I’m watching that diner scene in “Heat,” where two sworn enemies show each other more respect and love than the army of allies that backs either of them.  We love that scene-but why?  Yeah they’re badass, the acting’s great, etc…My reason:  Pacino and De Niro, in the integrity they have for themselves and honesty they show each other, transcend the cliched black-and-white morals of society.  Yes, they have ideals they will die for.  But beyond that, they recognize in each other an honorable purity that approaches the holy.  Pacino references it when he asks, “What are you, a monk?”  De Niro, a few lines down:  “That’s the discipline.”

The whole movie’s amazing, but the things implied in that scene…Man.  Freakin’ beautiful.