Iffy for 16+
Caper movie mixes clichés, brutal violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this edgy heist thriller has several scenes that show or insinuate "kinky" sex (bondage, domination) being paid for by British government officials. There's also partial nudity (breasts) and a thematic focus on scandals involving pornography and prostitution. Violence includes the prolonged torture/murder of a sympathetic crook; you can also expect plenty of gun use and fighting. Drugs (both dealing and smuggling) are discussed frequently, and scenes show marijuana use, cigarette smoking, and drinking. Language includes lots of "f--k"s, plus other profanity and British slang ("wanker," etc.).
- Families can talk about how heist movies tend to portray their "heroes." Even though they're planning robberies, characters like Terry and the guys in the Ocean's movies are sympathetic -- is that realistic? What defines a "good guy" and a "bad guy"? How does this movie make Terry and his outlaw gang seem less offensive than the bad cops and government authorities? Viewers who want to know more about the unsolved real-life 1971 robbery that inspired the movie can click here.
What to watch for
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Violence: Gangsters carry guns and beat and torture their opponents. Weapons include guns, knives, and a blow torch. Images include bloody gunshot wounds and a dead body post-torture by burning. Thugs threaten the hero by smashing cars at his workplace. A stereotypical militant postures aggressively throughout the film and menaces an associate's girlfriend, eventually shooting her in a grave in Trinidad (this scene is brutal; she dies off screen, but you hear the shot and see her decayed body dug up by authorities weeks later).
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Sex: Several sex scenes. Two women and a man have sex -- nakedness is clear (bare backs and breasts). In a sex club, a dominatrix whips a man in his underwear; there are women in bras and panties, some showing breasts and nipples. Scene in a bank vault features kissing and pawing. Photo intended for blackmail shows blurry sexual situations. Strippers appear in a club clad in thongs and nipple pasties. Sexual slang includes talk about oral sex, genitals, "tits," "wankers," and "prick."
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Language: Lots of swearing, particularly "f--k." Other language includes "s--t" (sometimes used with "-hole" and "dog-"), "ass," "c--t," and "bastard."
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Consumerism: London banks shown include Lloyds and Barclays.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Gangsters and cops are involved in drug dealing and smuggling. Frequent cigarette smoking and drinking in pubs and other social situations. Conversation about ganja; several scenes show marijuana smoking. A gangster takes prescription pills for kidney stone pain.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Suspenseful sleeper by becmckee
The fact that this movie was based upon an actual bank robbery drew me to see the film. But I'm recommending it for its clever style and quick pace. There is an element of the haves vs. the have-nots, and what happens when someone in each of those groups crosses to the other side. The film shows that as one secret leads to another and another, then things can come crashing down pretty hard. I liked these British actors very much -- thought they were very true to character. The ONLY annoyance was that I had to listen very intently to the British speak to get all the nuisances of the dialog, and I'm sure I missed some. Good action film -- worth the money!
3
It's a Job figuring out all the plot details. by suemarie
The movie was O.K. Jason Statham is a real star, sexy with that likeability factor no matter what kind of character he plays. The bank robbery is a minor part of the movie. The real plot of the movie is the stories of the people that would be impacted if the contents of their safe deposit boxes get exposed. Those stories are complex and a little confusing. If you like complicated, interweaving plot twists and turns you will like this. There is some nudity and a little violence.
4
A Good Little Movie by Sorokahdeen
Conceived and executed in near do***entary fashion, The Bank Job easily outshines a great deal of the action adventure-fare that has been on offer over the last twelve months; inviting David-and-Goliath comparison with its big-budget brethren (it's better and smarter than, "I am Legend" was, but then, what isn't?). Its flaws and occassional moments of clumsiness are purely mechanical--out in the open and you gloss over them. There's a lack of pretension about 'The Bank Job' that is genuinely refreshing; almost as if they couldn't fit the bad stuff in the script into the budget.
in a lot of ways, the Bank Job is the perfect date movie: It has enough action, nudity and suspense for the guy, while providing enough relationship tension to keep the woman awake. Despite some very clumsy, very obvious moments and an overall approach to humanity that might ignite some after-movie conversation, the Bank Job is a good and safe movie and it is even fun to watch.
