Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Peter Collinson's The Italian Job is an action classic that is a near flawless heist film. What makes this film standout is the great cast of phenomenal talent. This film is a great blend of thrills, action and witty comedy. Leading the cast is the great Michael Caine as Charlie… More
  Peter Collinson's The Italian Job is an action classic that is a near flawless heist film. What makes this film standout is the great cast of phenomenal talent. This film is a great blend of thrills, action and witty comedy. Leading the cast is the great Michael Caine as Charlie Croker, who is absolutely wonderful on-screen. Some may find that the film may be a bit slow, but what keeps you engaged in the story are the performances and the anticipation of the heist. Peter Collinson definitely knows how to build up the tension. What makes this film great is the combinations of comic relief, mixed with thrilling action, and add to that great performances. For me the actors that truly stood out were Michael Caine, Noel Coward (in his final role) and Benny Hill. If you're looking for one of the heist films, then give this one a shot. This film is constantly exciting with one of the best chase sequences ever put on film. The heist itself is the standout of the film, and I personally feel it's a far more inventive sequence that the 2003 remake. This film is timeless, and is just as exciting and fun as it was back then. The Italian Job is a must see for every action buff. When watching this classic, you realize how great films were back in the 60's. The film does have a few imperfections, but it succeeds due to solid directing, an engaging plot and great cast. Watching The Italian Job, you realize, they don't make action films like they used to. This is a wonderfully crafted heist film, and quite possibly the best ever in the genre.

• Daniel P

  
  Beautifully shot for its time, The (Original) Italian Job is a wacky caper flick that, for better or for worse, is about 50 per cent driving scenes. There are several good laughs, though, and the formula is simple. Plan the heist, carry out the heist. Plus, they risk a run-in with the… More
  Beautifully shot for its time, The (Original) Italian Job is a wacky caper flick that, for better or for worse, is about 50 per cent driving scenes. There are several good laughs, though, and the formula is simple. Plan the heist, carry out the heist. Plus, they risk a run-in with the mafia, and after glorious scenes of a Ferrari driving through the Alps in the opening, then being thrown off a cliff, you'll be hooked. The "chase" does dull the latter half of the film, but this is clearly a film that set a template, and one that's worth checking out... I admit that I'm now curious to see the 2000s remake.

• Spencer S

  
  The Italian Job is one of the most beloved and lauded crime capers in British history, and there are times when this is rightly so. Still, the first hour drags so much with the over explanation and boring character development you wonder why anyone would sit through the next thirty… More
  The Italian Job is one of the most beloved and lauded crime capers in British history, and there are times when this is rightly so. Still, the first hour drags so much with the over explanation and boring character development you wonder why anyone would sit through the next thirty minutes. There is a great deal of British wit and in posterity a lot of thought put into this film, and watching can let you better understand the action that unfolds later on. Still, Cain's character of lifetime criminal Charlie Croker is a bland playboy with little interesting characteristics, like a down and out Alfie. Noel Coward was a pleasant surprise on the other hand, playing an imprisoned mob leader controlling everything from his jail cell to the awe of the inmates and the honor of the prison guards. His devilish grin and villainous demeanor made for an interesting twist among the bland bunch of criminals. Even comedian Benny Hill isn't given anything to work with, though he was wildly popular at the time. Still, the heist itself makes up for a lot of the film's imperfections. Though the amount of time it takes to get there is tremendously annoying, the actual choreography of the extensive car chase was inspiring. Because we're not directly given the ensuing plan it's this gigantic surprise, the sheer genius of everything coalescing together with so much ease and suave sophistication, that caper is the only word strong enough to describe it. Warning, of course, that you will compare to Ocean's 11 throughout.

• Directors C

  
  This classic film was ruined 8 years ago by a pointless remake that had nothing to do with the original classic that is The Italian Job (1969). A film that made Michael Caine famous is among my favorite films because of its fantastic action sequences considering the films budget and… More
  This classic film was ruined 8 years ago by a pointless remake that had nothing to do with the original classic that is The Italian Job (1969). A film that made Michael Caine famous is among my favorite films because of its fantastic action sequences considering the films budget and its outrageous comedy. It's famous car chase involving the 3 mini coopers is hilarious and is always a spectacle to watch. The Italian Job has hilarious wit and a humourous style that could be loved by almost anyone.

