This cool, slick and often violent crime drama is gritty, tense and action-packed. It's also, however, a story which features a selection of fascinating characters that are brought to life convincingly by a fine cast of actors who make everything that transpires seem totally authentic. The use of ex-criminals in certain roles and some great hardboiled dialogue, also add to the realistic style of the whole production.
"Thief" is a movie that looks particularly good. The night-time scenes which feature rainy streets, neon lights and vivid colours are awesome and the brilliant synth score by Tangerine Dream is perfectly fitted to the tense, urban environment in which the action is played out.
Frank (James Caan) is a highly-skilled jewel thief who was state raised and spent eleven years in prison before achieving success in his chosen profession. In prison he benefited from the guidance of his mentor Okla (Willie Nelson) and also learnt that in order to survive in his business, it's essential to have no fear and to show no signs of vulnerability. This belief had made Frank fiercely independent and his only trusted friend and collaborator is Barry (James Belushi), who's a security equipment expert.
Frank runs into a problem when his regular fence is murdered and some money that's owed to him is missing. During his pursuit of the money, he crosses paths with a Chicago crime boss called Leo (Robert Prosky) who sets up heists and employs people to carry them out. As an admirer of Frank's work, Leo promises him the opportunity to become a millionaire in just four months if he works for him. Although impressed by the rewards on offer, Frank is reluctant to go against his principles and team up with Leo.
Frank privately longs for a conventional lifestyle and when he meets Jessie (Tuesday Weld) who's an attractive cashier at a diner, the potential value of Leo's offer starts to become more appealing. Frank reasons that if he could do one major job for Leo, he could then retire and settle down to a happy family life. Unfortunately, after Frank carries out a robbery for Leo, what follows doesn't correspond with Frank's vision and violent consequences ensue.
James Caan is marvellous as the tough professional who's persuaded to abandon his long-held principles in order to achieve a cherished ambition and Robert Prosky is fantastic as the ultra-manipulative crime boss who is seemingly calm and helpful but also has an immense capacity for violence. Willie Nelson makes an extraordinary impact in his relatively minor role as someone who means a great deal to Frank and Tuesday Weld is convincingly streetwise and empathetic as the woman in whom Frank confides.
"Thief" was Michael Mann's first feature film and as well as being technically impressive and exciting to watch, it contains a certain level of humanity that distinguishes it from the majority of similar thrillers.
"Thief" is a movie that looks particularly good. The night-time scenes which feature rainy streets, neon lights and vivid colours are awesome and the brilliant synth score by Tangerine Dream is perfectly fitted to the tense, urban environment in which the action is played out.
Frank (James Caan) is a highly-skilled jewel thief who was state raised and spent eleven years in prison before achieving success in his chosen profession. In prison he benefited from the guidance of his mentor Okla (Willie Nelson) and also learnt that in order to survive in his business, it's essential to have no fear and to show no signs of vulnerability. This belief had made Frank fiercely independent and his only trusted friend and collaborator is Barry (James Belushi), who's a security equipment expert.
Frank runs into a problem when his regular fence is murdered and some money that's owed to him is missing. During his pursuit of the money, he crosses paths with a Chicago crime boss called Leo (Robert Prosky) who sets up heists and employs people to carry them out. As an admirer of Frank's work, Leo promises him the opportunity to become a millionaire in just four months if he works for him. Although impressed by the rewards on offer, Frank is reluctant to go against his principles and team up with Leo.
Frank privately longs for a conventional lifestyle and when he meets Jessie (Tuesday Weld) who's an attractive cashier at a diner, the potential value of Leo's offer starts to become more appealing. Frank reasons that if he could do one major job for Leo, he could then retire and settle down to a happy family life. Unfortunately, after Frank carries out a robbery for Leo, what follows doesn't correspond with Frank's vision and violent consequences ensue.
James Caan is marvellous as the tough professional who's persuaded to abandon his long-held principles in order to achieve a cherished ambition and Robert Prosky is fantastic as the ultra-manipulative crime boss who is seemingly calm and helpful but also has an immense capacity for violence. Willie Nelson makes an extraordinary impact in his relatively minor role as someone who means a great deal to Frank and Tuesday Weld is convincingly streetwise and empathetic as the woman in whom Frank confides.
"Thief" was Michael Mann's first feature film and as well as being technically impressive and exciting to watch, it contains a certain level of humanity that distinguishes it from the majority of similar thrillers.