Public Enemies poster & wallpaper

Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard

From award-winning director Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral) comes the film inspired by one of the country’s most captivating and infamous outlaws — John Dillinger. Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Cari...( read more  read more... )bbean series) stars as the charismatic and elusive bank robber marked by the FBI as America’s first “Public Enemy Number One.” Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) plays Billie Frechette, the only woman capable of capturing his heart. Hunted relentlessly by top FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale, The Dark Knight), Dillinger engages in an escalating game of outrunning and outgunning the FBI, culminating in an explosive, legendary showdown. “It’s a landmark crime saga” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).

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R, 2 hrs. 23 min.

Directed by: Michael Mann

Release Date: July 1, 2009

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DVD Release Date: December 8, 2009

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Flixster Reviews (27,401)

  • g0disd3ad
    December 6, 2009
    g0disd3ad
    Solid movie, the cast was perfect, storyline was really good, even though some bits were slow paced, the whole movie was excellent. Two big thumbs up for this one!
  • allan913
    December 5, 2009
    allan913
    A spectacular masterpiece no questions asked. It's American Gangster meets The Untouchables. It's the best, most detailed and most constructerd crime film of the decade. A stylish, slick, classy and pistol packing crime drama. Director, Michael Mann's best film in years. It stand...( read more)s with his crime classics like Heat and Collateral. It's loaded with the flash, cash, class, big stars and all the bullets you could want. A hard-boiled, thrilling, exciting and pulse-pounding old-school action-packed ride. It's a real treat that dazzels and sizzels enough to melt cold steal. It's smart, stunning and wickedly well-crafted. It packs alot of punch and even more fire power. But what truly shines is the star power. Johnny Depp and Christian Bale are magnificent, these two powerhouse performers are at their absolute best. Depp gives a sharp, charming, witty and very charasmatic performance. Bale gives a swift, compelling, intelligent and very dedicated performance. These two actors deliver some amasing work in this film. A wonderful supporting cast also deliver teriffic performances that include Billy Crudup, Jason Clarke and Marion Cotillard. A riveting and very powerful film. This is an exhilerating and heart-pounding film that will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very end.
  • sanjurosamurai
    November 17, 2009
    sanjurosamurai
    i watched this film having seen 3 documentaries about the life of john dillinger. after much anticipation i can say that i loved this film, while at the same time feeling disappointed by it because i think i expected even more from a movie helmed by mann with such a superb cast. ...( read more) on the upside, the film was exciting and filled with memorable scenes. mann thankfully made great decisions on what to include in the film as most of the main points in dillingers career that his documentarians have focused on are the same things that ended up in the film. however, i was very disappointed in the cinematography as the camera work was shaky and the tone of the photography was an unfortunate choice. the fleshing out of characters and situations was also far too underdeveloped leaving the film with an incomplete feeling. as the film carried on, it moved too quickly from one situation and character to the next and left me wanting a lot. pervis was the most underdeveloped despite being a focal point as major points of the true story involving his character went unmentioned. overall despite the criticisms i actually did enjoy the film a lot but its not the masterpiece i was hoping for.
  • ebs90
    September 18, 2009
    ebs90

    Public Enemies is an exciting film, although a very inconsistent one. It begins with an adrenalyn rush, during a stylishly filmed prison break, and from then on it falls sloppy, gets back on track, and falls again, over the course of 2 hours and a half.


    For those of yo

    ...( read more)u who don't know, John Dillinger was made Public Enemy # 1 by J. Edgar Hoover. He escaped from jail multiple times, robbed banks multiple times, and was a public darling, more than a public enemy.

    Performance-wise I don't have many complaints. I'd say Johnny Depp is, and rightfully so, the main attractive of Public Enemies. After so many years reprising Captain Jack Sparrow, I think I had forgotten what an amazing actor he is. No cliches, no trying to imitate previous gangster characterizations. His performance feels isolated, truer to the character of John Dillinger, 'a man', than John Dillinger, 'a gangster'. Billy Crudup's short appearance as J. Edgar Hoover is also very good, as those of most of the supporting cast: Dillinger's gang, Nelson's gang, and the FBI officials. Marion Cotillard is great as Billie Frechette, Dillinger's girlfriend. I suppose the writers wanted to show her off a lot and that's why the love story is so recurrent.


