The Burglars
The Burglars Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Burglars
| Movie | The Burglars |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Director | Henri Verneuil |
| Genre | Action / Crime / Thriller |
| Runtime | 120 minutes (2h 0m) |
| Language | FR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Burglars (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Burglars are led by Jean-Paul Belmondo . The supporting cast, including Omar Sharif and Dyan Cannon , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Burglars stands out as a strong entry in the Action genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Action narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Burglars has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Burglars
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1971, The Burglars is a Action, Crime, Thriller film directed by Henri Verneuil, written by Vahé Katcha. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jean-Paul Belmondo as Azad.
Ending Explained: The Burglars
The Burglars Ending Explained: In Athens a collection of emeralds is successfully stolen by a team of robbers, led by safe-cracker Azad. Directed by Henri Verneuil, this 1971 action film stars Jean-Paul Belmondo (Azad), alongside Omar Sharif as Abel Zacharia, Dyan Cannon as Lena, Robert Hossein as Ralph. With a 6.9/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Burglars?
In Athens a collection of emeralds is successfully stolen by a team of robbers, led by safe-cracker Azad. Things go smoothly until they miss the ship by which they planned their escape; a police chief pursues Azad while he waits for the next ship to set off.
Henri Verneuil's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jean-Paul Belmondo (Azad)'s journey. Things go smoothly until they miss the ship by which they planned their escape; a police chief pursues Azad while he waits for the next ship to set off.
How Does Jean-Paul Belmondo (Azad)'s Story End?
- Jean-Paul Belmondo: Jean-Paul Belmondo's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Omar Sharif (Abel Zacharia): Omar Sharif's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Dyan Cannon (Lena): Dyan Cannon's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Burglars Mean?
The Burglars's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Jean-Paul Belmondo may feel rushed. Henri Verneuil's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Burglars Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Burglars Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Burglars draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Henri Verneuil and starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, this action, crime, thriller film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Burglars
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The Burglars uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Burglars?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jean-Paul Belmondo or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: The Burglars
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $33.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where to Watch The Burglars Online?
Streaming Hub🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoThe Burglars Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about The Burglars age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Burglars (1971) is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Directed by Henri Verneuil, the film runs for 120 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Burglars is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Burglars worth watching?
The Burglars is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Burglars parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Burglars identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Burglars (1971)?
The runtime of The Burglars (1971) is 120 minutes (approximately 2h 0m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
