Rififi (1955)

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Sadly Over-hyped

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

(Flash Review)This well-paced jewelry heist film has many unique scenes and stellar cinematography. Tony, just released from a five year stint in prison is ready to return to his old ways with his old pals as they have a solid caper strategized. Like many heist and gangster films, there are a few different groups of thieves attempting to outsmart the other to be the last ones standing at the end or with jewels. Beyond those aspects, the most famous part of this film is the brilliant heist scene. The director puts a lot of time into how the main thieves plan and practice, through trial and error, how to beat the alarm system. Just like with the planning, during the heist there is minimal dialog and no music so the viewer is affixed to the scenes eagerly awaiting how things will play out. There are many gritty scenes and interesting characters and this all takes place in classic Paris. A standout film in the Noir era.

Rififi holds up extremely well for over 50 years. I just need to get something off my chest. If Jules Dassin didn't acknowledge the influence of John Huston's Asphalt Jungle, shame on him. Many film viewers consider Rififi the mother of the heist film, but that's giving Mr. Dassin more credit than he deserves. He does of course deserve credit for a wonderfully made movie, and especially for detailing the plan and action of the caper, using about 30 minutes of film time. Hollywood film makers might not have allowed that, but as a French film audiences are more patient. See the wonderful films of Robert Bresson. I do think, however, that the Dassin picture is a landmark in humanizing the criminal enterprise. Whether that's good or bad is arguable. It certainly reached out to influence the broad tolerance that we have for projects like The Sopranos. It was also a powerful enough film to change public attitude about the unfair treatment given Mr. Dassin and others black listed by the Hollywood establishment.

I won't be able to add anything that hasn't already been reviewed on this site about this fabulous French movie. It's simply one-of-a-kind genius. On the cutting-edge level of "Citizen Kane", "The Godfather", and "Toy Story" as those once-in-a-generation genre-changers that every movie following wants to copy but never realizes the magic of the first time. When a movie is BANNED in countries around the globe (not censored but actually blocked from import) not because of violence or nudity, but because it is being used as a blueprint for real crime... One word: W-O-W.The movie was filmed in the mid-1950s as gangster noire so the setting is perfectly gritty and distinctly Parisian of the era. When we aren't seeing the setup for the heist or the heist itself, the story drags at times and has a touch of overacting. However, all of that is forgiven for the monumental originality in the hands of a master director. It's a shame he was blacklisted in America. What a waste of true talent. I'm thankful the French saw the genius behind the lens.This is one I've added to my collection on a recommendation from an article recently. I am soooo happy I bought it. It's also a movie I have loaned out since my first viewing simply because I want to show friends how a historically awesome film sequence can not only be seen and enjoyed, but marvel at the stunning visuals playing out before their eyes. This movie is a feast for the eyes, ears and soul. I loved this movie and cannot rank it higher than 10. Please watch the heist sequence. You've never seen anything like it and never will again. 11 out of 10.

Tony Stephanois, just out of prison and angry at his girl Mado's infidelity, decides to join his pals Jo and Mario in an ambitious crime. With Italian safe expert Cesar, they meticulously plan the burglary of a large jewelry establishment.This film is probably best known for two things: one, the half hour heist sequence that has absolutely no dialogue and no music, just the sounds of the men at work. Which is, by the way, wonderfully brilliant. And two, the fact the director was American but was working in France because he was targeted as part of the Hollywood blacklist.This is a great film. Obviously not the first film noir, not by a long shot, but clearly influential on future crime movies. Was "Ocean's 11" inspired by this film? Maybe, maybe not, but it seems like the two could be brothers.