Director Micheal Mann has built quite the resume since his days with the TV show Miami Vice. He directed the thriller Man Hunter, the indian epic Last of the Mohicans and the brilliant crime saga Heat just to name a few.

With The Insider, he's directed what is the most restrained and understated film of his career. The Insider is the true story of whistle-blower Jeffery Wigand (stunningly played by Russell Crowe), who helped to blow the lid off of some horrible secrets within the tobacco industry.

Specifically, it chronicles the bond that develops between Wigand and 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman (played beautifully by Al Pacino). Mann also gives an insightful look into the world of the media and big journalism, that includes anchor personality Mike Wallace (played by Christopher Plummer).

Most of all it's a film about a family man who, while under extreme pressure, must make a choice that may ruin his life. It's a story about the ultimate dilemma. Mann has fashioned an intellectual epic that isn't quite as entertaining as Heat, but every bit as compelling.

It also has a career defining performance by the underrated Crowe (L.A. Confidential), who captures the fire and vulnerability of this desperate and complex man.

Mann has an unbelievable eye for detail and The Insider is never anything less than intriguing.