The Untouchables (1987): A Riveting Take on the Battle Against Organized Crime

Brian De Palma's 1987 film, The Untouchables, is a cinematic powerhouse that masterfully blends historical drama with action-packed storytelling. Starring Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness, Sean Connery as the veteran cop Jim Malone, Robert De Niro as the notorious gangster Al Capone, and Andy García as the sharp-shooting George Stone, this film stands out as a quintessential entry in the crime genre.

At its core, The Untouchables is a classic tale of good versus evil, set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Chicago. The narrative follows Eliot Ness, a federal agent determined to bring down the infamous Al Capone, whose iron grip on the city has made him virtually untouchable by law enforcement. Ness, initially naive and idealistic, quickly realizes that conventional methods won’t work against Capone's well-oiled criminal empire. To tackle this challenge, he assembles a small, handpicked team of incorruptible lawmen—the "Untouchables."

Kevin Costner delivers a solid performance as Eliot Ness, portraying the character's evolution from a by-the-book agent to a determined leader willing to bend the rules to achieve justice. Costner's restrained and earnest portrayal grounds the film, making Ness a relatable and admirable hero. His moral struggle is palpable as he grapples with the harsh realities of fighting crime in a city where corruption is the norm.

Sean Connery's portrayal of Jim Malone, however, steals the show. Connery brings a rugged charm and world-weary wisdom to the role, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Malone is the heart of the film, guiding Ness with his experience and unyielding sense of justice. His mentorship of Ness provides the film with its emotional core, and Connery’s scenes are some of the most memorable, particularly his final moments, which are both poignant and impactful.

Robert De Niro’s turn as Al Capone is another highlight, though his screen time is relatively limited. De Niro portrays Capone with a chilling mix of charisma and brutality, capturing the larger-than-life persona of the infamous gangster. Whether he’s delivering a menacing speech or orchestrating a brutal murder, De Niro’s Capone is a formidable antagonist who looms over the film even when he’s not on screen.

Andy García’s role as George Stone adds a youthful energy to the group, and his character’s arc from a rookie cop to a confident member of the Untouchables is satisfying. García’s chemistry with the rest of the cast helps solidify the team dynamic, making their victories and losses feel earned.

De Palma’s direction is both stylish and precise, with several set pieces that have become iconic. The Union Station shootout, inspired by Sergei Eisenstein’s *Battleship Potemkin*, is a masterclass in tension and choreography, blending slow-motion and quick cuts to create a sequence that is as visually stunning as it is thrilling. The film’s score, composed by Ennio Morricone, further elevates the tension and drama, with its sweeping and haunting melodies perfectly complementing the on-screen action.

The Untouchables is a film that succeeds on multiple levels. It’s a gripping crime drama, a character-driven story of moral conflict, and a showcase for some of the finest acting talents of its time. De Palma’s direction, combined with strong performances from its stellar cast, ensures that *The Untouchables* remains a timeless entry in the genre, offering a riveting and stylish portrayal of one of the most famous battles against organized crime in American history.