The Criminals
The Criminals

Movie spotlight

The Criminals

1982
Movie
112 min
Spanish

Two young men decide to rob a residence believing it uninhabited, once inside the homeowners and another couple maintain a perverse game as fun for Sunday. One of the young enters the house but is cornered and subjected to all sorts of harassment and abuse.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Daniel SchmidGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In the decaying elegance of a Lisbon hotel, a group of international criminals, led by a cold and calculating assassin, plan their next move. As tensions rise and betrayals loom, their carefully constructed world begins to unravel. The film explores themes of greed, paranoia, and the existential dread of lives lived outside the law.

Critical Reception

The Criminals received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its atmospheric tension and Kinski's intense performance, others found its narrative disjointed and overly bleak. It has since gained a cult following among fans of arthouse crime cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its moody atmosphere and chilling portrayal of criminal underworld.

  • Criticized for a slow pace and lack of clear narrative resolution.

  • Klaus Kinski's performance is often highlighted as a standout element.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available often note the film's dark and unsettling tone. Some appreciate its artistic approach, while others find it too abstract and lacking in conventional entertainment value.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Lisbon, Portugal, and its gritty portrayal of the city's underbelly was a key element in its atmospheric success.

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