Thief is a neo-noir heist action thriller film that, yes, fits into all those categories neatly.

The film directorial debut of Michael Mann (Collateral), the movie didn't make a whole lot of money but has some fans in high places. It's landed in the Criterion collection, and still holds an impressive critical and audience score on review sites like Rotten Tomatoes.

Thief established Mann's ability to create atmospheric nighttime danger, and it has one tantalizing score from the legendary Tangerine Dream.

Join me for this discussion of the film's impressive performances, its amazing dedication to realistic safecracking, and where I come down on the tense ending that divides some viewers' opinions.

Starring James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky, Willie Nelson, and James Belushi.

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