Michael Mann's Heat is often described as a "crime saga" - a nod to its three-hour runtime, which allows the story to feel epic in a way that it simply wouldn't have at just two (or two and a half, even). Indeed, Heat's strength lies in the way that takes its time, slowly building the relationship between a cop (Al Pacino) and a bank robber (Robert De Niro) as they attempt to outwit one another against the backdrop of a terrifying and beautiful '90s Los Angeles. Heat is without a doubt Michael Mann's best and most technically impressive film; the action scenes are tight and expertly rendered, the script is sharp and edgy, and the movie is drenched in a rich atmosphere that has since influenced countless pictures seeking to capture the "feel" of the movie. Pacino and De Niro are fantastic; the film thrives on the idea that their characters as similar men different sides of the law, and there is a kind of respect.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