    I do complain about Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis. He is probably one of my favorite actors, and I think it's popular knowledge what he can do with roles as different as Dieter Dietrich and Patrick Bateman. But his Purvis is nothing like the "Clark Gable of the FBI". He has some -few- inspired moments, but he was overall given so little to work with that he couldn't really pull through.


    I would have liked the characters to be given more development. Perhaps the conception of "action movie" got in the way of giving them much opportunity for insight. Dillinger is the one who talks the most, so it seems we know him the best. But Purvis, who plays a big role here, only shows up as an effect to a cause.


    The action sequences, though, are indeed excellently produced and look and sound amazing. Michael Mann's narrative structure really works when he's shooting that sort of thing, much better than when we're just following the characters from one town to another. Also, although some people found it obtrusive, I liked the effect of the hand-held camera he used.


    The cinematography could've been better (darn digital), and at certain moments the lighting was just lazy, which is a shame considering the perfect costumes, architecture, and props. The first sequence features a beautiful take of Dillinger's exhausted face against a washed out afternoon sky. I can't get it out my head, regretting that it was an isolated moment of visual brilliance. Without that, and a few other moments of good composition, I wouldn't have even pointed out that aspect at all. But it upsets me to think of what could have been.


    It doesn't lack style, though, and the costumes and art direction in general are impressive. It's the sort of romanticism I expected from a film about a gangster/pop star like John Dillinger apparently was . Everyone looking impossibly impeccable in suits and fedoras, the piercing sound of the machine guns, the soundtrack, etc. The problem is a general lack of substance. I think the writer tried to cover too much ground, and that's often a problem. Not everyone can pull off so many dimensions of a single story or character convincingly. Usually, there are parts that need to be left out, or merely be hinted at. The love story, I think, was almost front and center, and I don't know what was the point of that.


    Watching too much French noir made me sorely miss what I think should be present in gangster films. Namely, the scheming. The Dillinger gang goes into one bank after the other, but we never see them planning anything. Neither do we see what happens when they're out the revolving door with the money in their hands. The internal dynamics of the 'gang' are pretty much absent. Sure we see them interact and we know who are closest to Dillinger, etc, but I think that a sense of complicity was missing. Another thing: Dillinger was a sort of hero. But we only know that through suppositions and slight mentions.


    Other reviewers have pointed out another shortcoming with which I wholly agree. Dillinger operated during the Great Depression. Without the Great Depression, would there have been a John Dillinger? And yet, the poverty and misery of the era have such a secondary role that right now I can't remember them ever being shown. And I think that, if we are to understand why Dillinger did what he did and why the public supported him so, the background can't be so hidden.


