- "I steal... only what I can't afford. And that's everything!"
- ―Aladdin
A thief is someone who takes possession of an item that does not belong to them without permission. It is considered an unlawful act in pretty much every culture and is subject to penalties depending upon the laws of the country in which the act was performed, and the value of the articles that have been stolen. Penalites can range from a simple slap on the wrist to a sentence of death. In some places, you can get your hand cut off just for stealing an apple! [1]
Movies portray thieves in one of two lights. They are either presented as antagonists, in which the protagonist of the film, usually a law enforcement officer of some kind, is charged with finding them and recovering the stolen merchandise. In other stories, a thief may be presented as a sort of anti-hero - one who robs from the rich to give to the poor, which has been displayed in such movies as Robin Hood. Sometimes, a thief may engage in their chosen vocation not for the sake of gaining wealth, but for the sheer joy of it. In other instances, a thief may embark upon a grand scheme to rob a gazillion dollars from a swanky Las Vegas casino just to get the girl. [2]
Characters[]
In film[]
- Aladdin: A thief named Gazeem steals part of a medallion tht Jafar uses to access the Cave of Wonders. Later, Aladdin steals some bread from the marketplace and gives it to two hungry street urchins. Princess Jasmine accidentally steals an apple and nearly has her hand cut off as a result. Aladdin's pet monkey, Abu, aids and abets Aladdin with stealing food.
- Now You See Me: Jack Wilder was just a street hustler and pickpocket, using sleight of hand and misdirection to rob people. He was recruited by a mysterious benefactor who put his talents to good use and he became part of a touring stage magic group known as "The Four Horsemen".
- Pulp Fiction: A young man named Brett and his friend were business associates of a crime boss named Marsellus Wallace. They had in their possession a briefcase that belonged to Wallace, which contained something of great value. It is implied that Brett and his friends were going to double-cross Marsellus and keep the briefcase, but Wallace sent his hitmen Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega to take care of them.
- Return of Jafar, The: Abil Mal is a bandit who leads a band of robbers. Aladdin steals his treasures from him and gives it to the poor of Agrabah.