10 Crime Films Where Ideals Meet Crime

Description: This film romanticizes the life of the infamous bank robbers, portraying them as lovers on the run, driven by a desire for freedom and a disdain for the oppressive banks during the Great Depression.

Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence, which was unprecedented at the time, leading to a change in how violence was depicted in American cinema.

Description: While Vito Corleone is a criminal, his actions are driven by a strong sense of family loyalty and honor, making him an idealistic figure within the criminal world. His son, Michael, inherits this code, albeit with his own twist.

Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the iconic line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," which became one of the most quoted lines in film history.

Description: Sonny Wortzik, played by Al Pacino, attempts to rob a bank to pay for his lover's sex reassignment surgery, turning a simple heist into a media circus and a statement on societal issues.

Fact: The film was based on a real-life bank robbery in Brooklyn, New York, and Al Pacino's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Description: Michael Mann's epic crime drama features Neil McCauley, a meticulous thief who lives by the rule of never getting attached to anything he's not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat. His philosophy is tested when he meets a woman who changes his perspective on life.

Fact: The famous diner scene where McCauley and Hanna discuss their lives was improvised by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, making it one of the most memorable moments in cinema.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a group of small-time crooks who pull off a heist at a London bank, motivated by personal vendettas and a desire for justice against corrupt officials.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery, which was never officially solved.

Description: A group of thieves plan a heist in Venice, driven by revenge and the thrill of the job, showcasing their camaraderie and a strict code of honor among thieves.

Fact: The film features one of the most iconic car chases in cinema history, involving Mini Coopers navigating the narrow streets of Venice.

Description: In this modern-day take on the classic "Infernal Affairs," both the cop and the criminal have their own ideals about loyalty, duty, and betrayal, making their cat-and-mouse game all the more intense.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, which also features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson.

Description: This film follows a group of bank robbers in Boston who, despite their criminal activities, have a strict code of not harming civilians. Their leader, Doug MacRay, grapples with his loyalty to his crew and his growing affection for a bank manager they kidnapped during a heist.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Boston, with many scenes filmed in the actual neighborhoods where the story is set. Ben Affleck, who also directed the movie, was praised for his authentic portrayal of Boston's criminal underworld.

Description: Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger, a charismatic bank robber during the Great Depression, who becomes a folk hero for his Robin Hood-like actions against banks while maintaining a personal code of conduct.

Fact: The film was shot using digital cameras to give it a raw, documentary-like feel, reflecting the era's newsreels.

Description: Malik El Djebena, a young Arab man in prison, rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld while adhering to his own set of principles, navigating the treacherous waters of loyalty and survival.

Fact: The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.