• Conner R

  
  I'm just not a fan of this at all. It has some good ideas and interesting choices in terms of storytelling, but it's just mostly boring. There's very little chances open for you to enjoy any of the characters, except for Michael Caine. However, he is reduced to nothing… More
  I'm just not a fan of this at all. It has some good ideas and interesting choices in terms of storytelling, but it's just mostly boring. There's very little chances open for you to enjoy any of the characters, except for Michael Caine. However, he is reduced to nothing more than an outrageous stereotype and half of the time he doesn't make any sense; his motivation is all over the place. This does have a rightfully famous mini cooper chase, but it's not really anything amazing. Why this movie has such a good reputation is beyond me. It just thrives on mediocre storytelling, film making and acting. It's certainly not a classic in my opinion.

• Dean M

  
  This 1969 crime caper boasts the ultimate car chase - with no computer trickery. The long set-up is not spectacular, with dodgy pop songs and quaint, lariat humour. But the getaway action is marvellous as red, white and blue Minis leap across roofs and bounce down stairs.

• AJ V

  
  This is the original Italian Job film, with a great British cast, I really loved Caine in this movie especially. The movie has a lot of good action and excitement and comedy. The only problem is the ending, it's horrible, that's the only part that I hate, though. Overall… More
  This is the original Italian Job film, with a great British cast, I really loved Caine in this movie especially. The movie has a lot of good action and excitement and comedy. The only problem is the ending, it's horrible, that's the only part that I hate, though. Overall it's a good movie, a lot better than the remake.

• jay n

  
  Nice location work and decent performances but compared to the zippy remake rather prosaic with a bizarre finale.

• Cassandra M

  
  In a sense I was disappointed to find that I actually liked The Italian Job. For after decades of imitations and student new-lad pub bores crowbarring "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" into conversation, I was all prepared to hate it. Yet The Italian… More
  In a sense I was disappointed to find that I actually liked The Italian Job. For after decades of imitations and student new-lad pub bores crowbarring "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" into conversation, I was all prepared to hate it. Yet The Italian Job is a good film. A very good film in fact. First-class direction, all pans and upshot angles, and slyly political, though its "Cool Britannia" ethos almost seems to parody devotees of the Union Jack. Anyone watching this film for reconfirmation of the Empire is mistaken, though the team's final downfall notably comes from the only non-Caucasian member. The humour is self-conscious, but never so that it goes too far; it's always witty. Michael Caine is the archetype Michael Caine, all pointing finger and raised-voice declarations, the version mimics love to portray. Noël Coward is able support in a straightish role, though the wonderful Benny Hill parodies his own image, thus diluting his already fine (And misunderstood) ironic take on the sexual pervert. Screen realism is not an issue here, with a Mafia cameo who are hardly Don Corleone. Women are also marginalised, with only Maggie Blye getting a largish role as Caine's girlfriend, Lorna. This is the same girlfriend who hires six women to help celebrate his release from prison, and refers to fellow womankind as "birds". Yet while the film is a "boys only" club, it's far from a testosterone-led car chase, as Coward's appearance should attest. And what makes the final climatic chase so rewarding is that it's carefully, and intelligently, set up. The film is metaphorical where you wouldn't expect it to be, and well-acted all round. All of which leaves me struggling for a way to end this review. Hang on a minute, lads, I've got an idea -

• JY S

  
  <i>The Italian Job</i> from Peter Collinson isn't exactly a gem of a film; nevertheless, it finds a way to entertain.<p>For a picture that is just under 1 hour and 40 minutes, there is enough going on to fill up the opening to the end credits. The problem,… More
  <i>The Italian Job</i> from Peter Collinson isn't exactly a gem of a film; nevertheless, it finds a way to entertain.<p>For a picture that is just under 1 hour and 40 minutes, there is enough going on to fill up the opening to the end credits. The problem, however, is that the story focuses its attention on elements of the film that don't need focusing on. Well, not so long anyway.</p><p>There is a bunch of character buildup in the early going, which isn't a bad thing, although it is a bit much and on some of the wrong characters. This in turn leaves little room for in depth details regarding the planning of the heist. A lot unveils during the heist itself.</p><p>The mini cooper escape sequence isn't breathtaking, but it is still amusing to observe, as the chase takes the coopers through various unconventional places.</p><p>Michael Caine and Noel Coward are the only two actors worth noting. Benny Hill does have a character with strange traits, but in the grand scheme of things, he doesn't do much. To be more specific, there isn't enough time spent on his preparations for the heist.</p><p>Check out the lively times as <i>The Italian Job</i> comes to a conclusion with a cliff hanger. "Hang on a minute lads. I've got a great idea." Zoom out.</p>

• Chris W

  
  Unfortunately this wasn't as good as I was hoping or expecting it to be, but it is still a fun and entertaining caper film nonetheless. It is very British, and very sixties, which adds a high level of charm to the whole affair, as does Michael Caine's great and funny leading… More
  Unfortunately this wasn't as good as I was hoping or expecting it to be, but it is still a fun and entertaining caper film nonetheless. It is very British, and very sixties, which adds a high level of charm to the whole affair, as does Michael Caine's great and funny leading performance.

