Smash and Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers is the interview-based documentary regarding the world’s most organised and prolific gang of diamond thieves in the world.
Directed by Havana Marking, responsible for other documentaries such as Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer and Hell and Back Again, the story behind the meticulously planned raids is told impressively through interviews with two genuine members of the group. For obvious reasons the two “Panthers”, Mike and Lela, wanted their identity concealed, which is done by cutting edge animation reminiscent of the style used in likewise interview-constructed film Waltz With Bashir.
While discovering the ways in which the world spread ring of criminals have collectively stolen $330,000,000 worth of jewelry since the early 90s is incredibly interesting, a little more depth is added through the reasoning behind the Pink Panthers. Both Mike and Lela grew up in Yugoslavia and due to the breakdown of the country and rise in mafia networks under the state of Milosovic, their story becomes compelling. Rather than just greedy felons, they both present an outstanding reasoning behind their work and more importantly actually come across as likeable characters.
Not only is the story well orchestrated, but is backed up with interludes from reporters, real CCTV footage and various people involved with some of the heists, including a world famous break in, in Dubai where two men were caught and convicted.
The unique story is cleverly produced and woven with the history of a country divided by war and crime. Keep and eye out for this one. Already released in cinema the DVD will be out on 21 October.
We hope you're enjoying BRWC. You should check us out on our social channels, subscribe to our newsletter, and tell your friends. BRWC is short for battleroyalewithcheese.
NO COMMENTS