“You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” —Charlie Croker
Today’s quick review: The Italian Job. Charlie Croker (Michael Caine), a criminal just released from prison, receives a gift from an old friend: a daring plan to steal $4 million in gold from an armored car in Turin. To pull it off, Charlie will need the backing of Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward), a well-connected inmate, as well as an expert crew, perfect timing, and three Minis. But between the police and the Mafia, Charlie and his crew will be lucky to escape alive.
The Italian Job is a crime comedy about a crew of British thieves who have their sights set on a massive score in Italy. Starring a young Michael Caine, The Italian Job offers a light and enjoyable take on the heist genre. The heist is impressive, the European atmosphere is charming, and the soundtrack is odd but catchy. Between its pleasant tone, likable characters, and dashes of excitement, The Italian Job makes for a fun watch that is often overlooked.
The tone is one of the movie’s greatest draws. The Italian Job captures the excitement of a well-planned heist without the need for drama or violence. The comedy comes from understated British humor, subtle quirks of dialogue or character that amuse without disrupting the flow of the movie. The action comes from the film’s impressive heist and iconic car chase: three Minis fleeing the police through the streets and rooftops of Turin.
The movie does not spend much time on character development, but what little there is works well. Michael Caine is a joy to watch as the likable rascal Charlie Croker, while Noel Coward as Mr. Bridger is an anomaly: a scrupulously patriotic prisoner who practically runs the prison from his cell. Charlie’s crew has the same sort of half-competent, half-goofy air as Charlie does, and even the Mafia shows class in its own sinister sort of way.
The film’s age makes it an odd watch by modern standards. There is next to no violence, the soundtrack is light and cheery, and Charlie has no great revelation or change of heart. The sole focus is on the heist and the antics accompanying it, not revenge, love, or politics. As such, The Italian Job is a film that must be taken patiently, on its own terms, to be properly enjoyed. Those who go in expecting to be blown away will be disappointed.
Watch The Italian Job if you are in the mood for a light heist film with old-school style. Though not as thrilling as modern crime movies, The Italian Job achieves exactly what it sets out to do. Skip it if you are looking for deep characters, a complicated plot, or raw action.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for fun and charm.