• Dean !

  
  A classic British film from the old days. A good cool, fun heist film with one of the best chase scenes on film as the police go after the 3 mini coopers all around Turin. Thought I'd just add I like the new Italian Job as well, but it's not a straight re-make, just similar… More
  A classic British film from the old days. A good cool, fun heist film with one of the best chase scenes on film as the police go after the 3 mini coopers all around Turin. Thought I'd just add I like the new Italian Job as well, but it's not a straight re-make, just similar ideas and also worth checking out!

• Anthony L

  
  Iconic?, yes, as good as everyone says it is?, not in my opinion, enjoyable?, yes.

• xGary X

  
  Michael Caine at his most likable stars as a con man who orchestrates a plan to steal $4 million worth of gold from a gridlocked Turin from under the noses of the mafia. Also starring Noel Coward and Benny Hill, featuring red, white and blue mini coopers and a theme song that is still… More
  Michael Caine at his most likable stars as a con man who orchestrates a plan to steal $4 million worth of gold from a gridlocked Turin from under the noses of the mafia. Also starring Noel Coward and Benny Hill, featuring red, white and blue mini coopers and a theme song that is still the staple of England football fans, The Italian Job is a British institution and couldn't be more English if the DVDs were made out of recycled spitfires. It's the daddy of the British caper movie and is still quoted by students with alarming regularity whenever they've had one too many Shandy Basses. To be honest, the plot is a little thin by the standards of the modern heist movie, and the comedy a little too broad in places, but it has such a knockabout charm and swinging 60s chic it's impossible not to like. The centrepiece is of course the car chase, and it's still worth waiting for (although I would have to advise any classic car fanatics to avert their eyes for this one!), as is the classic "cliffhanger" ending. The very idea of an American remake of this film is like an Englishman remaking The Alamo with Stephen Fry starring as Davey Crockett.

• Ken S

  
  A very groovy film shot by the amazing Douglas Slocombe

• Film C

  
  its great maybe better then the remke actaully but all originals are true british film!! love i

• Pierluigi P

  
  Classic british caper/car chase action packed flick. great cast, comedy, cars, girls and what an ending!

• Khris N

  
  Classic - Brit classics r good stuff - ending is hilarious.

