Watch Thief
- R
- 1981
- 2 hr 2 min
-
7.4 (41,521)
Thief is an intense and gritty crime thriller from 1981 that revolves around the life of Frank (James Caan), a professional safecracker who runs a car dealership as a front for his criminal operations. Frank is a tough and skilled thief who's determined to leave the criminal world behind and start a new life with his girlfriend Jessie (Tuesday Weld).
Frank's plans for a fresh start are complicated when he's approached by a mobster named Leo (Robert Prosky), who offers him a lucrative job stealing a cache of diamonds. Frank initially refuses, but Leo is persistent, and he knows exactly how to manipulate Frank - by using Jessie as leverage.
As Frank reluctantly agrees to take on the robbery, he finds himself increasingly drawn back into the dangerous and unpredictable world of organized crime. The heist itself is a brilliantly executed set piece, as Frank and his expert crew use their skills to break into a heavily guarded vault.
However, the aftermath of the heist is where things start to unravel. Frank quickly realizes that he's not only dealing with Leo, but also corrupt police officers, and he's forced to take desperate measures to protect his own life and the people he loves.
The tension in Thief is expertly sustained throughout, thanks to Michael Mann's stylized direction and the film's terrific performances. James Caan is fantastic as Frank, bringing a raw intensity and vulnerability to the character that makes him a compelling anti-hero. Tuesday Weld is also terrific as Jessie, giving a nuanced performance as a woman who's deeply in love with Frank but who's also conflicted about his criminal lifestyle.
Another highlight of Thief is the film's atmospheric and immersive soundtrack, which features a mix of electronic and jazz music that perfectly complements the moody visuals. There are also some standout supporting performances, including a memorable cameo by country music legend Willie Nelson as a fellow crook who helps Frank pull off the heist.
Overall, Thief is a gripping and well-crafted crime drama that remains a standout of the genre. It's a film that's both stylish and authentic, and one that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Thief is a 1981 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 78.