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Thief

Play trailer Poster for Thief R 1981 2h 2m Crime Drama Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 86 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A highly skilled jewel thief, Frank (James Caan) longs to leave his dangerous trade and settle down with his girlfriend, Jessie (Tuesday Weld). Eager to make one last big score in order to begin living a legitimate life, Frank reluctantly associates with Leo (Robert Prosky), a powerful gangster. Unfortunately for Frank, Leo wants to keep him in his employ, resulting in a tense showdown when he finally tries to give up his criminal activities once and for all.
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Thief

Thief

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Critics Consensus

Thief's enigmatic conclusion will rob some audiences of satisfaction, but it's an authentic and sleekly rendered neo-noir, powered by a swaggering James Caan at the peak of his charisma.

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Critics Reviews

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Michael Maza Arizona Republic 07/07/2022
Their courting scenes are masterpieces of flat-out negotiation, harshly lit, and yet somehow Caan and Ms. Weld touch their mutual attraction with an aura of romance. Go to Full Review Michael Blowen Boston Globe 07/07/2022
Thief looks like a good movie... But, in spite of director Michael Mann's authentic sets and a workmanlike performance by Caan, the film never crackles. It merely ambles across the screen with no particular place to go. Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 07/07/2022
3/4
The film's big acting surprise is the performance by Robert Prosky as Leo. In addition to the film's nighttime photography, it is the character of Leo who gives Thief much of its power and realism. Go to Full Review David Harris Spectrum Culture Sep 3
Like Frank, the character he masterfully plays in Thief, it is impossible to fully like James Caan. But if you look closely, you can see how guys like Tony Soprano wouldn’t exist without Caan’s influence there to pave the way first. Go to Full Review Ray Pride Newcity 07/02/2024
10/10
Chicago as a city of dreamy steely blues and sparkling orange and gleaming fluorescence and stately neon. The lights of late, lamented twenty-four-hour delis... always artfully doubled across blackest pavement. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 09/22/2023
Michael Mann brought a new sensibility to the American crime movie with his feature debut ... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bilbo B. @NolanEnthusiast Mar 3 Michael Mann has arguably the top 2 heist movies in the game. Thief is way ahead of its time and it’s hard to believe it released in 1981, but thankfully James Caan was around at the time. He was perfect for this role and really elevates the main character. The camera shots, as well as the dialogue are also phenomenal. Although it does have sort of a predictable ending, it’s still really suspenseful and keeps you on the edge of your seat. See more tucker s @tucker83014 Jan 5 complete waste of time See more Benjamin H @RT54005248 Dec 16 Thief is a masterful, suspenseful and nuanced crime thriller and directorial debut for Michael Mann with his distinct neo-noir style and athmosphere. The cinematography is beautiful and the late great James Caan delivers a fantastic performance as safecracker Frank. If i had to nitpick something, it would be that the relationship between Frank and his wife could have been a little better explored, but i still thought it was great and interesting, which is definitely proven in a restaurant scene that was truly engrossing and well-written. See more Harrison B @emailaddress Dec 15 Really great and you can see the influence on Uncut Gems. See more Vincent S. @Vin_E_At_The_Movies Nov 3 Thief is a modern film noir classic announcing the arrival of one our very best Directors, Michael Mann. James Caan gives, along with The Gambler, my two favorite performances of Caan’s career. Crisp, violent and enthralling. See more Sebastian L @RT53077800 Oct 19 If nothing else Thief could be enjoyed solely for its cinematography and its score. It just so happens that besides from being a masterclass in mood and style it is also a story with real characters and real stakes. It might not take you on a intellectual voyage but it certainly will make you feel things. See more Read all reviews
Thief

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Mann

Director

James Caan

Frank

Tuesday Weld

Jessie

Willie Nelson

Okla

Jim Belushi

Barry

Robert Prosky

Leo

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Thief

Thief (1981) Thief (1981) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis A highly skilled jewel thief, Frank (James Caan) longs to leave his dangerous trade and settle down with his girlfriend, Jessie (Tuesday Weld). Eager to make one last big score in order to begin living a legitimate life, Frank reluctantly associates with Leo (Robert Prosky), a powerful gangster. Unfortunately for Frank, Leo wants to keep him in his employ, resulting in a tense showdown when he finally tries to give up his criminal activities once and for all.
Director
Michael Mann
Producer
Jerry Bruckheimer, Ronnie Caan
Screenwriter
Michael Mann
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
United Artists
Rating
R
Genre
Crime, Drama, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 27, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 16, 2008
Runtime
2h 2m
Sound Mix
Surround
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