In many ways, this film is in the tradition of such memorable European heist films as "Rififi", "Grand Slam" and "Big Deal on Madonna Street". However, although it's a heist film, HOW it does it is unique and probably make this the best film when it comes to car stunts. Although everything leading up to the car chase is very, very good--once the insane Minis let loose, the film becomes a classic.
The film begins with Charlie Crocker (Michael Caine) getting out of prison. He's been handed a gorgeous plan by a dead man to rob a gold shipment in Turin, Italy. Who killed the creator of this brilliant plan? Well, the Mafia apparently didn't like the idea of outsiders coming into their country and committing such crimes. So, when Charlie decides to take on the job, it becomes sort of a UK vs. Italy thing--and coincides with a big football match between the two countries. But, the plan is expensive and complicated, so he needs the help of a super-criminal, Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward) to finance the operation.
As I said above, the planning is just fine, but the film becomes an insane bit of eye candy when the plan is enacted--particularly when they load the loot into three Minis. You have to see it to believe it and it makes the wonderful car stunts from films like "Bullit", "Diva" and "Le Balance" look almost pedestrian! Great direction, INSANE stunts and nice acting by Caine all make this one of the best crime films you can possibly see.
I wonder how many chumps went out and bought a Mini and then realized they CAN'T do all the insane tricks they did with Minis in the film!!
By the way, if you do watch the film, I hope you don't have a heart attack when you see the cars destroyed in the movie. I didn't mind seeing Minis destroyed--but what about those classic European sports cars?! My heart skipped a beat!
The film begins with Charlie Crocker (Michael Caine) getting out of prison. He's been handed a gorgeous plan by a dead man to rob a gold shipment in Turin, Italy. Who killed the creator of this brilliant plan? Well, the Mafia apparently didn't like the idea of outsiders coming into their country and committing such crimes. So, when Charlie decides to take on the job, it becomes sort of a UK vs. Italy thing--and coincides with a big football match between the two countries. But, the plan is expensive and complicated, so he needs the help of a super-criminal, Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward) to finance the operation.
As I said above, the planning is just fine, but the film becomes an insane bit of eye candy when the plan is enacted--particularly when they load the loot into three Minis. You have to see it to believe it and it makes the wonderful car stunts from films like "Bullit", "Diva" and "Le Balance" look almost pedestrian! Great direction, INSANE stunts and nice acting by Caine all make this one of the best crime films you can possibly see.
I wonder how many chumps went out and bought a Mini and then realized they CAN'T do all the insane tricks they did with Minis in the film!!
By the way, if you do watch the film, I hope you don't have a heart attack when you see the cars destroyed in the movie. I didn't mind seeing Minis destroyed--but what about those classic European sports cars?! My heart skipped a beat!