Watch Borsalino

Borsalino is a French crime film from 1970 that stars two big names from French cinema, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon. The movie is set in Marseille in the 1930s and follows the story of two small-time crooks, Siffredi (Belmondo) and Capella (Delon), who become unlikely friends and partners in crime. The movie begins with Siffredi, a quick-witted, energetic young man who's always looking for ways to make a quick buck, trying to sell stolen goods to Capella's pawnshop. Capella is a more reserved and serious character, but he's also intrigued by Siffredi's charm and wit. After a few drinks and some fast talk, the two men become friends and decide to team up to make some serious money.

Their first job is to rob a local club owner who owes Siffredi money. They pull off the job, but things get complicated when Capella falls for the club owner's girlfriend, played by Catherine Rouvel. The relationship between Capella and the girlfriend adds a romantic sub-plot to the already suspenseful story.

The movie then explores the dynamics between Siffredi and Capella as they navigate the criminal underworld of Marseille. They're pursued by corrupt police officers, rival gangsters, and even the Maquis, a fierce group of anti-fascist fighters who are also after their loot.

Throughout the movie, Belmondo and Delon's on-screen chemistry is electric. They play off each other's strengths and weaknesses, creating a fascinating dynamic between two unlikely friends. Belmondo's high energy, almost manic approach to his character is perfectly balanced by Delon's more subtle and brooding performance.

The movie is a classic example of French cinema's take on the gangster movie genre. It blends action, suspense, and romance with a dose of social commentary. The setting of Marseille in the 1930s provides a rich historical context for the movie's events, while the use of iconic clothing, such as the Borsalino hats worn by the main characters, also adds a nostalgic appeal.

The film's director, Jacques Deray, uses unconventional camera angles, such as handheld shots, juxtaposed with static shots, to create a sense of immediacy and help the viewer feel like they're part of the action. The movie's soundtrack, which features music by Claude Bolling, also adds to the movie's atmosphere and helps create a vintage feel that's both nostalgic and thrilling.

One of the standout aspects of the movie is the action scenes, which are both stylish and intense. Deray uses slow-motion shots to draw attention to specific moments, such as when Belmondo and Delon fire their guns, creating a cool and gritty feel that's not too dissimilar to American crime movies from the same era.

Overall, Borsalino is a stylish and thrilling movie that showcases the talents of Belmondo and Delon, two of France's most iconic actors. Deray's direction, the vintage setting, and the movie's mix of action, suspense, and romance all contribute to making it a classic of French cinema. It's a movie that's definitely worth checking out for fans of the gangster genre or anyone looking for a fun and engaging crime movie.

Borsalino is a 1970 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.