Review of The Good Thief (2003) by Alan S — 08 Nov 2003

Ignorant as I am, I didn't know that Neil Jordan's terrific heist film [b]The Good Thief[/b] actually was a remake of the classic film [b]Bob Le Flambeur[/b] (which I haven't seen but know of) until after I had seen it. I have to say, knowing that this is a remake makes me feel even more fond of it, especially considering how terrible most remakes turn out these days.

I didn't care much for the trailer when I saw first it, but the heist subgenre is one of my favorites so naturally I had to check it out. thankfully, the film turned out to be far greater than the trailer was. Nick Nolte has never been one of my favorite actors, but he's pretty perfect in the part of Bob. it may not be a performance deserving of an Academy Award nomination, but in my opinion it's his best role in a very long time and it's good to see such a gifted actor giving a fine performance once again. he's backed up by a fine supporting cast too, mainly in the form of Tchéky Karyo, Saïd Taghmaoui ([b]Three Kings[/b], [b]La Haine[/b]) and a wonderful young actress by the name of Nutsa Kukhianidze. a mere 18-19 years old at the time of filming she's absolutely terrific as the streetwalking teenager Anne.

another big plus is that the film was shot on location in the southern parts of France where it takes place, rather in some substitute location/backlot in the US. no offense to you Americans, but having a film be shot on location in Europe adds so much to a film's atmosphere, just take Richard Linklater's [b]Before Sunrise[/b] for example. having been to Monaco and Monte Carlo many times myself, I have to say they have captured the location wonderfully here. i've never been much of a fan of the Neil Jordan films but I have to say this is probably his best film out of the ones i've seen so far. it's got a good heist plot, solid production values and great characters performed by a very talented cast.

if you enjoy heist films as much as I do, please do yourself the favor of checking this one out. [b]The Good Thief[/b] is a very worthy entry into the heist subgenre.

**** stars out of five.