To Steal from a Thief (2016) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
To Steal from a Thief (original title: Cien años de perdón) is a Spanish-Argentine heist thriller directed by Daniel Calparsoro. Released in 2016, the film is an intense crime thriller that combines elements of political intrigue and social commentary with the thrills of a classic bank robbery. The plot revolves around a group of professional criminals who plan a meticulously calculated bank heist in Valencia, Spain. However, what begins as a simple robbery quickly turns into a tangled web of secrets and deception, with the robbers discovering they may be pawns in a much larger game of corruption.
This review will delve into the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, while also offering insights into where you can watch the movie online.
To Steal from a Thief – Plot Summary
The story begins with a group of masked criminals led by the seasoned thief El Uruguayo (played by Rodrigo De la Serna), who break into a bank in Valencia on a rainy day with the intention of robbing its safety deposit boxes. The plan is simple: get in, take the contents, and get out before the police arrive. However, things start to go awry when they discover that one of the boxes contains something far more valuable than money—damning evidence that could expose a high-ranking government official’s corruption.
As the tension rises inside the bank, with hostages held at gunpoint, it becomes clear that the heist has far-reaching implications. The robbers realize that they may be caught in the middle of a larger political conspiracy, one that pits them against not only the police but also powerful figures trying to cover up their dirty dealings. Meanwhile, outside the bank, negotiations between the police and the thieves stall, as unseen forces work to manipulate the outcome.
The film’s central themes explore trust, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, with the robbers themselves grappling with personal motives and hidden agendas as the situation spirals out of control.
Film Review: Why To Steal from a Thief Stands Out in the Heist Genre
A Tense and Well-Paced Thriller:
To Steal from a Thief manages to strike a balance between a traditional bank heist film and a political thriller, resulting in a movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s pacing is tight, with director Daniel Calparsoro expertly building tension throughout the 96-minute runtime. The confined setting of the bank, along with the gradual unraveling of the heist’s true stakes, creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia and mounting pressure.
Character-Driven Heist Drama:
Unlike many heist films that focus solely on the action, To Steal from a Thief delves deep into the psychology of its characters. Each member of the gang has a distinct personality and their own motivations for being involved in the robbery. Rodrigo De la Serna’s portrayal of El Uruguayo is particularly captivating—he’s the cool and calculating leader with a hidden agenda, but as the plot thickens, we see the cracks in his facade.
Luis Tosar, who plays José, another key member of the crew, delivers a nuanced performance that adds emotional depth to the story. His character brings a sense of moral conflict, balancing the chaos of the robbery with personal ethical dilemmas.
Themes of Corruption and Betrayal:
What sets To Steal from a Thief apart from typical heist films is its underlying commentary on political corruption and the manipulation of power. The plot takes unexpected twists as the robbers uncover sensitive documents that could topple a major political figure. The movie explores the idea of how the little people, in this case, the robbers, get caught in the gears of much larger forces at play. The interplay between politics, crime, and media manipulation adds layers of complexity to the narrative, elevating it beyond a standard bank robbery film.
Cinematic Style and Atmosphere:
Visually, To Steal from a Thief is a sleek, atmospheric thriller, with the rain-soaked streets of Valencia adding to the film’s tense mood. The film uses tight close-ups and confined spaces to emphasize the pressure cooker atmosphere inside the bank, while the rainy, overcast visuals outside heighten the sense of gloom and uncertainty surrounding the unfolding drama. The cinematography complements the tense, unpredictable tone, making the audience feel just as trapped as the characters.
Where to Watch To Steal from a Thief Online – Streaming Services and Availability
For those eager to watch To Steal from a Thief, several platforms offer streaming, rental, and purchase options in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find the film:
Streaming Services Available in the United States
- Amazon Prime Video
To Steal from a Thief is available on Amazon Prime Video for rental or purchase. It’s a convenient platform for those looking to stream the film instantly.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Tubi
If you’re looking for a free streaming option, To Steal from a Thief is available on Tubi. This platform offers the movie with ads, making it accessible without a subscription.
[Free with ads on Tubi] - Vudu
You can rent or purchase the film on Vudu, a popular option for renting movies in high definition.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Apple iTunes
Apple iTunes offers the film for rent or purchase, allowing you to watch across Apple devices via the iTunes or Apple TV app.
[Available for rent or purchase]
Rent or Purchase To Steal from a Thief Online
If you prefer renting or buying, here are some of the top platforms where you can access the movie:
- Amazon Prime Video
You can rent the film for about $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99. Once rented, you’ll have 48 hours to complete viewing after starting.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Apple iTunes
Rent To Steal from a Thief for $3.99 or buy it for $9.99. You can stream it on Apple devices or through the Apple TV app.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Google Play Movies
Google Play Movies offers the option to rent or buy the movie for similar prices. It’s a great choice for those who want to stream on Android devices.
[Available for rent or purchase] - YouTube Movies
You can also rent or purchase the movie through YouTube Movies, making it easy to stream on various devices.
[Available for rent or purchase]
Final Thoughts – Is To Steal from a Thief Worth Watching?
To Steal from a Thief (2016) is a well-crafted heist thriller that delivers both suspense and substance. The film’s mixture of high-stakes action and intricate political intrigue elevates it above the typical bank robbery genre. Strong performances from the cast, especially Rodrigo De la Serna and Luis Tosar, contribute to a gripping narrative full of twists, betrayals, and moral ambiguity.
If you’re a fan of tense, character-driven heist movies with a dash of political drama, To Steal from a Thief is a must-watch. The film offers plenty of suspense and a clever storyline that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Conclusion: Stream To Steal from a Thief Today
With its sharp plot, dynamic characters, and edge-of-your-seat tension, To Steal from a Thief is available for streaming or purchase across various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Vudu, and Apple iTunes. Whether you prefer free streaming with ads on Tubi or renting it for a movie night, this film is easy to access.
Don’t miss out on this thrilling heist drama—start streaming To Steal from a Thief today!