4
Well thought-out action by ChasEdits
A political activist/common criminal achieves immunity through blackmail. But the British government learns where he keeps the photographs. Using back channels, they con a group of thieves to rob the bank. The agreement is that they keep everything except the contents of box 118. However, things get complicated when the thieves find more than anyone had anti****ted. The script is clear, well written, and well acted. The R rating is appropriate, but the blood and gore is mostly off-screen, suggested in a Hitch**** manner. The characters are believable and the time flies. Good flick
5
MUST SEE by KEEPING IT REEL 2 REEL
My first review. As someone who sees 24 or more movies a year I want to first say that I think Critics are out of touch with moviegoers. Yes, they give their opinion but what the overwhelming don't do is tell you who will enjoy a movie.
The Bank Job is well written, well acted and well paced. Characters are nicely developed and the movie just continues a nice flow from start to finish.
Based on a real life events back in the early 70's in London. I wouldn't say this movie is geared toward teenagers but I can certainly see them enjoying this movie if they go. For the casual movie goer over 21 and especially for movie buffs over 21 who go often, this is one of those "sure" picks guaranteed to entertain.
The most well known actor in the movie, Jason Statham, (known for his action movies) provides another solid performance. So if you're having a minor struggle deciding on which movie to choose, let me choose this one for you. Rated GE Guaranteed Entertainment
4
The Bank Job by justin2crunk
The bank job was a great movie!! Not the usual Jason Statham action movie, so dont go with the expectations of watching him flipping or tossing people all over the place. The movie depicts a bank robbery that overturned scandal everywere. Without giving up the plot, Statham and his low rent con-man buddies get a oppurtunity to rob a bank. The oppurtunity, coming from one of his old love flames, seems perfect until they find out the real reason they were hired to rob the bank. Statham soon finds out that they were sent to remove blackmail pictures from a safe deposit box. Along with the pictures and the money they pick up more incriminating evidence of british officials and police. When the bank finds out that everything is gone, Statham and his buddies soon have every higher power in Britain chasing them down for what they have. The movie has strong sexuality in it and graphic nudity but I didn't mind because we are all adults. This movie is not for children of any kind1111
5
THE BANK JOB by richarddirenzo
I'M A BIG FAN ON MOVIES BASED ON REAL EVENTS. THIS SITUATION IN LONDON BACK IN THE '70 REALLY DIDN'T GET THE PRESS COVERAGE THAT IT MUST HAVE RECEIVED IN LONDON AT THAT TIME. THE EXPRESSION "YOU CAN 'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP" COMES TO MY MIND WHEN I THINK ABOUT. THE ACTING WAS GREAT, THE PACE OF THE FILM WAS PERFECT AND I WAS CAPTIVATED TOTALLY FOR ALMOST 2 HOURS. THIS WAS MY KIND OF MOVIE ALTHOUGH I DOUBT IF ANY AWARDS WILL COME IT'S WAY BUT STILL YA GOTTA GO.
5
The Bank Job.... by orrange
Its been a long time since ive seen a movie like this. Very smart, action packed, well acted, and interesting....made more interesting by the fact that most of the story is true
5
What a movie! by jjurgy
Again I went to see this not knowing what to expect. Great movie, Action, Drama, Comedy, and Witty Humor made this a must see movie! If you see nothing else this year just take a moment and see this movie it's really good.
4
One of better movie of the year. by heechy77
I thought the movie, The Bank Job, was very good. There were lots of twists and turns that made this story very interesting. I would say that this is equivalent to Ocean's 11 when it first came out but not as funny. I would say that if you're with your friends and have nothing to do, this is something that's worth while. Enjoy... =)