Corruption, crime, and Connery—diving deep into De Palma’s classic.

In this episode of Review It Yourself, we break down the first half of The Untouchables—the iconic Prohibition-era crime thriller directed by Brian De Palma. Joined by co-host Sarah, we explore the film’s powerful opening act, its larger-than-life characters, and why this stylish gangster epic still commands attention nearly four decades later.

From the tense cat-and-mouse battle between federal agent Eliot Ness and Chicago crime boss Al Capone, to the unforgettable performances by Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro, we unpack what makes this film such a standout in the gangster genre. Is it the script? The score? The mythologising of law enforcement? Or Connery’s scene-stealing gravitas?

Expect thoughtful film analysis, sharp opinions, historical context around Prohibition-era Chicago, and a discussion about how Hollywood reshapes real-life events into cinematic legend. Whether you’re a long-time fan of classic crime dramas or discovering this film for the first time, this episode offers insight, debate, and plenty of appreciation for one of the 1980s’ most celebrated gangster movies.

We discuss:

• The film’s themes of justice, morality, and myth-making
• The dynamic between Ness and Malone
• De Palma’s directorial style and use of tension
• Performances that elevate the material
• How The Untouchables compares to other mob classics

If you love deep-dive movie reviews, classic cinema breakdowns, and honest film discussion, this episode is for you.

Please Note: There are direct quotes used in this review, which include the use of contextual slurs/stereotypes. These are used purely as quotes from the film and to aid discussion, as the film's dialogue reflects the bigoted, harsh atmosphere of 1930's Prohibition-Era Chicago. There is no intention to cause offence or distress.

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Part Two of our The Untouchables discussion available now—where we continue analysing the film’s most iconic sequences and its lasting legacy in crime cinema.

Listen now and decide for yourself… is The Untouchables truly untouchable?

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