Le Cercle Rouge (1970) 2003

In the bustling city of Marseille, a prisoner named Corey is released early due to his good behavior. Before his departure, an astute prison warden discreetly informs him about an upscale jewelry shop in Paris that could be the perfect target for a heist. Eager to seize the opportunity, Corey heads to the residence of Rico, a former accomplice who has let him down; he forcefully obtains both cash and a handgun from Rico’s safe. Following this, Corey makes his way to a local billiard hall where he encounters two of Rico’s henchmen. After a deadly confrontation that leaves one man dead and the other knocked out, Corey commandeers a large American car.

With both handguns hidden in the trunk, he sets off for Paris, listening to jazz and news updates on the radio. However, his journey is interrupted by a police roadblock. That very morning, another convict named Vogel is being transported by train from Marseille to Paris for interrogation by the esteemed Commissaire Mattei. Utilizing a cunning escape plan, Vogel manages to evade capture despite Mattei’s strict orders to set up roadblocks.

In a twist of fate, Corey stops at a roadside diner situated at the heart of this intense police operation, leaving his car’s trunk unlocked. Seizing the moment, Vogel crosses a stream, masking his scent from tracking dogs, and sneaks into Corey’s vehicle. Realizing Vogel’s presence, Corey drives into a secluded area, where he informs Vogel that he is now safe. A brief but tense standoff ensues as Vogel brandishes one of Corey’s firearms. Ultimately, Vogel discovers that Corey has just been released from prison that same day and is, in fact, trying to help him escape.

As they drive away, they are ambushed by Rico’s men, who force Corey off the road and threaten his life. In a sudden turn of events, Vogel emerges from the trunk armed and shoots both attackers dead, saving Corey.

Bringing Vogel to his empty Paris apartment, Corey plots the robbery of the highly coveted jewelry. To execute the perfect plan, they recognize the need for a sharpshooter to disable the shop’s security and a fence to sell the stolen goods. Meanwhile, Mattei is hot on the trail of the killer of Rico’s men and is determined to recapture Vogel. He applies pressure on Santi, a nightclub owner with connections to the underworld, but Santi remains tight-lipped.

Corey recruits Jansen, an inebriated ex-policeman renowned for his marksmanship, alongside a reputable fence to assist in their caper. On a fateful night, Corey, Vogel, and the reliable Jansen successfully pull off the intricate jewelry heist. However, their triumph is short-lived when the fence refuses to accept the stolen items, having been cautioned by a vengeful Rico—a move set in motion by the information leaked by the prison warden about Corey’s intentions.

Determined not to be derailed, Jansen and Vogel suggest Corey seek out Santi’s recommendation for a more reliable fence. Mattei, leveraging his police authority, coerces Santi into divulging details about a meeting arranged that evening between Corey and a new fence at his nightclub. Posing as this supposed fence, Mattei lures Corey to a remote country house to complete the deal.

As Corey arrives at the house, ready to showcase the stolen jewels to Mattei, Vogel suddenly materializes, having sensed the danger Corey might be in. Urging Corey to flee with the loot, the tension escalates as they confront Mattei. In the chaos that follows, Jansen, alerted by the sound of gunfire from outside, arrives but is unable to change the outcome. One by one, Corey, Vogel, and Jansen succumb to the gunfire of Mattei’s officers, leaving behind the stolen jewels, a testament to their ill-fated enterprise.