The 2009 gangster movie – Public Enemies was on my viewing list for a long time. The movie was classic in its own. I regret not seeing earlier. It reminded me of 2013 Bollywood gangster flick – Shootout at Wadala.
The Bombay Gangster Manya Surve and American urban dacoit John Dillinger had lot in common. Both were dreaded gangsters and highly wanted by the law officials. While Manya Surve was chased by Bombay Police in 80’s, John Dillinger was on the run to escape from the clutches of FBI. Ironically both were betrayed by a woman and shot to death, While Manya Surve was betrayed by his own girlfriend, Dillinger too was deceived by a woman who was an undercover FBI officer.
John Dillinger’s legend is thrillingly shown in the movie – Public Enemies. Actor Johnny Depp’s role as Dillinger is stylish, sleek and cunning. He narrowly escapes from jail, loots bank and woos beautiful ladies. His flamboyant attitude charms the women in America. But his reign as an uncrowned king of crime doesn’t last for a long time till he is chased by FBI officer Melvin Purvis. Melvin Purvis hunts down several associates of Dillinger – Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd. FBI officials even track down Dillinger’s girlfriend. Finally, FBI plants a mole, one of Dillinger’s associates to reveal the hideout of Dillinger. Finally, Dillinger is shot down by FBI officials when the mole signals them about Dillinger. Dillinger was shot down on July 22nd 1934. The public enemy was finally put to rest. Like Bombay’s Manya Surve, John Dillinger was brutally shot down by law. He deserved it.
The movie – Public Enemies is realistic with raw actions and intense performance. If you love watching realistic non-fiction crime movies, the Public Enemies is highly recommended. Indian readers are not so well known about the life of American gangsters so I included the story of Bombay’s gangster – Manya Surve to make the legend relatable. The gangsters may be larger than life but their end is already decided: Either they are shot down by cops or killed in gang rivalry. John Dillinger’s life was no different.