Overview
A heist gone wrong leads to a dangerous game of survival and betrayal.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- brooding
- smoky
- classic noir night
- rainy day
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a masterful, atmospheric French gangster noir distinguished by Jacques Becker's restraint and Jean Gabin's commanding performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Max and Riton are middle-aged former gangsters whose stolen gold is meant to secure a quiet retirement, giving the criminal plot a wistful sense of decline.
Max's bond with Riton drives the ransom dilemma after Angelo abducts Riton and demands the hidden gold.
The film emphasizes Max's controlled demeanor, criminal negotiations, and looming danger over flamboyant action.
Eight concealed gold bars trigger the abduction, ransom demand, and conflict between Max, Riton, and Angelo.
Films like Touchez Pas au Grisbi, and why
Le Samouraï
French gangster film centered on aging criminals, masculine loyalty, and understated noir tension
Rififi
classic crime drama combining criminal professionalism, betrayal, and fatalistic atmosphere
The Killing
stylish gangster film about organized crime, loyalty, and the pressures of an aging criminal world
Le deuxième souffle
European crime noir shaped by criminal codes, tense abductions, and doomed male alliances
Movie Details
- Director
- Jacques Becker
- Release Date
- 1954-03-17
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (287)
Cast
- Jean Gabin
- Jeanne Moreau
- René Dary
- Lino Ventura
- Paul Frankeur
- Michel Jourdan
- Paul Oettly
- Dora Doll
- Gaby Basset
- Vittorio Sanipoli
Common questions
- What is Touchez Pas au Grisbi about?
- An aging Parisian gangster risks his carefully secured retirement fortune to rescue the friend whose indiscretion has exposed them to a ruthless rival.
- What is Touchez Pas au Grisbi like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Touchez Pas au Grisbi as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Touchez Pas au Grisbi violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Touchez Pas au Grisbi as moderate.
- What did critics think of Touchez Pas au Grisbi?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a masterful, atmospheric French gangster noir distinguished by Jacques Becker's restraint and Jean Gabin's commanding performance.
- Which films are like Touchez Pas au Grisbi?
- Films with a similar feel include Le Samouraï, Rififi, The Killing, and Le deuxième souffle.
- How long is Touchez Pas au Grisbi?
- Touchez Pas au Grisbi runs 95 minutes.
