only criticism I have is that De Palma has a bit too much of a taste for blood. Connery won a well deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy Malone, the honest cop who shows Ness how laws are enforced "the Chicago way."  I saw this film in a theater in 1987, and have seen it on video a couple of times since. It holds up rather well. (English subtitles are available, as well as closed captions.) Grade: A-