• Cameron J

  
  Man, Michael Caine is so absurdly English that he's starting to bleed over into other European ethnicities, like Italy. No, but seriously though, I don't know if it's because his English accent is so thick that he probably couldn't even pass for Australia, let… More
  Man, Michael Caine is so absurdly English that he's starting to bleed over into other European ethnicities, like Italy. No, but seriously though, I don't know if it's because his English accent is so thick that he probably couldn't even pass for Australia, let alone Italian or what, but I know that Caine is sticking with his own team, much like the film itself, so don't be fooled by the title, because this film is as British as tea and crumpets. Seriously, they stopped just short of speeding up that admittedly pretty awesome final act car chase sequences and setting it to Benny Hill music, an idea they probably already had in mind until they realized that it would be just too ridiculous, which is why they just settled with getting the actual Benny Hill. Well, I guess that means that the absurdly loose 2003 "remake" was, at the very least, pretty faithful to one part of the tone of its original, for although it wasn't playing to the Brits, it was still so blasted patriotic and American that they actually had a deep voiced British guy in the cast, and it doesn't get much more American of a heist-action film than that, especially when you consider that they didn't just get your regular deep-voiced Brit, they got Jason Statham, the most American British action star working today. Wow, the Stath-Man really has found a pretty big market over here in the states, even though he too is so British that I'd imagine you'd have an easier time getting Michael Caine to do an American accent, and he probably couldn't stretch very far from his roots to save his life. Well, at least he's the more diverse actor to take on the Charlie Croker role, because Mark Wahlberg is stuck being either a nice bad guy or a mean good guy (He's not as layered of a performers as it sounds, trust me and, well, every other person who has seen more than three of his films), whereas Caine has played a war observer in "The Quiet American", Austin Powers' dad in, well, you can guess, a pothead in "Children of Men", a vengeful killer in "Harry Brown", a magician in "The Prestige" and, of course, Batman's butler, Alfred, the role he was born to play... because he had kind of been playing a different variation of the same cocky cockney role in most every film he did beforehand. Oh well, that doesn't make him any less charming now, and it certainly didn't make him any less charming back in 1969, yet that good ol' fashion English charm isn't quite enough to drown out this film's missteps, which are almost as pronounced as the accents in this film. With all of this excessive dragging, especially during the development segment, you'd think that this film would put in more than just a tiny bit of development, but no, it just goes on with very limited exposition and engagement value. It doesn't help that the film's focus is all over the place, momentarily glossing over one major thing before it jarringly jumps into an overlong meditation on something that's just barely above, if not at the line of cuttable. It's a messy film of inconsistencies and excess fat around the edges of its storyline, such as it is, and on top of that, it all comes down to a pretty big cop-out ending. Still, if this film is consistent about nothing else, then it's its being such an absurdly British film, so much so that it even has that usual dryness that you couldn't run away from back in later-mid-1900s English cinema, partially because it would bore and tire you out so much that you'd have trouble summoning enough energy to run. This is a very slow, very somber film, and unnecessarily so, being so slow as to contradict as somewhat witty general structure, and in a situation like that, if you want to have an experience that's even mildly rewarding, then you better be able to make up for that slowness with the wit. Well, sure enough, as spotty and slow as the film is, it gets you there eventually, and it's an experience worth waiting for. To me, there was nothing really impacting or even all that memorable about the project, as it's so brief and disengaging as well as rather conventional to other films of its type and era, yet that doesn't mean that the film doesn't win you over by the end. What I failed to mention about the character is that they are all so very not good, with an unrelenting cocky attitude and few likable qualities, with little exposition making matters worse. The character asepct to a film facing problems such as these is typically disastrous, and yet, while our heroes are still anything but heroic, it's hard to not follow them along fairly comfortably, almost entirely because of the humor of the film, which simply must be sharp if it's going to not only make up for the shoddy character aspects, but almost make up for the extreme slowness. The film disengages with its dryness, yet you keep coming back, as the humor is riddled with that classic English wit and snap, with eccentricities and other unique touches to the "human" aspects serving as further supplementation to the charm, as it makes our character feel distinguished enough to be rather engaging, even with their unlikable traits and limited development, and for livliness that strong, credit not only goes out to the charm provided by screenwriter Troy Kennedy Martin, but to the charm provided by, well, the underused, but still really good soundtrack, as well as Douglas Slocombe for his very handsome and fabulously-staged cinematography and John Trumper's pretty decent editing, both of which come into especially fine play during the really well-done heist segment (Man, speaking of jarringly inconsistent focus). Outside of that, the film is really brought to life by the performers, all of whom give a presence of distinctive charisma that gives the film extra livliness, while that very livliness goes fully conceived by the true leading man skills of Jude Law, Sr.-I mean, a young Michael Caine (Hey, he kind of looked like him I think), whose classically effortless charisma and lead presence leave him to comfortably embody the Charlie Croker character and make it his own (Sorry, Mark Wahlberg), while owning the film itself with winning charisma that far transcends the unredeemed flaws in his character. With all its hitches, this job has quite the strong team on it, and one that really livens up a generally involving central focus. Again, the film's general story structure is spotty and a tad disjointed, yet its overall concepts are intriguing and complex with a somewhat conventional, yet generally refreshing basic structure. True, those promising concepts go let down a fair bit in the execution, yet with all the missteps in the film that knock you clean out of it, there's still plenty that stands its ground and carries you through this picture, even with its many faults. Overall, the film feel underdeveloped and overdrawn, as well inconsistent in its focus and consistent in its dry slowness, and those are all flaws that keep the film from being terribly memorable and could have blown the project all together, yet the effort goes saved by fine style and an intriguing central focus, as well as rock-solid and somewhat unique punch-up in the dialogue and humor, giving it wit and livliness that goes powered quite far by a colorful cast, headed by the electrically charismatic Michael Caine, whose effortlessly fiery lead presence leaves him to carry the Charlie Croker character and stand as one of the biggest carriers of Peter Collinson's (Wow, now that's British) "The Italian Job", a heavily flawed but generally quite enjoyable experience. 2.5/5 - Fair

• John B

  
  Very very very fun and enjoyable to watch. I didn't see the remake but I can't imagine that the charm can be replicated here. I absolutely loved the ending.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings