Catch Me If You Can

Based on a true story, Frank Abagnale Jr. ( Leonardo DiCaprio) is one of the 1960s’ most legendary con artists. His home life seems to be perfect for the youngster, he adores his parents. His father (Christopher Walken) relies on using an angle to get what he wants and employs his teen son in his scams. But everything changes when he gets the family into in serious financial trouble. When Frank is 16, his parents get divorced and he is told to choose which one he will live with. He cannot handle it and he runs away. Like a child, he thinks he can recreate the perfect world he once thought he had. But he has one very un-childlike quality, an astonishing eye for detail. Combined with the charm and panache he learned from his father, the ability to appear innocent to give him apparent credibility and - just as important - youthful fearless (he just doesn't know how outrageous his scams are), he becomes one of the most successful con men in history. Before he is imprisoned in France, he manages to pass himself off as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer. He also manages to pass off bad checks worth over $4 million.

Every single element of this movie works brilliantly together and the result is as irresistible as its con man hero. The screenplay by Jeff Nathanson is excellent, as crafty as its subject and with just the right touch of heart. Tom Hanks, as the FBI agent who chases, admires, and ultimately inspires Frank, makes each moment on screen a small masterpiece. DiCaprio captures us from his first moment as an awkward 13-year-old to his sheer pleasure in his own ability to master the adult world. The story seems to be made up, but while I was watching the movie, I realised that this world where we live is so crazy, fast and full of hypocrisy that everything is possible.