Rififi

Rififi

Year: 1955

Runtime: 118 mins

Language: French

CrimeDramaThrillerCrime drugs and gangstersHeists and thrilling action

After being released from a five‑year prison term, jewel thief Tony initially turns down a small job offered by his friend Jo. He discovers his former girlfriend Mado has become the lover of local gangster Pierre Grutter, prompting him to expand a modest smash‑and‑grab into a full‑scale jewel robbery. Though the crew appears to walk away clean, the fallout from the heist threatens the lives of everyone involved.

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Timeline & Setting – Rififi (1955)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rififi (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Post-World War II era, late 1940s to early 1950s

The story is set in the late 1940s or early 1950s, a period marked by recovery and rebuilding in Europe. This era saw increased organized crime activity, the rise of jazz clubs, and a cultural shift that influenced the city’s nightlife. The historical context enhances the film’s themes of desperation and crime-driven survival.

Location

Paris, France

The movie takes place in Paris, a city renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural significance. It serves as a backdrop for the gritty crime story, highlighting both the beauty and the darkness of urban life. The city’s iconic locations and atmospheres accentuate the film’s tense and dramatic mood.

🌆 Urban 🗼 Iconic 🚥 Romantic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Main Characters – Rififi (1955)

Meet the key characters of Rififi (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tony le Stéphanois / Jean Servais

Tony is a seasoned criminal grappling with past failures and personal loss. His determination to rescue the kidnapped child demonstrates resilience and a sense of justice, yet he remains haunted by his criminal lifestyle. He embodies the conflicted anti-hero caught between survival and morality.

🕵️‍♂️ Lead 💔 Troubled 🔫 Criminal

Mado / Marie Sabouret

Mado is Tony’s former girlfriend, caught between her past relationship and her current circumstances. She exhibits loyalty and compassion, ultimately aiding Tony in his final act. Her character highlights themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.

💃 Femme Fatale ❤️ Loyal 🤝 Compassionate

Pierre Grutter / Claude Sylvain

Pierre is a ruthless nightclub owner and gangster whose influence extends into the criminal underworld. His actions drive much of the film’s conflict, showcasing his capacity for violence and manipulation. His ruthlessness underscores the destructive power of crime.

💼 Gangster 🔥 Ruthless 🗝️ Power Player

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Major Themes – Rififi (1955)

Explore the central themes of Rififi (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔨 Crime & Theft

Rififi centers around meticulously planned burglaries and the underworld of crime in Paris. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the high stakes involved in criminal ventures. The story emphasizes the complexity and danger of breaking the law.

🔥 Betrayal & Revenge

The narrative delves into betrayal among friends and family, highlighting characters' motivations driven by revenge and survival. The tension culminates in violent confrontations to settle scores and protect loved ones, emphasizing the destructive nature of treachery.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

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Rififi Summary

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Rififi Summary

Rififi Timeline

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Rififi Timeline

Rififi Spoiler-Free Summary

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Rififi Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Rififi

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Rififi (1955) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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Rififi (1955) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow