Diamonds

It's one of those films I discovered purely by chance looking through Robert Shaw's filmography and happened to find the whole film on YouTube. I liked it. It's not polished and the twist at the end was driven by ego and morals, but that helped it feel a different cut to the usual formula e.g. Oceans... Italian Job etc. In fact there's a semblance of another film I like, with Oliver Reed and Michael Crawford called Jokers which would make a perfect double billed afternoon. I particularly enjoyed the similarities to the first Mission Impossible film, without giving too much away. Just temper any expectations of high action. This film works by tension but it does it well enough to justify watching at least once. Not a bucket-list worthy film, but the main actors may justify my 6/10.

Good crime drama, with somewhat complex storyline (unique twists and turns), but easy and fun to follow. Characters portrayed by Robert Shaw and by Richard Roundtree were played well, particularly Robert Shaw's quirky expressions (similar to those of Quint, in Jaws, but with a good deal more class). Barbara Hershey's character was OK, but could have been played as well or better by any number of actresses. Israeli cast members did a good job, and there were some really nice scenic shots of Israeli locations (though somewhat dated, in view of the time of filming). Good fun - good ending!

This is certianly not the best of the 70's crime films, and I am not sure I understand the alternative title 'Diamond Shaft' (with Roundtree top billed) as Roundtree's not playing John Shaft and he's not even playing a cop. It's probably just a way of exploiting his past success in the Shaft films. Anyway, this film is difficult to love or hate, I just found it an adequate quirky little 70's crime film. Robert Shaw is quite a dignified charactor and is also a little mysterious (playing his twin aswell). It's a fun film to watch but is not as good as those gritty 70's thrillers such as French Connection, Taking of Pelham 123 etc. I doubt it's worth recommending, but it was interesting to see Roundtree, Shaw and randomly Shelley Winters, all together.

Pretty decent heist flick benefits from better than average perfs from Shaw and Shaft. Golan decides to film it all in the Holy Land which, if nothing else, gives it some excellent cinematography to work in front of. Shaw shows that he could have been James Bond. He looked great in the role. One almost wonders why the Oscars didn't call on him more often. Shaft Roundtree made an excellent balance for him too. He did the hired muscle routine with a touch of class. I'm trying to figure out Shelly Winters role though. It seemed like the producers just wanted to hire her just to hire her. Don't get me wrong. She did fine in the part. But why was it there? Dated a lot. But still a thrill ride.