In 1969, an injustice took place during the Academy Awards nomination. For best supporting actor or actress, they should have nominated the three Mini Coopers appeared in The Italian Job. Am I exaggerating? Absolutely. Was there any grain of truth in my conviction that they did a great job in Italy, I mean performed well in Italian Job? Absolutely, definitely correct.

I am very sure that the makers of Austin Powers got their inspiration for, apart from the sixties Bond movies, in this film. It is very much a product of its era. Then there were the cars. The most horrifying sight was the destruction of some of the most beautiful sports car of its time. No, all time. I almost fainted during the destruction of Aston Martin DB5. Cruelty, sheer cruelty.

The cars driven by stuntmen are menaces to the Italian police in this movie. In case you don't know, it's a simple heist movie about a bunch of British thieves stealing gold bullion in Italy. Led by crudely charismatic Michael Caine, a never-say-die conman, the job involves getting into Italy and stealing those bullion right under the Italian policia's nose. The getaway cars are the Minis. They are like the annoying bugs that keep slipping away from your hand. The Minis rides past the walkway, climb a stadium and roller coasters down the sewer. Unbelievable. You got to see it to believe it.

Caine plays Charlie Croker who hatches the plan, which is planned by Mr. Bridger (hilarious Noel Coward), a high-class criminal living high life in London prison. Often, we are told that the 'real' motive behind the robbery is 'patriotism', where the heist was to take place during a football match between Italy and England. Before getting to the Minis, some of Croker's crew get into a van, dressed to look like that of English football fans, with themselves dousing in party hats, flags and beers.

There are inconsistencies throughout the film, which is excusable. But of course, the movie is funny. I like the part where after giving instructions Croker says, "From now on, we work as a team. Which means you all listen to me." Naturally, the team is not perfect. Croker had to play the role of a strict headmistress all the time to get them straight. The imperfection gets them into trouble, especially the climax, which I am not revealing. That scene ends with Crocker claiming, "I've got a great idea." I chuckled, and the movie was over. Watch it and you know what I mean.

Note: They are currently doing a remake of this movie with Mark Whalberg (must be king of remakes, with Planet of the Apes and upcoming The truth about Charlie, which is a remake of Charade). My safe guess is, the new one's gonna suck. Yeah....