Bandits (1987)
Claude Lelouch's French drama weaving jewel theft, wrongful imprisonment, and fractured family bonds into a morally rich, emotionally layered story.
Bandits - Movie Information
- Original Title: Attention bandits !
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Claude Lelouch
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 3, 1987 (France - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Bandidos (AR), ¡Atención, bandidos! (ES), Atenção, Bandidos! (PT), Uwaga, bandyci! (PL), Die Zeit des Verbrechens (DE), Bandits (US)
- Production Companies: Les Films 13, TF1 Films Production
- Production Countries: France
Bandits - Plot
On the day Jean Gabin dies, a kidnaper who also takes a fortune in jewels heisted from Cartiers murders Simon Verini's wife. (Simon was fencing the jewels for a youthful gang who robbed Cartiers; he suspects them of the murder.) He's framed for the theft and spends ten years in prison, writing to his daughter, Marie-Sophie, who's 11 when he's sent away. Released, he reconnects to Marie-Sophie and to the young thieves, seeks revenge, and is quickly arrested again. She doesn't know what to make of her father, retreats to her Swiss fiancé, and is flummoxed when one of the young thieves falls for her. Is resolution possible when crime cuts across families and romance?
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Bandits - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Claude Lelouch
Main Cast
- Jean Yanne
- Marie-Sophie L.
- Patrick Bruel
- Charles Gérard
- Corinne Marchand
- Hélène Surgère
- Edwige Navarro
- Françoise Bette
- Jean-Claude Bourbault
- Christine Barbelivien
Writers
- Claude Lelouch
Producers
- Claude Lelouch
Bandits - FAQs
Where can you watch Bandits (1987) online?
Streaming availability for Bandits (1987) varies by region and platform. You can check JustWatch for the most up-to-date list of services offering the film in your country, including rental, purchase, or subscription options currently available.
Who are the main actors in Bandits?
The principal cast includes Jean Yanne as Simon Verini, Marie-Sophie L. as La Princesse, Patrick Bruel as Mozart, and Charles Gérard as Tonton. The film also features Corinne Marchand, Hélène Surgère, and Christine Barbelivien in supporting roles.
What is Bandits (1987) about?
Bandits follows Simon Verini, a jewel fence framed for murder and theft after his wife is killed. After a decade in prison, he reconnects with his daughter and the young thieves involved, seeking justice while navigating complex bonds between crime, family, and unexpected romance.
Who directed the 1987 French film Bandits?
Bandits was written and directed by Claude Lelouch, the acclaimed French filmmaker best known for A Man and a Woman (1966). Lelouch also served as producer on the film, maintaining his signature style of intertwining personal drama with broader social and moral themes.
What genre is the 1987 film Bandits?
Bandits is a French drama. While it incorporates elements of crime and thriller storytelling — including a jewel heist, murder, and a wrongful imprisonment — the film's emotional core is firmly rooted in family dynamics, personal redemption, and romantic entanglement.
How long is the film Bandits (1987)?
Bandits has a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes (111 minutes). The film was released in France on June 3, 1987, and later received a US release in August 1988.
Is Bandits (1987) based on a true story?
Bandits is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by Claude Lelouch. The film opens with a reference to the real-life death of Jean Gabin, using it as a historical anchor, but the characters and central narrative are entirely fictional.
Who composed the music for Bandits (1987)?
The score for Bandits was composed by Francis Lai, the legendary French composer and longtime collaborator of Claude Lelouch. Lai is celebrated for his Oscar-winning work on Love Story (1970) and his iconic music for A Man and a Woman, making him a natural fit for this film.
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