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The Italian Job
Director: F. Gary Gray (2003)
Distributor: United
International Pictures (UK) Ltd. Certificate: 12A
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Main Characters:
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The Italian Job
Director: F. Gary Gray (2003)
Distributor: United
International Pictures (UK) Ltd. Certificate: 12A
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Main Characters:
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While this remake of a classic does not manage to 'blow the bloody doors off' (if you don't know what I'm taking about, watch the original!) it is certainly not a let down. The film begins with a multi-talented gang of thieves successfully stealing a safe containing a fortune in gold bullion from under the noses of its heavily armed guards. Led by heist master John ~ and right-hand man Charlie, the team comprises: computer genius Lyle, a.k.a. The Napster; Left Ear, the explosives expert; Handsome Rob, the smooth-talking wheels man; and burglary artist Steve.
Following a high speed escape by boat through
the canals of Venice, the team are celebrating their success when double crossed
by Steve, who kills John and leaves the rest of them for dead. However, the
team escape and the film resumes one year later with Charlie arriving at the
office of John's daughter, safe technician Stella (Charlize Theron). Charlie
informs Stella that Steve has been spotted in Los Angeles and persuades her
to join the team in an attempt to steal back the gold and, in doing so, avenge
her father's death.
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After lots of high-speed action ~ great advertising for minis ~ and a battle of wits between Charlie and Steve, the team eventually succeed. They get the gold and Steve gets what he deserves, courtesy of some unpleasant Ukrainian gangsters whom he crosses along the way. |
There are some great scenes in the film, including Lyle's gridlocking of LA's roads as he hacks into the traffic control centre, and the minis zooming through the underground system. Brief flashbacks of how the characters developed their particular skills are also very funny. Any remake of a classic film runs the risk of falling flat but this new version of The Italian Job is very much in keeping with the spirit of the original.
THROUGH THE LENS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
Some key themes: betrayal and revenge
Steve is a pretty obnoxious character in the film
and you find yourself rooting for the team as they seek to steal back the gold
from him. There is also a real sense of satisfaction when the Ukrainian gangsters
take him away for what is sure to be a gruesome and lingering death. Of course,
this is just a film and rooting for 'the good guys' (even though they, too,
are really 'bad guys') is what we like to do. But taking a step back, it raises
some questions about betrayal and revenge.
One of the hardest things to face in life is being let down by someone who we
thought we could trust. In the film it is Steve who betrays his friends for
personal gain. An instinctive response to being betrayed is to get even. The
gang get the gold back, Steve is presumably killed, and everyone lives happily
ever after. Away from the movies, life is not so clear cut.
Whether in the context of personal relationships or in the attitudes that nations
have towards each other, any approach that seeks to pay back evil with evil
can never ultimately bring about good. For example, just look at what is happening
in Israel and Palestine at this time. The cycle of violence will only be broken
when one side decides not to pay back one act of savagery with another.
Seeking revenge for wrongs committed against us is a natural human response
and is certainly understandable. Yet the Christian challenge is to overcome
that initial urge and react with love. Jesus himself speaks of the need to love
our enemies and be merciful just as God is merciful (Luke 6.27-36). Similarly,
Paul encourages us: 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good'
(Romans 12.21).
The easiest response to those who hurt and betray us is to hit back in some
way. The best, but most difficult, response is to try and find it in our hearts
to forgive, to let love not hate have the last word.
Have your say on the discussion forum....
· In the film, did Steve get what he deserved in the end?
· What do you think about the Christian call to repay evil with good ~ is it realistic, can it work in practice, has it ever worked for you?
· Have you ever experienced someone holding a grudge against you? If so, what did it feel like?
To discuss this further why not leave a message of the discussion forum.
