Cast
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Jean Servais
as Tony le Stéphanois
Carl Möhner
as Jo le Suedois
Robert Manuel
as Mario Ferrati
Janine Darcey
as Louise
Pierre Grasset
as Louis Grutter aka Louis le Tatoué
Robert Hossein
as Rémi Grutter
Marcel Lupovici
as Pierre Grutter
Dominique Maurin
as Tonio
Magali Noël
as Viviane
Marie Sabouret
as Mado
Claude Sylvain
as Ida Ferrati
Jules Dassin
as Cesar le Milanais
Armandel
as Second Gambler
Alain Bouvette
as Footman, 'L'Age D'Or'
Alice Garan
as
Crew
Director
- Jules Dassin
Producer
- Henri Bérard
- René Bezard
- Pierre Cabaud
Reviews
badelf
A 1955 classic whose story and production values have not aged. Sure, security technology has changed, and special effects have advanced. In spite of that, this movie has all the marks of a perfect film. Only one thing depicted in Rififi is no longer true: There is no longer any "honor among thieves". In my grandfathers time, thieves (Mafia?) had an honor code, or as it's called in this movie, "the rules". In today's world, the criminals (many of whom are the politicians and CEOs of monopolies) have no moral compass whatsoever. If that dates this movie, so be it. It's still a fantastic action film!
Jan 14, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Rififi examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jules Dassin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1955, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rififi took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1232 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 442 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rififi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Soft Skin, which focuses more on action than character development, Rififi subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Russian Dolls and The Secret explore similar territory, Rififi stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 13, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $200,000
- Revenue: $460,000
