The 2008 heist thriller film, the Bank Job is now on Netflix! Directed by Roger Donaldson, the movie is based on the 1971 Baker Street robbery in central London, in which none of the stolen money and valuables was ever recovered.

Adding their own elements of fiction, screenwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais have constructed a plot that revolves around the British Security Services (MI5) taking an interest in a safety deposit box that is located in the Lloyd’s Bank branch, starring Jason Statham.

This is the bank on the corner of Baker Street. This box, which has compromising photos of Princess Margaret, belongs to Michael X, who is a militant gangster. He’s keeping the box as insurance that the British authorities leave him alone.

Related News: The Bank Job, What They Didn’t Tell You About the Walkie Talkie Heist in London in 1971!

The story also follows an ex-model Martine Love who is dating an MI5 agent Time Everett. She’s caught smuggling drugs into the country on Heathrow airport. In an effort to avoid going to jail, she ends up making a deal with the authorities that she will retrieve the photos for them.

The movie is full of plot twists and turns; we’re not going to reveal any more. You’ll have to watch it for yourself to find out what happens next. Before you do that, make sure you know these 5 shocking and historical facts about the reality-based movie.

The Real Story Was Prevented from Being Told

The bank raid that took place about thirty-six years ago is considered one of the most remarkable and daring heists in Britain’s history. What’s interesting to know is that this robbery was kept a secret by the authorities for several years.

It only appeared on the front pages of a few newspapers in 1971 before the government issued a gagging order or D Notice against the events’ coverage. One of the reasons this raid was kept a secret was the risk of incriminating high-ranking police officers, intelligence agents and the royal family.

Two Gang Members Were Recorded on Tape

Screenwriters Clement and La Frenais were able to write authentic dialogues for the movie as they had got their hands on original tape of two gangsters. This is why this heist is known as the walkie talkie bank job.

A radio ham, Robert Rowlands recorded the conversation between two voices when he was randomly twisting the dial of his set when one in bed. These voices appeared to be in the middle of major crime. “I’m off home now; I’m cold and hungry.” Said, one gang member. “You can’t go now, we’re almost there.” They got a reply that said, “Money may be your god, but it’s not mine and I’m fucking off.”

It Was Shot at Many Different Locations

Baker Street might sound familiar to you if you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes. A part of this movie was also shot on this location. Some scenes depict the bank’s exterior, which were shot at Pinewood Studios on a constructed set of Baker Street. Other locations include Aldwych Underground station, Paddington station and Chatham Historic Dockyard.

There Might Be Two Different Cuts of the Movie

The Bank Job, the latest film, was released in the UK on February 29th, 2008 and 7th, 2008 in the United States. According to a review in Chicago Reader, there could be two different cuts of the movie for the US and UK. The reasons behind this assumption are that, when the film was released in the UK, no reaction was given from the royal family. The Daily Mail states that Princess Margaret was never named in the movie.

It Received Varying Reviews

When it comes to the reception of the film, it has got varying reviews. While some love it, others hate it. The movie grossed $64.8 million worldwide, while 79% critics gave it positive reviews others believe that it is “no worse than its generic title.

There were some of the shocking facts about the British heist movie. While critics have varying opinions about it, we suggest you make up your own mind by giving it a watch!

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