🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: F. Gary Gray
- Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller
- Release year: 2003
- Runtime (length): 1h 51min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (396K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A bunch of thieves get their gold stolen, so they steal it back, but this time with cooler cars and a super-hacker who can control traffic lights.
🍿 The Italian Job: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Venice Heist
Led by John Bridger and Charlie Croker, a team of skilled thieves assembles in Venice, Italy, to steal $35 million in gold bars from a heavily guarded safe. The team includes an explosives expert, a computer whiz, a wheelman, and an inside man named Steve. They execute a daring plan involving underwater maneuvers and high-speed boat chases through the canals.

Betrayal in the Alps
After successfully pulling off the heist, the team retreats to the Alps near the Austrian border. However, Steve, driven by greed, betrays the group, killing John and stealing the gold for himself. The remaining members are left for dead in a freezing lake, but they manage to survive.

Revenge in Los Angeles
A year later, Charlie and the surviving members track Steve to Los Angeles. Seeking revenge and the return of their stolen gold, they enlist the help of John’s daughter, Stella Bridger, a professional safecracker. They begin plotting an elaborate heist to steal the gold back from Steve, who is now living lavishly.

Planning the Counter-Heist
The team, now including Stella, uses their combined skills to plan a complex heist involving hacking the city’s traffic system, navigating underground tunnels, and utilizing Mini Coopers for a daring escape. Lyle, the computer expert, plays a crucial role in manipulating the traffic signals, while Stella prepares to crack a new, high-tech safe.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg): The resourceful and determined leader of the heist team, seeking revenge on Steve for his betrayal.
- Steve (Edward Norton): The greedy and treacherous former ally who betrays the team and steals the gold for himself.
- Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron): A skilled safe cracker and John’s daughter who joins the team to avenge her father’s death.
- Handsome Rob (Jason Statham): The expert driver of the team, known for his cool demeanor and exceptional driving skills.
- Lyle (Seth Green): The team’s computer expert, capable of hacking into complex systems and providing crucial support.
- Left Ear (Yasiin Bey): The explosives specialist on the team, providing the necessary firepower for the heist.
- John Bridger (Donald Sutherland): A professional safe-cracker and the mentor of Charlie, who is killed by Steve’s betrayal.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Steve: “Still don’t trust me?” – Spoken to Stella, foreshadowing his duplicity and lack of trustworthiness.
- Stella: “I trust everyone. It’s the devil inside them I don’t trust.” – Stella’s response to Steve, highlighting her cautious nature and distrust of inner motivations.
- Charlie: “I’m gonna do something I should have done a long time ago.” – Said right before Charlie finally punches Steve in the face.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $60,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $106,128,601
- Worldwide Gross: $176,070,171
💥 The Italian Job Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this in theaters and just loving the energy. The Mini Cooper scenes were awesome, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how cool it would be to drive one through the subway. Charlize Theron was amazing, and I was totally rooting for her and Mark Wahlberg to get the gold back. Plus, Seth Green’s character was hilarious. Overall, it’s just a fun, rewatchable movie that always puts a smile on my face. I especially loved the part where they used the traffic lights to create a ‘green wave’. It’s the kind of heist stuff you only see in movies.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of heist movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy action-packed thrillers”
- “Those interested in car chase sequences”
- “Fans of the cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Some language”
- “Brief scenes of peril”
- “Mild thematic elements”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “The Italian Job is pure popcorn fun. The action sequences are inventive, the cast has great chemistry, and the plot is engaging enough to keep you hooked. It won’t win any awards, but it’s a solid heist movie.
- The New York Times: “While it doesn’t reach the heights of the original, this remake holds its own. The updated technology and stylish direction make it a worthwhile watch. Theron and Wahlberg are particularly good.
- Los Angeles Times: “This is a slick, well-executed heist film that’s high on style but lacking some substance. The Mini Cooper chase scenes are a highlight, but the overall story feels somewhat generic. It’s entertaining but forgettable.
Audience Reactions
The Mini Cooper chase scenes were exhilarating and creatively shot.: Viewers raved about the fast-paced action and the clever use of the Mini Coopers.
Seth Green’s comedic performance added a lot of levity to the serious heist elements.: Many appreciated the humor, especially Seth Green’s portrayal of Lyle.
Overall Consensus: A fun, stylish heist movie with memorable action sequences, a talented cast, and a crowd-pleasing plot, although some consider it inferior to the original.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The actors did most of their stunts, even driving down the stairs in the LA Metro.”
- “The production shut down various Los Angeles streets for seven days to shoot the chase scenes, which had never happened before for filming.”
- “32 Mini Coopers were used throughout the shooting.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Italian Job?
The Italian Job (2003) is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Paramount+ (subscription may be required), or rent/buy it on demand via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for cable options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Italian Job, you might like these similar films:
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Features a charismatic team executing an elaborate heist with twists and turns.
- The Town (2010): Explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the allure of a life of crime within a tight-knit group.
- Baby Driver (2017): A skilled getaway driver navigates elaborate heists with a focus on precision driving and high-stakes action, similar to the Mini Cooper chases.
- Heat (1995): A complex crime drama with a focus on professional heists and the cat-and-mouse game between criminals and law enforcement.
🛒 The Italian Job Related Products
- The Italian Job (1969) [Blu-ray]: Own the original classic featuring Michael Caine and the iconic Mini Cooper chase scenes.
- Mini Cooper S Model Car: A detailed die-cast model of the Mini Cooper S featured in the movie, perfect for display.
- Hacking for Dummies: The original hacking for dummies guide, a bit outdated, but still provides relevant value about hacking and security!
- The Italian Job [Soundtrack]: Relive the excitement with the movie soundtrack featuring high-energy tracks. The music added an emotional element to the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Italian Job features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, it’s a remake of the 1969 British film of the same name, starring Michael Caine. However, the 2003 version features a different plot and characters, while retaining the heist theme and the use of Mini Coopers.
The movie was filmed in various locations, including Venice (Italy), Los Angeles (USA), and the Alps near the Austrian border. The L.A. Metro scenes and the city-wide traffic jam were key filming locations.
The movie prominently features the new BMW Mini Coopers, which are used for the daring getaway scenes in Los Angeles. Other notable cars include an Aston Martin Vanquish, driven by Handsome Rob.
Steve is apprehended by Maskhov, a Ukrainian crime boss, who seeks revenge for Steve’s murder of a jewelry store owner. Steve is taken away by Maskhov’s men, implying that he will face severe consequences for his actions.
🔥 Bonus Content
Top 10 Jason Statham Movies
Discover the best of Jason Statham’s action-packed performances, including his iconic role in The Italian Job. The video ranks Statham’s most thrilling movies, offering a fun and informative guide for fans.
The Britalian Job – Official
Get ready for a nostalgic thrill ride as MINI pays tribute to The Italian Job with this hilarious homage. Watch as celebrities take on iconic roles and witness the classic Mini Coopers in action. It’s a fun and refreshing take on the beloved movie.
The Italian Job (2003) – Caravan Of Garbage
Join the hilarious hosts of ‘Caravan of Garbage’ as they dissect The Italian Job 2003. Get ready for laughter and sharp insights as they analyze the movie’s plot, characters, and overall impact. It’s a must-watch for fans who want a fresh and entertaining take on the classic heist flick.
When an Actor Is Too Passionate – Edward Norton
Dive into the fascinating world of Edward Norton’s passion and intensity as an actor. This video delves into his role in The Italian Job and other projects, revealing the impact of his perfectionism and drive on both the filmmaking process and the final product. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in behind-the-scenes stories and the complexities of the acting craft.
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