The Untouchables

Main Plot

"The Untouchables," directed by Brian De Palma, is a crime drama set during the Prohibition era in Chicago. The film follows Eliot Ness, a determined federal agent, who is tasked with bringing down the notorious gangster Al Capone. Ness assembles a small, elite team of law enforcement officers, known as "The Untouchables," who are committed to fighting corruption and organized crime. Despite facing numerous challenges and dangers, the team employs unconventional methods to gather evidence and build a case against Capone. The narrative explores themes of justice, morality, and the personal costs of battling crime. The film culminates in a dramatic showdown that underscores the relentless pursuit of justice.

Characters

• Kevin Costner plays Eliot Ness, a federal agent determined to bring down Al Capone's criminal empire during Prohibition.
• Sean Connery played Jim Malone, a tough, streetwise Irish-American cop who mentors Eliot Ness and helps take down Al Capone's criminal empire.
• Robert De Niro plays Al Capone, the notorious gangster whose criminal empire is targeted by federal agents led by Eliot Ness.

Ending Explained

In the climax of Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables," Eliot Ness and his team confront Al Capone's operations head-on. The film reaches its peak during a dramatic courtroom scene where Ness, played by Kevin Costner, and his team manage to turn the tide against Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. The pivotal moment comes when Ness discovers that the jury has been bribed. In a bold move, he convinces the judge to switch juries with another ongoing case, ensuring an impartial verdict. Simultaneously, Ness's partner, George Stone, apprehends Capone's bookkeeper, providing crucial evidence of tax evasion. This evidence is instrumental in securing Capone's conviction. The film concludes with Capone being sentenced to prison, symbolizing the triumph of justice over corruption. In the final scene, Ness reflects on the cost of their victory, acknowledging the sacrifices made by his team. As he leaves the courthouse, a reporter asks him what he will do if Prohibition is repealed, to which Ness replies, "I think I'll have a drink," signifying a return to normalcy and the end of an era.