This is one of the most entertaining documentaries that I have seen and I have seen a lot. This is mainly about the planning and execution of the kidnapping of Ronnie Biggs when he was in Brazil and still wanted by the British Government for his participation in the Great Train Robbery. But the film also covers his escape from prison in England to life in Australia, his discovery there and escape to Brazil. If you don't know his story you will be amazed at how many times he escaped the authorities and how the kidnapping attempts resemble farcical, disorganised attempts by amateurs.
There is everything in this film. Ronnie Biggs is clearly a likable man. There is a lot of evidence from everyone who met him. His wife gave up her parents for Biggs and remained true to him even when he left her and their children. Her interview is important in showing us the domestic side of Biggs. Biggs managed to escape from country to country simply by charming and befriending everyone he met. Even his kidnappers said what a great guy he was.
The kidnappers are a varied and interesting bunch. One of the leaders is involved because he wants to become a celebrity and he has a habit of contacting the press at the wrong time. The other leader is more professional and wants to stick to what has been arranged but plans are continually being changed, either by his colleague or by circumstance. In fact, nothing ever seems to go as planned and the film is full of surprises.
The kidnapping itself is laugh-out-loud hilarious at times and heart-stopping excitement at others. The big advantage of this film is that it is based on fact and no screenwriter could have thought of the surprises, laughs and twists that real life delivers. Actors are used to recreate the kidnapping and I won't ruin the many surprises by telling what happens. Apart from the drama and comedy I have mentioned, there is also a great mystery that runs throughout the film and that is, who is financing the kidnapping? As I said, this film has everything except for an interview with Biggs and that is probably because he was being detained at the time at Her Majesty's pleasure (however, not because of the kidnappers!). The story would make a great feature film except they would have to change some of the facts as they would be too unbelievable!
There is everything in this film. Ronnie Biggs is clearly a likable man. There is a lot of evidence from everyone who met him. His wife gave up her parents for Biggs and remained true to him even when he left her and their children. Her interview is important in showing us the domestic side of Biggs. Biggs managed to escape from country to country simply by charming and befriending everyone he met. Even his kidnappers said what a great guy he was.
The kidnappers are a varied and interesting bunch. One of the leaders is involved because he wants to become a celebrity and he has a habit of contacting the press at the wrong time. The other leader is more professional and wants to stick to what has been arranged but plans are continually being changed, either by his colleague or by circumstance. In fact, nothing ever seems to go as planned and the film is full of surprises.
The kidnapping itself is laugh-out-loud hilarious at times and heart-stopping excitement at others. The big advantage of this film is that it is based on fact and no screenwriter could have thought of the surprises, laughs and twists that real life delivers. Actors are used to recreate the kidnapping and I won't ruin the many surprises by telling what happens. Apart from the drama and comedy I have mentioned, there is also a great mystery that runs throughout the film and that is, who is financing the kidnapping? As I said, this film has everything except for an interview with Biggs and that is probably because he was being detained at the time at Her Majesty's pleasure (however, not because of the kidnappers!). The story would make a great feature film except they would have to change some of the facts as they would be too unbelievable!