    So... I guess I was expecting a much more intellectual film, which is not opposed to a film with the tense, masterful shoot outs and prison breaks of Public Enemies. To me, if you can't find an interest in a celebrity/gangster like John Dillinger, be it in his own psychology or that of his supporters and detractors, why make the film at all? By making only an "action" film, the characters turn out trivialized and boring. This doesn't entirely happen in Public Enemies, but close. What bothers me is the potential that went unexploited. I enjoyed the movie, but I wish the filmmakers had taken it a bit further.
  • ogerre225
    August 31, 2009
    ogerre225
    Not nearly as good as I expected, but still a decent movie.
  • XXXxYourRingleaderxXXX
    December 6, 2009
    XXXxYourRingleaderxXXX
    Johnny....nuff said.
  • edwardcullen2012
    December 6, 2009
    edwardcullen2012
    loved it loved johnny depp
  • mel155arbd
    December 6, 2009
    mel155arbd
    xaaaa!!!! ay esta jhonny deep
  • muttonman21
    December 6, 2009
    muttonman21
    Overwhelming, yet simultaneously underwhelming. Mann puts the audience right in the middle of everything, having a bunch of talking heads meant to convey what's happened so far and what will happen, kinda like what he did with 2006's Miami Vice but with miserable results. ...( read more)And like that flick, most people don't like this approach 'cause by the end, we know squat about John Dillinger, his crew, and the Feds; history buffs might go on a rampage as well due to the inaccuracies. Public Enemies has pretty much an "in the moment" approach to story-telling, but if you're excited as the movie opens with Dillinger escaping, then by golly you're gonna be suckered into this picture from start to finish. Like your typical gangster picture, he experiences the fame, the glory, pretty much soaking up the gangster lifestyle and the public loves him. He's in the moment, engulfed by his never-ending search for thrills, guns, fast cars, whiskey, and women. Public Enemies is ever so glamourized and stylized we buy into it and look up to our "hero," whose time of infamy is slowly passing as his gang and affiliates slowly kick the bucket or turn their backs. We know how it'll turn out in the end, like Bonnie and Clyde's ill-fated escapades. And like that 1967 classic, Public Enemies reaches out and remembers a time when infamy was the coolest thing (which I guess accounts for its fudging with history just a tad). Rather than becoming engulfed with just the characters, we're overwhelmed with their place in history, their peak and how it affected others. Works best when I look at the movie this way, but as a regular crime drama, kinda falls short with its dodgy depiction of the characters, but I guess Dillinger being the main focus, it's only fair. Yeah yeah, Bonnie & Clyde is about as flawed as this epic, but its characters made up for its faults. You could say Public Enemies is cool to look at, but not much else. Yet Michael Mann's choice to shoot on hi-def video didn't distract (which I feared), but enhance, especially during the shoot-out at Little Bohemia. Possibly the greatest shoot-out since... hell, Michael Mann's very own Heat.

    Public Enemies might be a mixed bag to some, but there was a lot more than meets the eye ("pfft! Pretentious self-indulgent crap!"). And despite each character being kept at a distance, they still had his/her moments that showed each actors' potential.
  • luigibro36
    December 6, 2009
    luigibro36
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    Michael Mann directs this high octane shoot'em up crime/gangster flick, Public Enemies. Public Enemies is based on the true story of the legendary bank robber, John Dillinger (Johnny Depp). John Dillinger & his gang featuring Baby Face Nelson & Alvin Karpis were so quick getting in & out of banks by robbing them. Nobody would stand in Dillinger's way or they would end up paying the price. John Dillinger was so popular for many reasons basically for being the best at what he does which is robbing banks. The women wanted to be with him & guys wanted to be him. Everytime he would get taken to prison he would always end up finding away how to break out. Dillinger has a lovely girlfriend named Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard). They are happy together & plan on spending the rest of their lives together. As Dillinger & his girlfirend settle down. Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) who gets appointed to take the lead of FBI to head out & capture Dillinger & his gang. When Purvis tries to catch Dillinger & his gang, somehow Dillinger would outsmart & outgun Purvis & his men. When Dillinger & his gang thinks they stopped the FBI they were wrong. As Dillinger keeps contiuning his adventure, Purvis rounds up a special unit of gunfighters & hopes to stop Dillinger & his gang for good.

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    Public Enemies is extremly good crime/drama. It was satisfying enough where it keeps you entertained as you enjoy watching Depp as Dillinger going about his life as a gangster. This movie has about everything you want in a crime movie which includes action, drama, romance & thrills. This movie had alot of shootouts where Depp outguns Bales men who are on his tail all the way. i have good & bad points about this film but didn't affect me from loving it.

