The story of Frank Abagnale Jr shows that teenagers really can make their dreams come true - as a Pan Am airline pilot, hospital doctor or qualified lawyer.
The smooth-talking schoolboy just skips through the film, one step ahead of his FBI pursuers, living the high life in top hotels, dating models and buying flashy sports cars, all before he reaches the age of 19.
You can't fail to empathise with Frank, well played by Leonardo di Caprio, who goes on the run after the break-up of his parents' marriage.
But somehow Tom Hanks, who plays his FBI pursuer, also gains sympathy as the lonely detective especially when he confesses that he lives in a "fantasy world" as well.
The credits show that the real-life Frank Abagnale Jr, who now works as a top-level security consultant, has managed to talk his way into a small part in the movie, as a French policeman. That's the story of his life. GSG
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