Rififi

| 1955

Directed by: Jules Dassin

Main Plot

"Rififi," directed by Jules Dassin, is a classic French heist film that follows the story of Tony, a seasoned criminal recently released from prison. Seeking to make a big score, Tony teams up with three other criminals to meticulously plan and execute a daring jewelry store robbery in Paris. The centerpiece of the film is an extended, tension-filled heist sequence, executed with precision and silence. However, the aftermath of the heist spirals into chaos as personal vendettas, betrayals, and unforeseen complications arise. The once-perfect plan unravels, leading to a gripping and tragic conclusion. The film is renowned for its realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld and its innovative heist scene, which has influenced countless films in the genre.

Characters

  • Jean Servais plays Tony le Stéphanois, a seasoned thief who masterminds a meticulously planned jewelry heist, facing moral dilemmas and betrayal.
  • Carl Möhner plays Jo le Suedois, a skilled safecracker who joins a heist team to rob a Parisian jewelry store. His expertise is crucial to the plot's success.
  • Robert Manuel plays Mario Ferrati, a skilled safecracker who joins a group of thieves planning an elaborate jewelry heist. His expertise is crucial to the operation's success.

Ending Explained

In the 1955 film "Rififi," directed by Jules Dassin, the ending culminates in a tense and tragic resolution. After successfully executing a meticulously planned jewelry heist, the gang members face the consequences of their actions. Tony "le Stéphanois," the mastermind behind the heist, discovers that his godson, Tonio, has been kidnapped by rival gangsters who demand the stolen jewels as ransom. Tony retrieves the jewels and sets out to rescue the boy. In a climactic showdown, Tony manages to save Tonio and eliminate the rival gangsters, but he is gravely wounded in the process. Despite his injuries, Tony drives the boy back to his mother, Mado, who had previously betrayed him. As Tony reaches Mado's apartment, he collapses from his wounds, and the police, who have been closing in on the gang, arrive at the scene. The film concludes with Tony dying on the street, symbolizing the ultimate futility and cost of his criminal endeavors. The ending underscores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitable downfall that accompanies a life of crime.

Jules Dassin Crime Drama Thriller Jean Servais Carl Möhner Robert Manuel