For those seeking a break from holiday cheer, there’s greed, hatred, vengeance, and jealousy in this month’s top drama DVD selections. Look for gun-toting bank robbers (Public Enemies), vengeance-seeking freedom fighters (Inglourious Basterds), and an obsessed husband searching for his rival (The Other Man).
Public Enemies DVD Release
Public Enemies (2009) Widescreen Single Disc, Two-Disc Special Edition, and Two-Disc Blu-ray
J. Edgar Hoover of the Federal Bureau of Investigations has declared bank robber John Dillinger public enemy number one. FBI agent Melvin Purvis hunts him and other notorious robbers in 1930s Chicago, Illinois. Dillinger has trouble evading the law, however, when he meets a beautiful woman who wins his heart.
- Starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, James Russo, Jason Clarke, Stephen Dorff, Channing Tatum, Elena Kenney, Rory Cochrane, Carey Mulligan, Billy Crudup, Giovanni Ribisi, Marion Cotillard
- Director: Michael Mann
- Writers: Ronan Bennett, Michael Mann, Ann Biderman (screenplay); Bryan Burrough (book)
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Run Time: 140 minutes
- Rating: R (for gangster violence and some language)
- Release Date: December 8, 2009
Inglourious Basterds DVD Release
Inglourious Basterds (2009) Widescreen Single Disc, Two-Disc Special Edition, and Two-Disc Blu-ray
A group of Jewish Americans out for revenge during Nazi-occupied France in World War II attempt to take down the Third Reich. Inspired by history and the 1978 film The Inglorious Bastards, this film is not historically accurate nor a true remake. Instead, this violent tale includes machine gun murders, scalpings by the Basterds’ ruthless leader, a vengeful teenaged Jewish refugee with a well-thought-out plan, and a Jew-hunting German officer on the loose.
- Starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Christopher Waltz, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Daniel Bruhl, Mike Myers, Rod Taylor, Til Schweiger
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Writer: Quentin Tarantino
- Genre: War Drama
- Run Time: 153 minutes
- Rating: R (for strong graphic violence, language, and brief sexuality)
- Release Date: December 15, 2009
The Other Man DVD Release
The Other Man (2008) Widescreen and Blu-ray
A man (Liam Neeson) obsessed with his wife’s extramarital affair tracks his rival (Antonio Banderas) across Europe. As he learns more about his wife’s adultery, he discovers truths that go beyond mere fact. Shot on location in London, Milan, and Lake Como (Italy), the film features music by Stephen Warbeck, who also served as composer for Alpha Male (2006), Proof (2005), and Billy Elliott (2000).
- Also starring Laura Linney, Romola Garai, Abigail Canton, Pam Ferris, Paterson Joseph, Craig Parkinson, Lola Peploe, Sophie Wu, Richard Graham
- Director: Richard Eyre
- Writers: Richard Eyre, Charles Wood (screenplay); Bernhard Schlink (short story)
- Genre: Dramatic Thriller
- Run Time: 87 minutes
- Rating: R (for some sexuality, nudity, and language)
- Release Date: December 15, 2009
For information about any of these movies, visit Internet Movie Database.
Leslie C. Halpern - Leslie C. Halpern, Romantic Films/Comedies Topic Editor, authored Passionate About Their Work, Reel Romance, & Dreams on Film.
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