For anyone who enjoys the classic episodes of Mission: Impossible this film is a must see. There is no long preamble, no waiting for the third act before getting to the good stuff the plot, in more ways than one, is underway the instant the opening titles appear on the screen. Albert, (Philippe Leroy) an incomparably brilliant, completely unflappable criminal genius, known as the Professor, has masterminded a bold and elaborate criminal operation to remove £7,000,000.00 of gold bricks from a supposedly impregnable bank vault. In this endeavor he is assisted by Adolf, Aldo, Alfonso, Alfred, Anthony and August, an international crew of thieves with specialized skills. Also on board is the Professor's delightfully amoral femme fatal girlfriend, Giorgia, played by former Helen of Troy, Rossana Podestà. As one might guess from the characters names, the film has a decidedly humorous slant, though it is kept very natural, without any of the camp that would have been inevitable had the film been made only few years later.
The theft itself is as meticulous as it is clever, with just the right amount of the unexpected popping up to keep the story exciting and the viewer hooked. And just when it looks like film is ready to wrap up, the plot swings into series of comedic betrayals that keeps the audience entertained right up to the end. The Seven Golden Men is an original, inventive, essentially light hearted and highly enjoyable caper film.
The movie was successful enough to warrant a sequel, The Seven Golden Men Strike Again, two years later.
The Seven Golden Men is available in a gorgeous widescreen DVD release in Japan, complete with both the original Italian audio track and an alternate English language track. The subtitles, in Japanese, are optional.
The theft itself is as meticulous as it is clever, with just the right amount of the unexpected popping up to keep the story exciting and the viewer hooked. And just when it looks like film is ready to wrap up, the plot swings into series of comedic betrayals that keeps the audience entertained right up to the end. The Seven Golden Men is an original, inventive, essentially light hearted and highly enjoyable caper film.
The movie was successful enough to warrant a sequel, The Seven Golden Men Strike Again, two years later.
The Seven Golden Men is available in a gorgeous widescreen DVD release in Japan, complete with both the original Italian audio track and an alternate English language track. The subtitles, in Japanese, are optional.