Thieves

Year: 1996

Runtime: 117 min

Language: French

Director: André Téchiné

DramaRomanceCrime

Driven by a need for thrills, Ivan's involvement in car theft spirals into a dangerous situation with far-reaching consequences. His actions impact his brother Alex, who is a police officer dedicated to upholding the law, and Juliette, a captivating woman who finds herself drawn into their complicated lives. As their paths intertwine, a web of crime, forbidden desire, and escalating drama threatens to consume them all.

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Timeline & Setting – Thieves (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Thieves (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Rhône-Alpes, Lyon (La Duchère district), Marseille

A small town in the Rhône-Alpes region anchors the story's start, with a tight-knit community weighed down by hardship. The narrative shifts to Lyon's deprived La Duchère district, a dense urban environment where crime and tension simmer. It also tracks Juliette's attempt to vanish into a new life in Marseille, while a railway yard serves as the focal point for the heist that drives the plot.

🏙️ Urban 🏞️ Regional 🚂 Crime setting

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:25

Main Characters – Thieves (1996)

Meet the key characters of Thieves (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:25

Major Themes – Thieves (1996)

Explore the central themes of Thieves (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:25

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Crime Sagas With Fractured Family Ties like in Thieves

Stories where loyalty to family conflicts with a life of crime.If you liked the dynamic between the criminal Ivan and his cop brother Alex in Thieves, explore more movies like it. This list features similar crime drama stories centered on family estrangement, moral conflict, and the heavy emotional fallout of lives lived on opposite sides of the law.

broodingtensegrievingfatalisticclaustrophobicmoral conflict

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow one or more family members whose paths diverge into crime and law enforcement or moral righteousness. The central conflict arises from the collision of these worlds, forcing characters to choose between blood loyalty and their principles, often leading to tragic sacrifices and irreversible emotional damage.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the family unit as the primary source of drama within a crime story. They share a heavy emotional weight, complex character relationships, and a tone that balances personal tragedy with the tense mechanics of criminal life.

Fatalistic Romances in a Bleak World like in Thieves

Love stories doomed by dangerous circumstances and tragic pasts.Fans of the complicated, doomed attraction in Thieves will find more movies with similar dark romance themes. These films feature love stories intertwined with crime, psychological trauma, and fatal consequences, resulting in a bittersweet, melancholic viewing experience.

fatalisticmelancholicsordidanxiousforbidden lovepsychological trauma

Narrative Summary

The romantic arc in these films is rarely a source of salvation. Instead, love emerges as a complicating factor within a pre-existing web of trouble. The attraction is powerful but tainted by danger, past trauma, or moral compromise, making the relationship itself a catalyst for further drama and loss.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific emotional blend of high romance and heavy drama within a dark setting. They are united by a brooding, melancholic mood, a steady pacing that allows the doomed relationship to unfold, and a tone that acknowledges the beauty of connection amidst inevitable tragedy.

Unlock the Full Story of Thieves

Don't stop at just watching — explore Thieves in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Thieves is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Thieves Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Thieves, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Thieves Timeline

Track the full timeline of Thieves with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Thieves Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Thieves that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Thieves

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Thieves: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Thieves

Discover movies like Thieves that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.