The Untouchables

The Untouchables

Year: 1987

Runtime: 119 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Brian De Palma

DramaHistoryThrillerCrime

In 1930s Chicago, an unlikely hero emerges as Eliot Ness and his elite squad take on notorious gangster Al Capone in a gripping tale of good vs. evil. As they confront the kingpin's ruthless empire, the stakes are high and the action is relentless. Justice must be served, but at what cost?

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Untouchables (1987)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Untouchables (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Roaring Twenties to the Thirties

The Roaring Twenties marked an era of cultural dynamism and economic prosperity in the United States, characterized by the rise of jazz music and flapper culture. However, as the Thirties approached, the country experienced the onset of the Great Depression, leading to increasing social unrest and the emergence of organized crime as entrepreneurs sought to profit from Prohibition. This tumultuous period laid the groundwork for Eliot Ness's efforts to bring down notorious mobsters like Al Capone.

Location

Chicago, Lexington Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Chicago, known for its vibrant history and architecture, serves as the backdrop for the intense battle against organized crime during the Prohibition era. The Lexington Hotel, infamous for its ties to Al Capone, becomes a critical location for the climactic confrontations between law enforcement and gangsters. Washington, D.C. is represented through the involvement of federal agents and their operations to dismantle Capone's empire.

🏙️ City 🏨 Hotel 📍 Capital

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:42

Main Characters – The Untouchables (1987)
Meet the key characters of The Untouchables (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eliot Ness

Eliot Ness is portrayed as a determined Bureau of Prohibition agent, unyielding in his mission to bring down Al Capone. He embodies integrity and resilience, often facing immense pressure from both side—corrupt officials and dangerous criminals. His character arc illustrates the moral complexities of law enforcement during a time of rampant corruption.

👮‍♂️ Lawman 🔍 Investigator 💪 Determination

James Malone

James Malone is a seasoned Irish-American cop who stands alongside Ness in the battle against Capone’s empire. He represents the voice of experience, offering critical support and tactical wisdom. Malone’s character exhibits a survivor's instinct, understanding the stakes and willing to take risks to achieve justice.

👮‍♂️ Mentor 🥊 Resilience ⚔️ Combatant

Frank Nitti

Frank Nitti serves as Capone's ruthless enforcer, embodying the menace of organized crime. His calm demeanor masks a volatile ruthlessness that drives the narrative's tension. Nitti's actions constantly threaten Ness and his team, demonstrating the lethal stakes involved in defiance against Capone.

👤 Enforcer 🔪 Threat 🕴️ Criminal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:42

Major Themes – The Untouchables (1987)
Explore the central themes of The Untouchables (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to the movie, revolving around Eliot Ness's steadfast commitment to dismantling Al Capone's criminal empire. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Ness and his team embody the struggle against corruption as they navigate a treacherous landscape of bribery and violence. Their relentless pursuit ultimately underscores the importance of integrity and courage in the face of adversity.

💔 Sacrifice

Sacrifice resonates throughout the narrative as characters, notably Malone and Wallace, pay the ultimate price for their dedication to justice. Their deaths serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of battling an unforgiving criminal underworld. This theme highlights the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement agents in their quest to protect the innocent.

🔫 Violence

Violence permeates the story, showcasing the brutal reality of organized crime during Prohibition. Capone's retaliatory actions illustrate the lengths to which gangsters will go to maintain their power, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear. This theme reflects the dangerous dynamics between law enforcement and criminals, emphasizing the stakes involved in the fight for control.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:42

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