King of Thieves Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of geriatric geezers try to rob a vault, forget where they parked the getaway scooter, and then argue over who gets the Werther’s Originals.

🍿 King of Thieves: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Loss and The Plan

Brian Reader, an aging but still sharp thief, mourns the loss of his wife. Bored and restless, he’s approached by Basil, a younger man with a daring plan to rob the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company. The plan sparks Brian’s interest, offering him a chance to feel alive again and secure his legacy.

Assembling the Crew

Brian gathers a crew of fellow seasoned criminals: Terry Perkins, Kenny Collins, Danny Jones, and Carl Wood. Despite their age and various ailments, they possess unique skills and a shared desire for one last big score. Initial camaraderie is high, fueled by shared history and the thrill of the impending heist.

The Heist

Over the Easter weekend, the crew executes their plan. Disguised as servicemen, they enter the deposit, bypass security, and begin drilling into the vault. Technical difficulties and internal conflicts arise, testing their resolve. Brian briefly pulls out due to the issues, but the remaining crew members continue.

Aftermath and Paranoia

The heist is successful, yielding millions in cash, jewelry, and gold. However, the initial excitement quickly gives way to paranoia and mistrust. Disputes over the division of the loot erupt, fracturing the group. The police investigation intensifies, closing in on the gang.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brian Reader (Michael Caine): A renowned elderly thief who masterminds the Hatton Garden heist after the death of his wife.
• Terry Perkins (Jim Broadbent): A ruthless and greedy member of the heist crew who clashes with Brian over the loot.
• Danny Jones (Ray Winstone): A menacing and volatile member of the gang, known for his thuggish behavior.
• Kenny Collins (Tom Courtenay): An aging career criminal, easily swayed and somewhat unreliable in the heist.
• Basil (Charlie Cox): Brian Reader’s tech-savvy associate who provides the initial idea for the Hatton Garden heist.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brian Reader: “The problem with gold is the effect it has on people. It drives them crazy. I blame the Old Testament.” – Brian’s opening narration sets the stage for the film’s themes of greed and betrayal.
• Terry Perkins: “We’re not burglars, we’re villains.” – Terry says this in order to let the group know that they will be professionals at the heist.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,518
• Worldwide Gross: $11,517,629

💥 King of Thieves Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went in expecting a fun, lighthearted heist movie with a bunch of legendary actors. What I got was… okay. The first half was genuinely funny, seeing these old guys try to plan a heist. Jim Broadbent was surprisingly menacing! But the second half just dragged, with everyone bickering. It felt like a missed opportunity to make something truly great. Still, seeing Michael Caine on screen is always a treat!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true crime stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films with ensemble casts of veteran actors”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language and profanity”
  • “Implied violence”
  • “Themes of greed and betrayal”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Marsh assembles a stellar cast, and though the film is undeniably entertaining, it never quite reaches the heights its potential promised. The comedy feels a bit forced, but the performances are undeniably strong.
• The Guardian: “Despite the impressive ensemble, *King of Thieves* feels surprisingly flat. The script relies too heavily on Cockney rhyming slang and the pacing is sluggish, resulting in a rather underwhelming heist movie.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the cast’s collective talent is undeniable, the film struggles to find a consistent tone. Is it a dark comedy? A gritty crime drama? Ultimately, it’s a decent but not particularly memorable retelling of a fascinating true story.

Audience Reactions

The cast’s amazing performances and comedic timing were hilarious.: Most viewers enjoyed the stellar performances of the veteran British actors, especially their chemistry and comedic delivery.

It was cool to see flashbacks to the actors’ earlier crime movies during the opening credits.: A lot of people liked the clever use of archive footage showing the younger versions of the actors in their iconic roles.

Overall Consensus: A decent but unremarkable heist film elevated by its cast, though it struggles with pacing and tone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary in London during Easter 2015.”
• “To visually represent the characters’ criminal pasts, the film incorporates snippets of past British crime movies featuring the actors in their younger days.”
• “Ray Winstone actually went to school with the real Danny Jones, the character he portrays in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch King of Thieves?

Currently, ‘King of Thieves’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major subscription streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed King of Thieves, you might like these similar films:

• The Lavender Hill Mob (1951): A classic British comedy about a mild-mannered bank clerk who masterminds a gold bullion robbery.
• The Italian Job (1969): Another iconic British heist film, known for its daring robbery and Mini Cooper chase scene.
• American Animals (2018): A modern crime film based on a real heist attempt, exploring the motivations and consequences of crime.

🛒 King of Thieves Related Products

• King of Thieves [Blu-ray]: Own the film in stunning high definition with bonus behind-the-scenes features and cast interviews. A perfect addition to any film lover’s collection.
• Hatton Garden: The Inside Story: Delve deeper into the real-life heist with this gripping non-fiction account. Discover the true story behind the events depicted in the movie.
• The Italian Job (1969) [Blu-ray]: The quintessential British heist film starring Michael Caine, offering a delightful mix of action and humor.
• Funko Pop! Michael Caine (Harry Palmer): A stylized collectible figure of Harry Palmer, one of Caine’s early iconic roles. Perfect for fans to add to their memorabilia collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

King of Thieves features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “What’cha Gonna Do About It” – performed by Small Faces
• “Main Title Theme – King of Thieves” – performed by Benjamin Wallfisch

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Did you know Aladdin’s dad was actually a pretty big deal? This video dives deep into the story of Cassim, the King of Thieves, and explains why he wasn’t around for Aladdin’s childhood. It’s a surprisingly complex backstory!

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