(Flash Review)
Cut fun the same cloth as Rififi (1955), Rififi is tailored suit, while Le Cercle Rouge is merely something grabbed off the rack. Both are stylish and intricate heist films with minimal dialog and stark shot framing. Le Cercle Rouge starts off with a chap being released from prison and immediately getting back to his bread and butter, stealing, by meeting up with a skilled former policeman and later and unconvincing, I must add, a third man who is actively on the run after a daring escape from police custody. Later on the three plan an elaborate jewelry store heist full of bravado and arrogance. Will they succeed or fail? Live or die? They are all smooth and confident blokes who don't say much which is echoed by the lack of music in the film. While patiently paced, it feels dull at times and there are too many eye rolling plot decisions which hurts the overall effect. Overall, it was stylish and fun but could have been stronger.
Cut fun the same cloth as Rififi (1955), Rififi is tailored suit, while Le Cercle Rouge is merely something grabbed off the rack. Both are stylish and intricate heist films with minimal dialog and stark shot framing. Le Cercle Rouge starts off with a chap being released from prison and immediately getting back to his bread and butter, stealing, by meeting up with a skilled former policeman and later and unconvincing, I must add, a third man who is actively on the run after a daring escape from police custody. Later on the three plan an elaborate jewelry store heist full of bravado and arrogance. Will they succeed or fail? Live or die? They are all smooth and confident blokes who don't say much which is echoed by the lack of music in the film. While patiently paced, it feels dull at times and there are too many eye rolling plot decisions which hurts the overall effect. Overall, it was stylish and fun but could have been stronger.