THE UNTOUCHABLES (1987)

Directed by: Brian De Palma
Written by: David Mamet
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
Rated: R

About the film:
As Al Capone rises to power in the Prohibition-era Chicago underworld, Federal agent Eliot Ness makes plans to end Capone’s criminal reign by adopting unorthodox methods. Unable to trust the system which has been deeply corrupted, Ness decides to operate independently using only a small band of men – a veteran cop, a rookie, and an accountant.

Movie Quote:
“Never stop, never stop fighting till the fight is done.”
Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) in The Untouchables (1987)

Bible Quote:
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Commentary:
Perseverance is a key to victory in any endeavor. Eliot Ness understands that, in going after a goal, one must be committed to going the distance if one is to reach it. Stopping before we reach the finish line will result in our losing the race.

In a heavyweight bout, it is rather obvious what would happen if one boxer just stopped fighting while his opponent continued. The technical term is called a “knockout.” Spiritually, the same misguided action would most certainly bring about the same disastrous result.

We can often forget we are in a spiritual fight because our adversary doesn’t like to face us “toe to toe.” He’s a sneaky fighter, preferring to circle around behind us and throw “sucker punches” whenever we aren’t looking. Fighting a “good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) requires a daily diligence against an unseen and dirty opponent.

We, ourselves, will never land a knockout blow against him. For us, the fight does not end until the final bell rings (or trumpet sounds!) It is then that the true champion will reenter the ring and end this fight once and for all time. Until then, we keep our guard up and our believing strong, holding our adversary at bay.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. At the end of the film, Ness says, “I have broken every law I swore to defend. I have become what I beheld and I am content that I have done right.” Was Ness justified in taking the action he did? Why or why not?
2. The film’s title refers to the four men who aim to bring Capone to justice. Why were they “untouchable?”

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com