Based on a true story, Dick Clement and Ian LaFrenais’ The Bank Job is set in 1971, London. It follows the story of Terry, an all-British, everyday bloke who, by happenstance finds himself and his friends: Eddie (Michael Jibson), Kevin (Stephen Campbell Moore), Dave (Daniel Mays), Bambas and the femme-fatale Martine (Saffron Burrows) involved in one of the biggest heists in modern British history.

There are twists and turns galore in the plot as they come against numerous foes, including the magnate Lew Vogel played with stunning hilarity and composition by David Suchet and Michael X (Peter DeJersey), the scary, anti-establishment activist in a world basking in ‘peace and love’.

What’s more interesting about The Bank Job is its onus on the culture of secrecy that the British government often tries to deny and how far the government will go to protect the ‘good name’ of its royals. When stripped down to the bare essentials though the film remains an all-time favourite yarn; a series of bank robbers stage a massive heist, completely out of their league, no one gets arrested, no one goes to jail and none of the loot is ever recovered. The ‘D notice’ released gags the press from publishing stories suddenly, by Thursday all the articles have been erased from the national papers.

Main actor Jason Statham (Terry) has built a career on playing the same character. He grunts, he punches and quips his cockney way through many features. Sometimes it seems so unfair to the aspiring Olivier’s of this generation that his repetitive performance continues to warrant parts. However, Statham is best at what he does. He has a recognisable passion and evolves his archetype, if only by a small amount during the film. There may never be another Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels but this film is definitely a rip-roaring ride.

The locations and sets are utterly believable and the fight-action sequences leave the viewer gasping, managing to hit all the right buttons, leaving suspense and tension at frequent intervals. Director Roger Donaldson’s vision of London is uncompromisingly sexy, nostalgic and enticing. The costumes are exquisite and so are the early seventies cars, all shining, preened to perfection.

The Bank Job isn’t serious enough to make a big splash across the Atlantic however, it is everything an intelligent action film should be and definitely worth a watch.

by Elizabeth Amisu