Heat

Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) heads up a ruthless heist crew in this classic crime thriller. Although McCauley has managed to evade capture so far, an armoured car heist that does not go according to plan refocuses the police on his activities. Heading up the investigation is Police Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), and the film follows the violent cat-and-mouse game between these two until their desperate final showdown.

A true icon of the crime genre whose influence can still be seen in films today. The engaging story explores what strain obsession and evasion can have on not just your professional life, but particularly your personal life. Heat has incredible performances from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. The two titans of the genre performed together for the first time in this film, their chemistry and clashes alone are worth the price of admission, and the gritty and ruthless atmosphere only amplifies the tension which runs high throughout. This is THE Heist film, and it is one you cannot miss.

James Patt

This gritty cat and mouse chase between homicide detective Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and professional thief Neil McCauley (De Niro) is played out on the streets of LA. McCauley and his gang attempt to undertake the heist of their lives robbing a major LA bank in broad daylight. They are unprepared for the relentless quest of Hanna to bring them to justice for murder. With complications arising and Hanna providing the "heat" the plan breaks down with tragic consequences.

Heat includes one of the most spectacular street shoot outs and is famous for being the first film in which the two giants, Pacino and De Niro, appear on screen in the same shot (they both starred in The Godfather Part Two but never appeared in the same scene).  The great
director Michael Mann (Last of the Mohicans, Collateral) portrays LA's seedier side with style and realism. Mann carefully avoids one dimensional characters by portraying lives beyond the roles of the thief or cop. The breakdown of Hanna's marriage, McCauley's loneliness and the domestic battles between Chris Shiherlis (Kilmer) and his wife (Judd) offer useful background and credibility to these characters. Heat is often brutal and rarely glamorises the detective or the criminals' job. Covering themes of obsession, loneliness and sacrifice Heat is a taut thriller with two exceptional actors at the helm.

Helen Appleyard