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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
John Dillinger
Melvin Purvis
Billie Frechette
J. Edgar Hoover
Homer Van Meter
Charles Winstead
News & Interviews for Public Enemies
Critic Reviews for Public Enemies
All Critics (280) | Top Critics (76) | Fresh (190) | Rotten (90)
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There is much to admire in this film... But it's as if the whole thing has been emotionally cauterised. It holds you at arm's length. As such, I found it peculiarly unsatisfying. If it had been a restaurant meal, I'd have come home and had a sandwich.
August 29, 2018 | Full Review… -
... it was entertaining, but quite long.
September 12, 2017 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
The desperate times in which we suddenly find ourselves ... make Public Enemies seem especially timely.
September 24, 2014 | Full Review… -
You can put together all the elements that should create gold and yet without that charmed, mysterious sprinkle of cinematic pixie dust, the alchemy fails to work.
August 11, 2009 | Rating: C- -
A triumph of pure cinema, Public Enemies is one of the most visually experimental films of Mann's career.
July 31, 2009 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Full Review… -
There's a lot to admire, but it's not up to the standard of Mann's, or Depp's, best work.
July 29, 2009 | Rating: 3.5/5
Audience Reviews for Public Enemies
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Apr 01, 2017highly stylized, with more plot holes (which makes even less sense 'cause it's based on actual events) than bullet holes... and there's alot of bullet holes.Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
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Jul 14, 2013Johnny Depp and Christian Bale faceoff in the exciting historical crime drama Public Enemies. Based on a novel, the film follows the rise of the FBI during the 1930s as they pursue notorious bank robber John Dillinger and his associates. The acting's quite good, as both Depp and Bale give excellent performances. However, Michael Mann's directing is exceptionally poor; particularly in the excessive use of handheld camera shots and the inconsistent cinematography. Still, the action scenes are quite compelling and have a remarkable sense of realism. Public Enemies has its moments, but it's an uneven film that ends up being less than the sum of its parts.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Dec 01, 2012Nice to finally see Johnny Depp not in a weird/cooky role. The film had a lot of action and a great story even though it was pretty lengthy. The fact that it's based on real people and events makes it all the better.Eric A Super Reviewer
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Nov 24, 2012Solid direction by Mann and a great performance from Depp, towards the end it really gets good.Graham J Super Reviewer
Public Enemies Quotes
John Dillinger: | My ass. |
John Dillinger: | We're having too good a time today. We ain't thinking about tomorrow. |
John Dillinger: | Bye-bye, blackbird. |
John Dillinger: | [nodding at money left by a bank teller in front of his booth] You can put it away. Not here for your money. Here for the bank's money. |
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