The Untouchables (1987)

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08/06/2025

The Untouchables (1987)

The Untouchables (1987), directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet, is a stylish and intense crime drama chronicling the battle between law enforcement and organized crime in Prohibition-era Chicago. Based on the true story of federal agent Eliot Ness, the film stars Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy Garcia.

Set in 1930, the film opens with Chicago gripped by fear and corruption under the rule of notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Despite Prohibition laws, Capone’s empire thrives through bootlegging, bribery, and violence. The U.S. Treasury Department assigns Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), an earnest and idealistic federal agent, to lead the charge against Capone and his criminal enterprise.

Initially, Ness struggles to make a dent in Capone’s operations due to widespread corruption in the police force and government. However, everything changes when he meets veteran beat cop Jim Malone (Sean Connery), a tough, streetwise Irish-American officer who believes in justice but knows the game is rigged. Malone agrees to help Ness but insists they must go outside the rules if they want to bring Capone down.

Together, Ness and Malone form a small, incorruptible team—“The Untouchables”—which includes rookie sharpshooter George Stone (Andy Garcia) and Treasury accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith). Using unconventional tactics, the team begins to make progress, raiding illegal liquor shipments and uncovering financial evidence that could be used to prosecute Capone for tax evasion.

As the battle intensifies, Capone retaliates with brutal force, ordering hits on witnesses and even Ness’s team. The most devastating moment comes when Malone is ambushed and mortally wounded. Before dying, he provides Ness with key information that leads to Capone’s bookkeeper—someone who can testify about the gangster’s financial crimes.

The film’s climax unfolds in a tense and masterfully directed shootout at Chicago’s Union Station, where Ness and Stone protect the bookkeeper from Capone’s men. Ultimately, Capone is brought to trial for tax evasion, and thanks to Ness’s persistence and Malone’s sacrifice, justice prevails. Capone is sentenced to prison, ending his reign of terror.

The Untouchables combines gripping action, period atmosphere, and strong performances—especially Sean Connery’s Oscar-winning role. With De Palma’s stylish direction and Morricone’s stirring score, the film stands as a modern classic in the gangster genre and a tribute to integrity in the face of overwhelming corruption.

The Untouchables (1987)

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