The Heist of the Century

The Heist of the Century (El robo del siglo) is an Argentine crime comedy-drama film of 2020 that became highly acclaimed because of its enchanting narrative, thrilling twists, and unforgettable characters. The movie features talents such as Guillermo Francella, Diego Peretti, and Luis Luque in the leading roles.

The plot of Heist of the Century is set against the fascinating backdrop of the late 2000s, a period that proved to be a turning point for Argentina due to its economic crisis. During this turbulent time, a group of thieves, under the leadership of the adroit criminal mastermind Fernando Araujo (played by Diego Peretti), plan to rob the Banco Rio in Buenos Aires. Fernando, an artist and sculptor by trade, is dissatisfied with his ordinary, mundane life. Seeking excitement and a means to prove his mettle, he meticulously maps out a plan of unprecedented scale and audacity: emptying the vaults of the Banco Rio.

Guillermo Francella portrays Luis Mario Vitette Sellanes, a suave and smooth-talking law school dropout turned rogue who becomes an integral part of Fernando’s visionary plan. On the other hand, Luis Luque plays Miguel Sileo, the resolute and diligent police officer meant to be the antagonist to our unlikely heroes. The trio delivers exemplary performances enriching each scene with their unique talents and on-screen charisma.

These unlikely heroes devise a scheme that isn't solely based overwhelming force or firepower, but rests more heavily on brains, wit, and audacious creativity: a symphony of deception and diversion where each act is meticulously orchestrated while everything hanging on a razor-thin line of uncertainty. The skillful direction and masterful storytelling of Ariel Winograd, the film's director, keep the audience captivated and on the edge of their seats as they witness a daring heist unfolding.

As Fernando, Luis, and their ragtag band put their audacious plan into motion, we see them confront various challenges and unexpected events, which is where the movie offers its most thrilling rides. Throughout, we see how the dedicated and proficient Sileo tries hard to bust open the case while grappling with the baffling moves and tactics of the thieves. The intense cat-and-mouse game between the robbers and the police force forms the backbone of the film, generating tension and suspense in every scene.

The film strikes a delicate balance between different genres. As a heist film, it maintains the tension typically associated with a substantial bank robbery, keeping viewers perplexed about the outcome. But it breaks the stereotypical mold by infusing generous doses of humor and camaraderie between the characters, making it an enjoyable watch. It’s these flashes of absurdity amidst moments of extreme tension that give the Heist of the Century its distinctive flavor.

Cinematically, the film is enriched with visually engrossing scenes. The detailed recreation of the bank building, the surrounding areas, and life in Argentina in the 2000s add authenticity to the film. Meanwhile, music seamlessly interspersed throughout the film adds an extra layer of storytelling, enhancing the mood of various scenes.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Heist of the Century is the fact that it's based on true events. In actuality, the 2006 robbery of the Banco Rio which the film portrays has been considered one of the most notorious heists in the history of Argentina. The film does a marvelous job keeping its storyline as close as possible to the actual event, with a few cinematic exaggerations for entertainment purposes.

While the movie primarily revolves around the heist, it subtly delves into personal stories too, brilliantly bringing out the characters' human elements. We witness not only calculated criminals executing a daring heist but also ordinary individuals with their own sets of dreams, aspirations, fears, and insecurities. This human-centric approach is something that makes the film more relatable to a diverse audience beyond the core genre enthusiasts.

Overall, the Heist of the Century is a roller-coaster ride that keeps you hooked until the very end, with its unique blend of humour, tension, drama, and human relationships. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes truth can indeed prove stranger than fiction.