King of Thieves

King of Thieves is a delightful and thrilling British heist drama film, directed by James Marsh and released in 2018. Acting as a cinematic love letter to the old-school crime caper genre, the movie amalgamates dark humour with tense drama, all in an effort to unravel the story of the famous Hatton Garden robbery that shook England in 2015.

The film stars legendary actor Michael Caine who has fashioned himself as a master of elegant menace. He delivers an enthralling performance, showcasing his overpowering screen presence and ability to balance charm with dread. The movie predominantly highlights Caine's character, Brian Reader, who is a recently widowed, ageing, career criminal yearning for restoration of his action-packed youth.

Francesca Annis tenderly portrays Reader’s wife. Through flashbacks of their relationship, it becomes clear that Reader planned the daring heist as much to break the monotony of his quiet, lonely life after the loss of his wife as for any financial gain.

Michael Caine is surrounded by a constellation of Britain’s finest acting legends, investigating a caper that initially appears to be more like a grumpy old men convention than a high stakes heist. Jim Broadbent plays Terry Perkins, a hothead criminal with an uneasy relationship with Reader. Tom Courtenay is John Kenny Collins, the insider who knows the weak spots of the targeted vault. Ray Winstone personifies Danny Jones, the volatile muscle of the team. Charlie Cox, being the relative youngster of the group, portrays a character much younger and more naive than his seasoned co-actors.

Olivia Le Andersen presents a much-needed millennial perspective, playing the role of Basil, a technology savvy and mysterious character that adds another layer of interest to the story. Basil remains undercover, slipping quietly along the outskirts of the chaos, played with understated suave by Le Andersen.

The screenplay by Joe Penhall and based on a Vanity Fair article by Mark Seal, writes a complex tapestry of the past and the present, weaving together the narratives of characters who are equal parts vulnerable senior citizens and hardened criminals. The ingenious screenplay manages to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, balancing the tension between the ageing burglars and the young, vibrant police force hot on their heels.

The film is an engaging exploration of ageing masculine pride and machismo. Cinematic techniques are utilized to showcase contrasting lives of the characters before and after the heist. Lyrical pacing and a sublimely scored soundtrack adds gritty realism, occasionally interrupted by specks of humor and provides the audience an insight into their lived realities and past regrets.

The dramatic dynamics of the 'bad grandpas' and a younger generation play out against the gritty streets of London, bathing the city in a new, fascinating light. The embellishments in the narrative make King of Thieves more than just a straightforward heist flick but rather an intensely psychological study of greed, aging and loyalty.

True to its title, King of Thieves deliberates on the age-old maxim of 'honour among thieves', with clever moments of wit sprinkled throughout the film. The excellent ensemble cast, led by the evergreen Michael Caine, take on their roles with gusto and sell the story, making you feel invested in the caper.

Director James Marsh, known for his work on Man on Wire and The Theory of Everything, brings a master filmmaker's precision to crime comedy-drama. He adopts an unhurried pace to explore the unfolding disaster of a heist gone wrong and the subsequent fallout amongst the crew.

With a magnificent ensemble cast, deft cinematography, and compelling narration, King of Thieves is a riveting film experience. It's an homage to the traditional heist movies of the past, providing its charges with good spirit, character development, sharp wit, and the cold inevitabilities of aging. It is both a deep and entertaining exploration of the complexities of the human spirit.