Set It Off
Set It Off

Set It Off

1996Movie123 minEnglish

Four inner-city Black women, determined to end their constant struggle, decide to live by one rule — get what you want or die trying. So the four women take back their lives and take out some banks in the process.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes64%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users84%
Director: F. Gary GrayGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Four close friends living in Los Angeles, struggling with dead-end jobs and limited opportunities, decide to turn to a life of crime to achieve financial freedom. They begin by executing a series of daring bank robberies, with their bond strengthening as they navigate the increasingly dangerous world of organized crime. However, their ambition and the escalating risks eventually lead to betrayal, conflict, and tragic consequences.

Critical Reception

Set It Off was generally well-received by critics, who praised its strong performances, particularly from the lead actresses, and its compelling blend of social commentary and thrilling action. While some critics noted the plot's reliance on familiar heist tropes, the film was largely commended for its portrayal of female friendship and its exploration of socio-economic struggles.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its powerful performances and engaging portrayal of female solidarity.
  • Appreciated for its blend of crime thriller elements with social commentary on economic hardship.
  • Some critics found the narrative predictable but acknowledged the film's emotional impact.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's strong female leads and their chemistry, finding the story engaging and the action sequences thrilling. The themes of friendship and the characters' struggle for a better life resonated with viewers, though some felt the plot became overly dramatic towards the end.

Fun Fact

The film's iconic finale, where Cleo (Queen Latifah) drives a stolen bus and is ultimately killed in a shootout, was filmed using a special rig that allowed the bus to be controlled remotely for the crash sequence.

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