The Italian Job

Caine then sets about assembling a cast of idiosyncratic no-hopers to carry out his bold plan, among them Benny Hill, an electronics wizard with a fondness for fat women. After much practicing, three teams in Mini Coopers (driven by "chinless wonders") set off for Italy with a bus-full or two of supporters all dressed as soccer fans. The arrival on the scene of the Mafia does little to dampen their enthusiasm and the fun really starts.

The climax of this action/farce is the car chase through the streets, sewers and even the skyline of Turin. Plenty of action, plenty of laughs and all very well paced. If anything, it's probably too short (though I don't mean the ending...) but I guess that just makes you appreciate it that much more. An old favorite which is hard to beat. Know wot I mean, Guv?


Self Preservation Society!   December 14, 2000
Kate (Cheshunt, Herts, United Kingdom)
39 out of 41 found this review helpful

This is the movie that defined the word, 'Classic'.

Michael Caine plays Charlie who's just been released from prison. Rather than trying to keep on the straight and narrow, he immediately embarks on trying to steal gold bullion from the Italian's. He gets the backing of Mr. Bridger, London's head of crime, who's in prison himself.

To help him carry out the plan, he gathers together an array of colourful people including Benny Hill as the clever professor who has a penchant for big women.

Add to the mix three Mini Cooper's as the unlikely get away cars and you're in for a fun filled, action packed film that sees Charlie and his gang trying to outrun both the police and the Mafia.

The build up to the heist is interesting and funny but the unique get away at the end is the scene stealer. Through underground sewers and subways, down church steps, through rivers and up to the very rooftops, it's gripping and highly entertaining. I think anyone that watches the film will just yearn to have a Mini Cooper afterwards.

Of course, the cliff hanger of an ending just fits so perfectly too.

To add; I also think the soundtrack is great and the film produced one of the most, if not THE, memorable quote of all time from Michael Caine when he sees the truck explode into thousands of pieces during a practice run and then turns to the unfortunate explosives 'expert' and says, "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off."

Mr. Caine has said that he still has people come up to him in the street and say that to him, even now!

To conlcude, The Italian Job is very patriotic, even the cars are red, white and blue, and I think it's the masterpiece for all British classic's.

So, "get your skates on, mate" and buy it now - your collection is lacking if this film isn't a part of it.


Why can't all movies be like this?   April 25, 2000
Monkey Knuckle Asteroid (the quitters never win department....)
30 out of 31 found this review helpful

This is one of the finest heist films ever committed to celluloid. This is one of the finest ensemble performances assembled. This is, without question, one of the finest films of its genre.

Michael Caine is, as always, smooth and calculating and funny in his subtle, English way. The heist and the set up to the heist are handled brilliantly. I am a longtime fan of all heist films and this has to be, alongside "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3", the best. From Caine's dead associate talking to him from beyond the grave on reels of black and white film...outlining the whole heist....to the flawless execution of the plan, the pure excitement of the chase scene (The BEST CAR CHASE SCENE EVER)and the twists and turns and even the theme song....everything is pure magnificence.

Oh man. Get this movie. Love this movie. Cherish this movie and then watch it again and again.

Never before have you seen the things you'll see in this movie. NEVER.

I fear that any review I give will be more convoluted and uninforming than actually watching this movie. So that is what you must do. I guarantee you will be grinning from ear to ear and dancing that happy dance you dance when you discover a film as good as this one....

thank your lucky stars...


Caine Crime Caper Classic   November 29, 1999
Rennie Gibson (USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I grew up with The Italian Job in the UK. It was one of those films the BBC used to show all the time. My friends and I have been watching the video for years - we put it on whenever a boozed-up night of shouting out the classic lines is required, e.g. "He was put away for doing something disgusting with a net." Just typing it in makes me laugh, see the film and you'll see what I mean. Add to that a bizarre Mini car chase, a singalong Cockney soundtrack and an authentic swinging London 60s setting and it's a must-see.


Great movie won't be relesed on DVD till after remake   March 18, 2003
K I McAusland (San Francisco, CA United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I love this movie. I have a video copy. They are currently filming a remake of the movie using the new Mini Cooper. My guess is that the release of the original movie on DVD is being deliberately delayed in the United States pending the release of the remake or even the DVD of the remake. In England the original 1969 movie was rereleased to theatres ayear or so ago and the DVD followed quickly thereafter.