Do you remember the 2001 film The Big Heist? Or perhaps you’re new to the film and want to see if it’s worth watching. The film is based on the most audacious and daring robberies in history.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Big Heist, exploring the key players, the intricate planning, and the heart-stopping moments that unfolded during the robbery. Get ready to be transported back in time as we unravel the mystery and excitement of this legendary event.
The Plot of The Big Heist
The movie follows the story of a small-time gangster named Jimmy Burke, who has one last chance to score big. Jimmy yearns to make a big score before he dies. To reach his goals, Jimmy puts together a group of masterminds to steal $8 million at an airport.
The film delves into the personal lives of each character and highlights the risks they take and the circumstances they face. It explores the planning of the heist and the efforts of law enforcement looking for the criminals.
Throughout the movie, tensions rise among the members of the gang as they experience unexpected obstacles. You’ll also see the relationships the gang members have with their families and how their choices affect their loved ones.
The Big Heist Inspiration
The Big Heist is based on a 1986 book titled The Heist and also loosely based on the historical Lufthansa heist, which was a robbery that took place at JFK International Airport in 1978. During the Lufthansa heist, a crew of killers, hijackers, and loan sharks stole over $5 million in cash and jewelry.
At the time, the heist was the largest known robbery in the history of America and went on to inspire games, movies like Goodfellas, and TV shows. In just six minutes, the criminals were able to steal $5 million in unmarked bills and $800,000 worth of jewelry.
Unfortunately, authorities were never able to recover the stolen jewels or money, but people who were linked to the heist landed up in early graves or disappeared. After a decade-long investigation, only one person was convicted.
Who Stars in The Big Heist?
The Big Heist stars famous actor Donald Sutherland as Jimmy Burke. John Heard plays Richard Woods, who is an FBI agent, and Jamie Harris plays Frankie Burke. You’ll also see other familiar faces like Joe Maruzzo, Nick Sandow, and Rocco Sisto.
What Fans Say About the Movie
On IMDB, a fan expressed his distaste for The Big Heist, stating that it was a poor man’s GoodFellas. The fan went on to say that they took GoodFellas and simply expanded on the story with additional information.
But not everyone disliked the film. One viewer stated that The Big Heist was a fascinating story and was almost like a Shakespearian tragedy. The reviewer states that Donald Sutherland portrayed Jimmy’s character well.
Another reviewer stated that the film was extremely boring and didn’t live up to movies like GoodFellas. The writer went on to say that it was a low-budget schlock movie. However, Sutherland manages to make the lead character likable.
Is The Big Heist a Good Film?
Although there isn’t much information about The Big Heist on popular platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film does have its own charm. To some viewers, it may be an interesting film and gives you a much deeper look into what happened during the Lufthansa heist
The film also shows great performances from famous lead actors and a strong storyline that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. It also captures some tense moments but also has comedic relief in specific scenes.
Should You Watch The Big Heist
If you like crime drama movies or heist films like Reservoir Dogs, Oceans 11, and Donnie Brasco, then you’ll definitely enjoy The Big Heist. It has an all-star cast and an interesting plot, and it’s based on true events.
The Big Heist is a film worth watching if you’re into thrilling films that are thought-provoking and have a bit of action and suspense to keep you entertained.
Final Thoughts
It’s always a good idea to watch older films to see how movies have changed over the years. The Big Heist has that 90s charm to it, even though it’s a film that was released in 2001. So, if you like crime boss movies with twists and turns, give this film a chance and see if it stacks up to GoodFellas, which was also inspired by the Lufthansa heist.
