Thief

Frank (James Caan) is a successful jewel thief working independently and building up resources. He's a man in a hurry: prison robbed him of over a decade of his life. He has a plan to get himself back on track to the life he always wanted but he's going to have to strongarm other people to get it.

When things with a fence go bad after his latest job it brings him into contact with the Chicago Mob and after a tense confrontation they offer him work.

Having always worked for himself he's reluctant but they dangle such a big job he thinks this could be his ticket out of the game and accepts.

No good will come of this.

CW: all manner of slurs, child trafficking

Michael Mann's debut is one of the archetypes of the heist movie.

Frank isn't particularly nice: he semi-bullies his girlfriend Jess (Tuesday Weld) into a more serious relationship, which works out, and generally bulldozes his way through life. He is however honourable and generous while he goes about this and we later get an insight into why he might be like this.

It's stylish as hell. Rain slicked streets, neon and darkness. Tangerine Dream soundtrack. The heists are dirty mechanical work shown in close detail not glossed over.

Aside from this there are a few shocking dramatic moments that really make this rise above "just" being a gritty heist movie. A bit of landmark crime drama 9/10.