Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic, fun caper has outdated views, moderate violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Italian Job (1969)
What's the Story?
THE ITALIAN JOB tells the story of Charlie Croker (Michael Caine), who is released from prison and offered the chance to do one final job. His task is to head to Italy and ambush a vehicle containing millions of pounds worth of gold, from right under the noses of the Mafia. The plan sounds simple: Create a traffic jam across the streets of Turin, steal the gold, and escape. If only it was that easy.
Is It Any Good?
Released in 1969, this is a real classic of its genre, imbued with the charm and wit of British filmmaking. The Italian Job is certainly a little of its time, but the means of storytelling is timeless, following the tried and tested narrative formula of "it was supposed to be so easy." Naturally, the ambush and theft at the heart of this tale is anything but.
Caine is at his beguiling best in the lead role, and truly this film owes much to his central performance. He brings the character to life, and it's his charm and indelible delivery that has taken this from being your substandard crime caper to being a film still watched and talked about today. The car chases are exceptional too, and ahead of their time, as they weave in and out of the picturesque Italian landscape. At just over an hour and a half, this is an easy yet always enjoyable way to spend your time -- and should remain so for decades to come.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how women are portrayed and referred to in The Italian Job. What roles did women play in the movie? How did the male characters refer to and treat them? How did this make you feel? How might the movie have differed if it had been made today? Talk about how media role models matter.
Discuss the violence and action scenes in the movie. Did the fact that much of it was stylized and without serious consequences affect how you reacted to it? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the notion of patriotism. In this movie, being overtly proud of where you are from is something to be encouraged. Do you think this is still the case today? What is the difference between being patriotic and being nationalistic?
Michael Caine is magnetic in the lead role. Has this inspired you to explore any of his other films?
The film has inspired many others since its release. What other crime capers have you seen that may have taken inspiration from this movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 3, 1969
- On DVD or streaming : October 7, 2003
- Cast : Michael Caine , Benny Hill , Noel Coward
- Director : Peter Collinson
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Classic
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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