Clever heist flick with an unusual structure
The 1960s produced a wealth of caper/heist films, among them “Topkapi,” “The Italian Job,” “How to Steal a Million,” and “The Pink Panther.” The genre methodically traces the elaborate planning and execution of daring robberies and often features major stars. “Gambit,” another heist picture of the period, stars Michael Caine, who had just won acclaim for his role in “Alfie,” and three-time Oscar nominee Shirley MacLaine .<br /><br />In Hong Kong, cat burglar Harry Dean (Caine) explains to his partner in crime, Emile (John Abbott), how he plans to use Eurasian dancer Nicole (MacLaine) to help him steal a valuable relic from Middle Eastern businessman Shahbandar (Herbert Lom, the “Pink Panther” films), the richest man in the world. A lookalike for Shahbandar’s beloved deceased wife, Nicole will distract Shahbandar so Harry can case the apartment and execute the robbery.<br /><br />MacLaine says not a word for the film’s first half hour. She keeps a poker face and ramrod posture and looks ravishing in Jean Louis’ Oriental-inspired gowns. She is moved, like a chess piece, from country to country, location to location, a mute observer with no say in her own destiny. Subsequently we discover the reason for her robotic silence.<br /><br />Harry’s foolproof plan does not go smoothly. Pitfalls and unforeseen events force him to switch gears along the way. The clockwork plot he envisioned turns into a series of abrupt reversals and on-the-fly improvisations, with considerable bickering between Harry and Nicole, when the target turns out to be more shrewd and suspicious than anticipated.<br /><br />Caine’s Harry, urbane, well-tailored, and personable, is the perfect con man. He has an easy manner and seems comfortable in Shahbandar’s aristocratic milieu. Caine’s Harry is the kind of con man one would have no trouble trusting.<br /><br />MacLaine creates a sense of mystery in the early scenes, when she is silent and aloof, appearing to be far more than a nightclub hoofer. With make-up emphasizing the somewhat Asian shape of her eyes and pale skin, she looks like a porcelain doll. Filmed often from a low angle to add stature, she commands the screen, even sans dialogue. This image shatters as soon as we see the real Nicole, a sharp-tongued, savvy young woman who aspires to a better life.<br /><br />Director Ronald Neame (“The Poseidon Adventure”) has created an entertaining caper with two attractive stars. Though the on-screen chemistry between Caine and MacLaine is weak, the story is by turns suspenseful, funny, and clever. Writers Jack Davies and Alvin Sargent showcase both actors nicely and provide them with witty dialogue. Some judicious editing could have made this good movie even better, since some scenes go on too long and a few could have been cut entirely.<br /><br />The film appeals on two levels: it’s a well-written heist film with scenes showing Harry getting past elaborate security features to seize his prize,<br />and it’s a rom-com as Harry and Nicole’s relationship evolves from boss and hired hand to something deeper and more meaningful. The romantic slant, however, doesn’t work. Rather, it seems contrived to satisfy the convention of 20th-century Hollywood films in which male and female leads are destined to get together.<br /><br />Special Features include 2 audio commentaries, theatrical trailers, and reversible cover art.<br /><br />In chess, a gambit is an opening in which a player makes a sacrifice in exchange for a compensating advantage. “Gambit” follows that strategy, basing its screenplay on intentional misdirection. The movie is classy in look and style, with exquisite costuming and lavish production design, and received Oscar nominations for Art Direction and Costume Design. The trio of Caine, MacLaine, and Lom contribute their considerable talents to a series of cat-and-mouse adventures in a clever heist thriller. The movie does bog down in the middle, slowing the narrative momentum, but still holds one's attention and is an enjoyable example of the 60s caper flick.<br /><br />A remake, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz, never had a theatrical release in the United States, going directly to DVD in 2014.
The movie title "Gambit," available on Movies & TV, has received an average rating of 4.3 from 442 reviewers. 
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This title falls under the categories of Movies & TV, Blu-ray and Movies. 
The additional details include the following in key-value format :
 {"Aspect Ratio": "2.35:1", "MPAA rating": "NR (Not Rated)", "Product Dimensions": "7 x 5 x 1 inches; 5.92 Ounces", "Director": "Ronald Neame", "Run time": "1 hour and 49 minutes", "Release date": "January 11, 2022", "Actors": "Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Herbert Lom, Roger C. Carmel, Arnold Moss", "Studio": "Kl Studio Classics", "Country of Origin": "USA", "Number of discs": "1"}

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