The movie is well-made for the era, featuring tense action sequences, witty dialogue, and realistic settings. Rocky in particular exhibits glimmers of humanity and remorse beneath his hard exterior, making him one of the most well-developed and complex characters. In addition, the movie raises ethical concerns about how the government, the media, and the church shape public opinion and social behaviour.
But there are some problems with the movie as well. The priest's plot against the corrupt politicians and gangsters seems contrived and unrealistic. His final visit to Rocky in prison is disappointing, as he does not offer him any spiritual comfort or guidance, but only asks him to pretend to be a coward in front of the kids. He also assaults a reporter in an earlier scene, which undermines his credibility as a moral authority. The film's ending is ambiguous and controversial, leaving the audience to wonder if Rocky's last act was sincere or staged.
Another weakness of the film is the portrayal of the kids, who are supposed to be Rocky's admirers and Father Connolly's proteges. They seem like real brats who are rude, rebellious, and disrespectful to everyone. They do not show any gratitude or remorse for their actions, and they do not seem to learn anything from their experiences. They are not worth saving anyway, as they are likely to follow Rocky's footsteps or end up in jail or worse. They are not sympathetic or relatable characters, but rather annoying and irritating ones.
Overall, Angels with Dirty Faces is a compelling and entertaining film that deserves its place in cinematic history. It offers a fascinating portrait of a flawed hero who struggles with his conscience and his fate. It also challenges the viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs.
But there are some problems with the movie as well. The priest's plot against the corrupt politicians and gangsters seems contrived and unrealistic. His final visit to Rocky in prison is disappointing, as he does not offer him any spiritual comfort or guidance, but only asks him to pretend to be a coward in front of the kids. He also assaults a reporter in an earlier scene, which undermines his credibility as a moral authority. The film's ending is ambiguous and controversial, leaving the audience to wonder if Rocky's last act was sincere or staged.
Another weakness of the film is the portrayal of the kids, who are supposed to be Rocky's admirers and Father Connolly's proteges. They seem like real brats who are rude, rebellious, and disrespectful to everyone. They do not show any gratitude or remorse for their actions, and they do not seem to learn anything from their experiences. They are not worth saving anyway, as they are likely to follow Rocky's footsteps or end up in jail or worse. They are not sympathetic or relatable characters, but rather annoying and irritating ones.
Overall, Angels with Dirty Faces is a compelling and entertaining film that deserves its place in cinematic history. It offers a fascinating portrait of a flawed hero who struggles with his conscience and his fate. It also challenges the viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs.