DVD of the week: Black Mass

Based on the true story of one of the most notorious gangsters in the history of the United States, Black Mass is a mixture of great actors like Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kevin Bacon, together with intense drama and a thrilling storyline.
This film takes place in 1970s Boston and portrays the life of infamous Irish gangster, James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp) after his release from Alcatraz prison.
As the leader of the Irish-American Winter Hill Gang, he was well known and feared by all who roamed the streets of Boston.
When approached by FBI agent, John Connolly (Edgerton) to help fight the Italian mob, an unholy alliance forms between a man of the law, and a man who lives for crime.
After losing his son and later his mother, Bulger becomes out of control and commits crimes without remorse. Bulger uses his alliance with the FBI to increase his power over the community and, literally, get away with murder. With the unintended help of Connolly, Bulgar becomes one of the most dangerous criminals in the history of the United States.
The film starts out with an FBI interview with a former member of the Winter Hill Gang, recalling the terrible deeds of Whitey Bulger.
It builds up to a dramatic climax when an alliance spins out of control and results in calamity for both Whitey Bulger and his ally, John Connolly.
*Black Mass has an age restriction of 16 for violence and strong language.*
I would rate this movie 7½ /10.
Black Mass is available for rent at DVD4home on the corner of Retief and Govan Mbeki Streets. Tel: 018 293 3895.