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    What I liked about the shootings was hearing the loud gunshots from the sub machine guns. I've never experienced hearing guns firing that loud before. It seemed as if dynamite was going off in the theater as I was watching it. There was one great shootout that took place at a lodge in Little Bohemia as Purvis closes in on Dillinger & his gang. It lasted about 15 minutes long which was a complete shocker. Thats scene alone stand as the best shootout I've ever experience in a film. Don't think they will make another movie with a long shootout like that ever. The shootouts were the biggest highlights in the film I think.

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    The next thing I liked about this movie was the digital filming. I don't know why everyone is complaining so much about the way this film was made. Everyone knows that Michael Mann has his own way of filming his movies. Michael Mann likes to put you right in the show while watching. I thought the high digital was rather appropiate for this film because it was a biography of John Dillinger. I thought that made it more interesting to watch. However, I do have to agree with others on one thing & that is how close he had the camera up on the characters. Like I said before just the way Michael shoots. It's different but I still like it. In some way the digtal feel to the movie made it entertaining. I hope Mann continues to use digital in filming his movies. It's the best I've seen yet.

    My negative points about this film was not having develop on any of the characters. I mean once the movie starts off, you see Dillinger going to prison but ends up escaping with his gang where neither one of them are introduced. I thought the opening was a a bit rushed. So i'm guessing that was the reason why we didn't get to know everyone. I just don't see how Mann could forget knowing the characters. Thats the main key to any movie. You never jump into a movie without character development first. If you don't know who anyone is, how can you like or even get into them. Well, I'm sorry to say for those you are going in for that you will come out empty handed.

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    My next problem I had with this film was the love story. I know that Dillinger got involved with a woman but this was just about Dillinger & his gang against Purvis & his Feds. I just thought it would've made the movie better if they just stook out the love story & concenrated on the cat & mouse between Depp & Bale.

    Now, the acting from the cast. All I can say is Wow! from everyone. None of the casting was bad which was a surprise. The real stars that shines here is Depp, Bale, & the lovely Marion Cottilard. Those three just made this movie spectacular to watch. If it wasn't for them, this movie would be nothing.

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    Johnny Depp who portrayed the legendary bank robber John Dillinger was perfectly casted. Depp was a very vicious gang leader who knows what he's doing. Johnny does exactly what he's suppose to do in his role & that is stay in control. Johnny is good in anything he does that comes off with no surprise. You can just tell when you see him that he's ready for anything meaning getting the job done. His performance for this one is a goldmine thats considered his best performance ever.

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    Christian Bale whos my favorite actor played Melvin Purvis who was assigned to track down Dillinger & his gang. I think that Bale was side with Depp stealing the show. It was tied between the two of them where I don't know which one is better than the other. What I liked about Christian in this one was his southern accent. He made it look so believible. Didn't really know how he was going to do with it before watching him but after I was very impressed that I know he can do anything when he sets his mind on it.

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    The beautiful Marion Cottilard who played Billie Fretchette aka Dillinger's girlfriend. Not knowing who this woman is but after watching her I noticed that she comes off powerful. She proves that she has star power still after winning all those awards for best actress. I know why Mann picked her to star in this film because of her looks & her glorius oscar worthy acting. I thought she had good chemistry with Depp during the scenes I saw the two of them in. It was defenily believible enough. For seeing Marion for the first time on screen, I fell in love with her. She's just so talented & gorgeous. Hope to see more of her in films such as this one.

    Overall, if your in to true life biopics, action/adventure, & the actors this one is the one for you. If you go in expecting that this movie is like the dark knight, its not. Public Enemies is full of firepower thats stunning & visualizing arts with a story that keeps you interested, extroadinary acting, & intense moments that will keep you on the edge watching till the final showdown.

    John Dillinger: They ain't tough enough, smart enough or fast enough. I can hit any bank I want, any time. They got to be at every bank, all the time.

    John Dillinger: Were having to much fun today to think about tomorrow.

    Melvin Purvis: The only way you're walking out of this jail cell is when we take you out to execute you. Johnny Depp: Well we'll see about that.

