The Heist of the Century

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 14, 2020 (USA)

Genre
Crime, Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Diego Peretti as Fernando Araujo
• Guillermo Francella as Luis Mario Vitette
• Luis Luque as Miguel Sileo
• Pablo Rago as Sebastián García Bolster
• Rafael Ferro as Alberto De la Torre
• Mariano Argento as Julián Zalloechevarría

Director
Ariel Winograd

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Sin Hijos (2015)
• Permitidos (2016)
• Mamá se fue de viaje (2017)

Producer
Marcos Carnevale, Juan Pablo García, Fernando Sokolowicz

Writer
Alex Zito, Fernando Araujo

Budget
$2.5 million (estimated)

Production Company
AZ Films, MarVista Entertainment, Telefe

Running Time
114 minutes

Languages
Spanish

Maturity Rating
Not Rated (NR)
(Contains language, some violence, and mild drug use)

Movie Story
The Heist of the Century is a riveting and comedic retelling of the true story of the most famous bank robbery in Argentina’s history. Set in 2006, the film follows a group of eccentric and highly skilled thieves who plan and execute an audacious heist on the Banco Río branch in Acassuso, a wealthy suburb of Buenos Aires.

Led by Fernando Araujo, an artist and martial arts instructor turned criminal mastermind, the gang meticulously plans the robbery, employing a mix of cunning, creativity, and bravado. The plan involves taking over the bank, holding employees and customers hostage, and escaping with millions of dollars worth of cash and valuables from the bank’s safety deposit boxes. What sets this heist apart from others is the thieves’ clever use of a network of underground tunnels and the elaborate misdirection they employ to evade capture.

The film balances tension and humor as it portrays the interactions between the robbers and their hostages, as well as the relentless efforts of law enforcement, led by Detective Miguel Sileo, to bring them to justice. As the heist unfolds, the audience is treated to flashbacks that reveal the intricate planning process and the personal motivations of each member of the gang.

The Heist of the Century is not just a crime story but also a character study, delving into the quirks and personalities of the robbers, particularly Fernando and Luis Vitette, the charismatic frontman of the operation. The film’s blend of suspense, humor, and well-crafted dialogue keeps viewers engaged from start to finish, making it both an entertaining and thrilling watch.

Special Effects
The film uses practical effects and precise cinematography to recreate the tension of the heist, including the underground tunnel sequences and the intricate mechanisms used by the robbers. The effects are realistic and enhance the believability of the heist, focusing on the ingenuity of the plan rather than relying on heavy CGI.

Box Office Performance
The Heist of the Century was a box office hit in Argentina, where it quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Its success extended to international audiences through streaming platforms, where it received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and strong performances.

Filming Locations

• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Acassuso, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Notable Quotes

• “In this life, you have to know when to walk away and when to run.” – Luis Vitette
• “We’re not stealing from people; we’re stealing from the system.” – Fernando Araujo

Behind-the-Scenes
The film’s director, Ariel Winograd, worked closely with the real-life mastermind of the heist, Fernando Araujo, who co-wrote the screenplay. This collaboration added authenticity to the film, ensuring that the portrayal of events was both accurate and dramatic. The movie captures the audacity and creativity of the heist, while also injecting humor into the characters’ interactions.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Director and Best Film at the 2021 Premios Sur (Argentine Film Critics Association Awards)
• Won Best Actor (Guillermo Francella) at the 2020 Cóndor de Plata Awards

Final Verdict
The Heist of the Century is a highly entertaining and cleverly crafted film that blends suspense with comedy to tell the story of one of the most daring bank robberies in history. With standout performances, particularly from Diego Peretti and Guillermo Francella, and a script that balances tension with humor, the film is a must-watch for fans of heist movies and true crime dramas. Its exploration of the human side of the robbers adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical crime film.

IMDb Rating
7.2/10