A classic British comedy of errors which has, if anything, become even cooler over the years than when it was first released, what with its swinging sixties setting and definitive performance from Michael Caine, which is both deadpan and at the same time hilarious. Indeed, this is the film that gave us one of his classic quotes ("You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!") and for the most part its Caine's film - without him, I don't believe it would work half as well. Made back in a time when the perfect popcorn film was lively, entertaining, well-acted, and immaculately made (like the early Bond films with Sean Connery) instead of the modern vacuous special effects outings we see in cinemas, this is a breath of fresh air and a film impossible to dislike.

The comedy comes from the misfortune our unusual leading characters find themselves in, as they attempt to carry out an elaborate robbery and find something going wrong at every turn. Despite this, they still manage to triumph through perseverance and plain luck, which makes their characters admirable despite being thieves. Our classic anti-heroes are made to look good through the intervention of the real bad guys of the film, i.e. the Italian Mafia, who think nothing of murder and destruction to keep the gold in their country. The film perfectly blends thrills with comedy and I was surprised how well it was shot and photographed all the way through; director Peter Collinson deserves recommendation.

The finale, which involves literally hundreds of motor vehicles involved in city-wide traffic jams and some classic chases involving three minis (red, white and blue, naturally) and the Italian police, is riveting stuff. The film also boasts the talents of noted British comedians Benny Hill, Irene Handl, and John Le Mesurier, all of whom have rather small roles, as well as Noel Coward in a scene-stealing part late in his career as Mr. Bridger, the big-time gangster who could wipe the floor with any of the would-be hard men of LOCK, STOCK, AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS. The actual robbery itself is tense, suspenseful and imaginatively staged. The Italian Job is a patriotic pleasure from a more innocent age long since gone.

In many ways, this film is in the tradition of such memorable European heist films as "Rififi", "Grand Slam" and "Big Deal on Madonna Street". However, although it's a heist film, HOW it does it is unique and probably make this the best film when it comes to car stunts. Although everything leading up to the car chase is very, very good--once the insane Minis let loose, the film becomes a classic.

The film begins with Charlie Crocker (Michael Caine) getting out of prison. He's been handed a gorgeous plan by a dead man to rob a gold shipment in Turin, Italy. Who killed the creator of this brilliant plan? Well, the Mafia apparently didn't like the idea of outsiders coming into their country and committing such crimes. So, when Charlie decides to take on the job, it becomes sort of a UK vs. Italy thing--and coincides with a big football match between the two countries. But, the plan is expensive and complicated, so he needs the help of a super-criminal, Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward) to finance the operation.

As I said above, the planning is just fine, but the film becomes an insane bit of eye candy when the plan is enacted--particularly when they load the loot into three Minis. You have to see it to believe it and it makes the wonderful car stunts from films like "Bullit", "Diva" and "Le Balance" look almost pedestrian! Great direction, INSANE stunts and nice acting by Caine all make this one of the best crime films you can possibly see.

I wonder how many chumps went out and bought a Mini and then realized they CAN'T do all the insane tricks they did with Minis in the film!!

By the way, if you do watch the film, I hope you don't have a heart attack when you see the cars destroyed in the movie. I didn't mind seeing Minis destroyed--but what about those classic European sports cars?! My heart skipped a beat!

I enjoyed The Italian Job in general, I don't revere it as a classic but it is entertaining with a great cast, fabulous locations and a brilliant soundtrack. The secondary characters could have been developed much more though, and the direction was a little too flashy. That said, a vast majority of the dialogue is above decent, there are occasions where it could have been better, but it is good enough. It is well paced though, and the cinematography, scenery, set pieces and costumes are fabulous, Turin looks glamorous and the interiors from Twickenham Studios are stunning. Quincy Jones's soundtrack is brilliant, and the cast is first rate, with Michael Caine suave and charismatic, Noel Coward marvellous and Benny Hill great value. Overall, not a classic by all means but very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox