Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Michael Caine, Michael Gambon, Charlie Cox, Tom Courtenay, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Francesca Annis, Paul Whitehouse, Kellie Shirley, Martha Howe-Douglas, Ann Akin, Adam Leese, Claire Lichie.

There is no honour amongst thieves, however, there is always truth, infallibility and greed and it always makes for a great story to be retold, examined and pursued; regardless of whether it is steeped in fiction, or the absurdity of truth, the heist film is one of intricate plans and betrayal, and it is one in which King of Thieves is a good quality diamond in which to fall in love with.

The biggest robbery in British criminal history, the biggest downfall since the Krays, the British public love a story of salaciousness and greed, even if they disapprove of theft, they will still cheer on the underdog and the mastermind who pulls of such a daring scheme. It is in our nature to sentence them to prison but still in private or after a few drinks with friends, we applaud their ingenuity, their skill, The Hatton Gardens robbery stirs the imagination in the same way that the Great Train Robbery does, it feeds the desire to be on the outside, whilst still retaining the mark of respectability.

The world will be a poorer place in which to see cinematic treasures unfold when the likes of Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent and Ray Winstone decide to call it a day, three fine actors, three extraordinary presences; when the dust settles on their career, King of Thieves will surely be amongst the films of theirs in which to study the nuances of their craft. This is highlighted with great fondness as the film comes to its conclusion, the interweaving of moments from iconic films in which have each portrayed criminals is genius, especially in the rough diamond of Ray Winstone, an actor who has spent virtually all his acting life playing the angry, the cunning and the on the outside man, from Scum to the King of Thieves, his prowess on screen is indomitable.

However for all this pain staking beauty, it does come to something when you can watch Michael Caine on screen and know that with the turn of a single eye, a half sneer forming on the lips and the slight increase in tempo in vocal range, and you still have a man that you would never want to cross, the fear is such that Michael Caine will always be appreciated for his sheer will and talent. Despite the great man’s age, the charisma is unyielding and the dignity in performance a proud aura of invincibility.

Truth is often stranger than fiction, quite often it is a lot more entertaining, and in King of Thieves the story of the robbery of the Hatton Gardens Heist is one of crafted beauty, if a little on the side of bizarre and unrealistic sense of honour that came crashing down around the men involved.

There is no honour amongst thieves but in the place of humour, a story of greed and the idea that a gang of older criminals could pull of such a daring proposition, the King of Thieves is a tale of personality, charm even and one that will no doubt be recreated time and time again, after all, thievery is not restricted to monetary value but in terms of ideas.

Ian D. Hall