The Italian Job
Introducing the plans for a new business venture: "The Italian Job."
Overview
Charlie's got a 'job' to do. Having just left prison he finds one of his friends has attempted a high-risk job in Torino, Italy, right under the nose of the mafia. Charlie's friend doesn't get very far, so Charlie takes over the 'job'. Using three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus, he hopes to bring Torino to a standstill, steal a fortune in gold and escape in the chaos.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Originally released during the height of the 'Swinging Sixties', the film reflects the era's optimistic, rebellious, and liberated spirit. It also satirizes British post-war politics and economic struggles.
- The movie features a brilliantly planned and executed heist plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- It showcases charming and charismatic performances by an ensemble cast, led by Michael Caine's iconic portrayal of Charlie Croker.
- The film explores themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to for personal freedom and justice.
- The unique setting in post-war Italy provides a beautiful backdrop against which the story unfolds.
Fun Facts
- 'The Italian Job' is famous for its iconic Mini Coopers, which were specially modified for the movie to perform a series of stunts never seen before.
- In the film, Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) mentions an old acquaintance named 'Mr. Bridger', who he promises will help him with the heist. This character was later reintroduced in the 2003 remake played by Edward Norton.
- The classic line, 'You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!' is a humorous reference to the fact that the robbers don't actually destroy the walls of the bank vault but rather use it as a trap to trap the police.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Introducing the plans for a new business venture: "The Italian Job.""
Deutsch
DE
Title: Charlie staubt Millionen ab
""
Français
FR
Title: L'or se barre
""
Español
ES
Title: Un trabajo en Italia
""
Italiano
IT
Title: Un colpo all'italiana
"Questa è la società dell'autoconservazione."
Magyar
HU
Title: Az olasz munka
"Ez egy önálló csapat"
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
I had previously seen this decades ago and with the new Kino Lorber 4K release, decided to give it another try as the first time I wasn't all that entertained. And my opinion pretty much remains the same. The highlight is the car chase scenes in the third act and Michael Caine is great, but the set-up felt really slow and throughout the second act I found myself not very invested. **3.0/5**
If Michael Caine is to have an epitaph on his grave stone; then it would have to be "you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" His portrayal of "Charlie Croker" is excellent in this crime caper about a cunning plan to paralyse the traffic in Turin and steal loads of Italian gold from under the noses of both the Carabinieri and the mafia. Guided from his prison cell by criminal mastermind Noël Coward, they plan - with the help of a seemingly inexhaustible supply of Mini Cooper's - this audacious robbery. It's not the most complex cinema you'll ever see, but it is funny and enjoyable and the car chase at the end (to music by Quincy Jones) is the stuff of movie legend.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
ITALIAN JOB Trailer [1969]
Trailer
The Italian Job (1969) - Trailer