    4 stars

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Critic Reviews

July 3, 2009
Nigel Andrews, The Financial Times

Public Enemies is original because everyone, outlaw and enforcer, criminal and cop, looks and behaves the same. full review

July 2, 2009
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

The best rejoinder to Public Enemies is Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal video... It's a tommy-gun gangster fantasia with a touch of Guys and Dolls, and it's everything Public Enemies isn't. full review

July 1, 2009
Armond White, The New York Press

Mann not only lacks the narrative efficiency of old genre filmmaking, Public Enemies' look inspires the opposite of movie love. full review

July 1, 2009
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

It fits neatly on the shelf with Bonnie and Clyde and The Godfather. full review

July 1, 2009
Pete Hammond, Back Stage

Michael Mann's sharp-looking movie is a worthy vehicle for Depp, even if it doesn't break any new ground in the well-worn gangster genre. full review

July 1, 2009
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Director Michael Mann has taken the story of John Dillinger, and has made from it a drama full of dread and atmosphere, a 140-minute film that in no way seems long, that's a succession of compelling s... full review

July 1, 2009
Claudia Puig, USA Today

Director Michael Mann mounts a technically proficient, visually enthralling crime drama anchored by the low-key but captivating performance of Johnny Depp as legendary bank robber John Dillinger. full review

July 1, 2009
Kurt Loder, MTV

The movie ends with a line of dialogue so startlingly inane that it leaves the picture flapping on the screen like a punctured balloon. It may be the most brutal moment in the whole movie. full review

July 1, 2009
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Ultimately an odd blend of frustrating and satisfying. full review

June 30, 2009
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

Public Enemies has everything going for it except a reason and a script. full review

View more Public Enemies reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments

  • crazymoviemaniac
    July 10, 2009
    crazymoviemaniac
    i loooooooooooooooooved it , it was one of johnny's best films.
  • YLOWBSTARDreturns
    July 4, 2009
    YLOWBSTARDreturns
    As of right now, ONLY 73% of flixster users have given PUBLIC ENEMIES a positive score! Wow... just wow.
  • ahmedalsid20
    May 27, 2009
    ahmedalsid20
    looks nice
  • blacksnake2
    February 12, 2009
    blacksnake2
    If this film cannot surpass John Milius's "Dilliger" (including showing the Black member of the gang, only shown in that film and in Bogart's "Petrified Forest") I will say it SUCKS major a$$!!!...Same with the Thompson SMG's, not that commonly used in real life, unlike in fictional Hollywood gangster films and TV shows like "Untouchables"...If you have not seen the original Dillinger, go here...
    http://www.flixster.com/movie/dillinger
  • SmellagramTheJohnnyDeppian
    September 28, 2008
    SmellagramTheJohnnyDeppian
    I'm getting SO impatient!!!!

    C'mon...at least a trailer! This is so torturous!!

    GAHHHHHHHH


  • drkdemon872
    August 21, 2008
    drkdemon872
    this movie was filmed in my home town!!!! I cant wait to go see it!
  • SmellagramTheJohnnyDeppian
    July 13, 2008
    SmellagramTheJohnnyDeppian
    All you lucky people who live in America!!!!! You're going to see him....or you LIVE ACROSS THE FUCKING STREET WHERE THEYRE FILMING!!! AHHHH
    WHY? WHY do I have to live in Australia?!? It's not fair...it really isn't fair....

    SPASM SPASMROLLONTHEGROUNDEATCEREAL!!!! AHH!

    Can't wait for this movie :)
  • maruschk
    July 10, 2008
    maruschk
    So fucking cool that you get to see them.
    Question: Why/How in hell does a movie that hasn't been made yet - get 4.5 average?
    How can you even vote..
  • XxXxRaWrRxXxX
    June 20, 2008
    XxXxRaWrRxXxX
    dude dude dude dude !!!! they're filming right across the street were i live!!!! i was like OMG when they said johnny depp is in it so was my BFF
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  • The Quote "We're having too good a time today. We ain't thinking about tomorrow" is taken from the movie entitled _________.  Answer »
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