Thief
Thief

Thief

1981Movie123 minEnglish

Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specialized in high-profile diamond heists. He plans to use his ill-gotten income to retire from crime and build a nice life for himself complete with a home, wife and kids. To accelerate the process, he signs on with a top gangster for a big score.

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Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users88%
Director: Michael MannGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Frank, a professional jewel thief, is determined to go straight after his release from prison. He wants to build a legitimate life and start a family with his girlfriend, Jessie. However, his efforts to leave the criminal underworld are complicated by a powerful crime syndicate that insists he carry out one last dangerous job for them. Frank finds himself caught between his desire for a normal life and the ruthless demands of organized crime.

Critical Reception

Michael Mann's directorial debut, 'Thief,' was critically acclaimed for its stylish direction, atmospheric depiction of urban nightlife, and James Caan's intense performance. It is often cited as a neo-noir masterpiece and a significant influence on later crime films. While not a massive box office success, it developed a strong cult following over time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty realism and atmospheric visuals.
  • James Caan delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as the conflicted protagonist.
  • Michael Mann's assured direction establishes a distinctive neo-noir style.

Google audience: Audiences appreciate the film's authentic portrayal of the criminal underworld and its tense, suspenseful narrative. Many viewers highlight the stylish cinematography and James Caan's strong acting as major strengths, often calling it an underrated gem of the crime genre.

Fun Fact

Michael Mann was so impressed with Tangerine Dream's score for 'Thief' that he went on to collaborate with them on other projects, and the band's music became intrinsically linked with his distinct cinematic style.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
JPV852

JPV852

Seen this one before but decided to do another watch at random. Really great crime-thriller with James Caan perfect alongside Michael Mann's masterful direction and writing. Not quite to the level of something like Heat but probably just be...
John Chard

John Chard

You are making big profits from my work, my risk, my sweat. Thief is written and directed by Michael Mann, who adapts the screenplay form the novel "The Home Invaders" written by Frank Hohimer. It stars James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Robert ...