have al pacino ever be in a bad movie . his name seem to be an imprimatur for top notch cinema . this be as good a performance a he ever give . pacino be an american olivier . and this be a political thriller as good a they get . there be no good guy and no bad guy . but the system have it inexorable effect on the people who think theyre run it . not only be pacino performance compel the eulogy at the dead child funeral be awesomely powerful the film have a fast pace and gritty realism to it that enhance the fine performance without resort to gimmick . this outstanding portrait of big city politics also manage to provide two hour of superb movie watch without undue violence and overheated sex or gutter language . there be murder . there be bad people . but they come across effectively without cross the line . a film like this restore my jaded faith in hollywood . i do not award many ten . this one richly deserve it .