The Red Circle

Main Plot

The Red Circle follows a master thief named Corey, who is released from prison and quickly returns to his life of crime. He forms an unlikely alliance with a skilled marksman, Vogel, who has just escaped from police custody, and a former police officer, Le Goff, who is drawn into their plans. Together, they plot a meticulously planned heist to steal a valuable jewel from a wealthy collector. As they prepare for the heist, tensions rise, and the trio faces challenges from both law enforcement and rival criminals. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of their criminal undertakings. As the heist unfolds, the characters must navigate their own motivations and the consequences of their actions, leading to a suspenseful climax that tests their resolve and camaraderie.

Characters

• Alain Delon plays Corey, a recently released convict who plans and executes a meticulously organized jewel heist with two accomplices.
• Bourvil played Inspector Mattei, a determined police officer tracking a gang of thieves throughout the film.
• Gian Maria Volontè plays Vogel, an escaped prisoner who teams up with a thief and an ex-police sharpshooter to rob a jewelry store in Paris.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Red Circle, the narrative reaches a tense climax as the three main characters—an escaped convict, a master thief, and a former police officer—execute their meticulously planned heist. The film builds up to this moment, showcasing the characters' skills and the intricate planning involved. However, as they carry out their plan, unforeseen complications arise, particularly with the police closing in on them. The heist itself is successful, but the aftermath reveals the fragility of their alliance. The former police officer, who has been portrayed as a figure of moral ambiguity, ultimately makes a fateful decision that leads to betrayal. This act of betrayal not only jeopardizes their escape but also highlights the themes of trust and loyalty that permeate the film. In the final moments, the characters face the consequences of their actions. The escaped convict and the master thief find themselves cornered, leading to a tragic and inevitable conclusion. The ending reinforces the film's exploration of fate and the inescapable nature of one's past, leaving the audience with a sense of melancholy as the characters confront their choices and the reality of their lives.