To Steal from a Thief

To Steal from a Thief 2016

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of To Steal from a Thief (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


A cunning band of thieves, led by the enigmatic El Uruguayo, sets their sights on a high-stakes bank heist in the vibrant city of Valencia. The group’s primary objective is to pilfer as many safety deposit boxes as possible, with a meticulously planned escape route via a tunnel that merges with an abandoned subway terminal. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that their ambitions extend beyond mere theft; they are actually in pursuit of politically sensitive materials secured by Gonzalo Soriano, a former government official currently incapacitated in a coma following a tragic accident.

As the heist progresses, the gang’s meticulously crafted plans begin to unravel in the face of unexpected challenges. A sudden deluge of heavy rain inundates the tunnel, drastically reducing their escape options. Initially misled into believing this heist was simply a straightforward robbery, the gang members soon learn the truth: El Uruguayo was covertly contracted by the ruling political party to retrieve a particular box from safe 314, which is believed to contain crucial data tied to Soriano.

Complications escalate when Loco, one of the more erratic members of the crew, falters spectacularly—twice. In a moment of panic, he accidentally erases the vital data from the hard disk salvaged from safe 314 and unwittingly exposes their cover during a tense exit. In a desperate bid to salvage the situation, El Gallego and El Uruguayo hatch a plan to leverage the empty hard disk as a bargaining chip, setting their sights on negotiating with Mellizo, the Head of Security from the Spanish secret services. However, negotiations take a turn for the worse, leaving the fate of the heist in precarious jeopardy.

As the storm clouds of misfortune seem to dissipate, the group devises a daring escape. Under the guise of surrendering through the bank’s front entrance with hostages in tow, they cunningly slip away via the very tunnel they had dug—a stroke of brilliance that allows them to elude capture.

In the aftermath, the bank manager, fearing for her job, receives a handful of diamonds from Gallego, a gesture meant to ease her burdens. Meanwhile, Loco, charmed by a woman he happens to encounter, decides to share his ill-gotten cash to alleviate her financial struggles, showcasing a surprising tenderness amidst the chaos. As the crew disperses, each member takes their share of the spoils, only for the tide of events to turn once more. A police officer entangled in the negotiations leaks critical information regarding the hard disk’s existence and the governing party’s precarious involvement to the press, setting the stage for further fallout from their audacious escapade.

Timeline

Track the key events of To Steal from a Thief (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Planning the Heist

El Uruguayo gathers a group of thieves in Valencia to plan a significant bank robbery. Their main goal is to steal as many safety boxes as possible, unaware of the deeper political implications of their target.

Valencia

The Tunnel Preparations

The gang prepares an escape route by digging a tunnel that connects to an unused subway terminal. This tunnel is meant to be their exit strategy after the robbery, allowing them to escape from the authorities.

Abandoned subway terminal

Discovery of Political Data

The press officer of the Prime Minister learns that the gang's actual target is politically sensitive information belonging to Gonzalo Soriano. Soriano is currently in a coma, which raises the stakes of the heist significantly.

Tunnel Flooding

Heavy rain begins to flood the tunnel, creating panic within the gang. This unforeseen circumstance complicates their escape plans, as the thieves find themselves trapped with limited exit options.

Tunnel

The Truth Revealed

The thieves discover that El Uruguayo had ulterior motives all along. They learn that he was hired by the governing party to retrieve information from safe 314, where Soriano's sensitive data is stored.

Loco's Mistakes

Loco, one of the members, makes critical errors by deleting the contents of the hard disk they retrieved from safe 314. His anxiety leads him to accidentally reveal their location, endangering the entire operation.

Negotiation with Secret Services

El Uruguayo and El Gallego attempt to negotiate with Mellizo, the Security Head from the Spanish Secret Services. They plan to use the empty hard disk as leverage, even though the negotiation appears to be falling apart.

The Great Escape

With the rain finally subsiding, the gang decides to fake a hostage situation to cover their escape. Instead of using the front door, they manage to slip away through the flooded tunnel and make their getaway.

Bank

The Bank Manager's Dilemma

In a last-ditch effort to secure her job, the bank manager is given diamonds by El Gallego. This act is intended to appease her and ensure she doesn't disclose their robbery's details to the authorities.

Bank

Loco's Infatuation

Loco meets a girl during their escape and is instantly smitten with her. He decides to share some of their stolen money to help her address her financial troubles, revealing his softer side amidst the chaos.

Going Separate Ways

After successfully escaping with their loot, the gang members decide to part ways. Each individual takes their share of the stolen money, hoping to start a new life away from crime.

Information Leak

A police officer involved in the negotiations leaks sensitive information to the press about the hard disk and the governing party's involvement in the heist. This revelation poses serious consequences for all parties involved.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring To Steal from a Thief (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


El Uruguayo

El Uruguayo is the mastermind behind the heist, demonstrating both charm and cunning as he leads the group. His complex motivations intertwine personal gain with political implications, ultimately revealing layers of ambition and moral ambiguity.

🕴️ Leader 💼 Cunning

Loco

Loco is a key member of the heist who struggles with anxiety and decision-making under pressure. His mistakes jeopardize the plan, showcasing his vulnerability and the consequences of his actions on the group dynamics.

😰 Nervous 🤷‍♂️ Mistakes

El Gallego

El Gallego is a pragmatic member of the gang, serving as a negotiator and often grounded in reality. He attempts to keep the group focused on their goals while navigating the chaos that ensues during the robbery.

📞 Negotiator 🧠 Pragmatic

Setting

Uncover the settings of To Steal from a Thief (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues related to politics and crime. This time period is characterized by fast-paced developments and the impact of technology on everyday life, especially regarding information security.

Location

Valencia

Valencia is a vibrant city in Spain known for its rich history and modern architecture. The bank where the heist takes place is a focal point of the story, representing wealth and power. Additionally, the abandoned subway terminal highlights an underground world intertwined with the city's past.

🏙️ City 🏦 Bank 🚇 Subway

Themes

Explore the core themes of To Steal from a Thief (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💰

Greed

Greed drives the plot as the thieves embark on a dangerous heist, motivated by both money and political leverage. Their underestimation of the situation spirals into chaos, showcasing how greed can lead to disastrous consequences when mixed with ambition and deception.

🕵️‍♂️

Deception

Deception is a central theme as the characters involve themselves in a web of lies and political intrigue. The thieves believe they are conducting a simple robbery, only to uncover a deeper conspiracy. This theme is highlighted by the manipulation of information and the trust that is betrayed among the gang.

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