Michael Caine's best roles

Roles in "Gambit" or "The Dark Knight" helped Michael Caine impress experts, according to the film site Rotten Tomatoes.

Michael Caine is one of Hollywood's most outstanding actors and is considered a British cinema icon. With a career spanning over 50 years, he has appeared in about 160 films, constantly proving his worth.

In an interview with BBC Radio in October, the actor said he would retire after completing The Great Escaper (2023). Rotten Tomatoes ranks the 20 roles that made Michael Caine's name.

1. Gambit (1966)

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"Gambit" trailer from 1966. Video: Universal Pictures

The actor plays thief Harry Dean, who teams up with mysterious girl Nicole Chang (Shirley MacLaine) to steal artwork from millionaire Shahbandar (Herbert Lom). However, the plan goes as Harry expected.

The work directed by Ronald Neame was nominated for three Oscars, and experts highly appreciated the chemistry between Caine and MacLaine. The actor expressed his love and intrigue through his eyes and words. The Guardian commented that Caine's charming performance made many viewers unable to take their eyes off him.

2. Play Dirty (1969)

"Play Dirty" trailer, 1969. Video: Lowndes Productions Limited

The film, directed by Andre DeToth, is set in World War II in North Africa. The plot revolves around a group of British commandos disguised as Italian soldiers, tasked with destroying Nazi oil depots.

Caine plays Captain Douglas, who is assigned to lead a group of assassins. However, their real enemy is not the Germans but the British government , when they blame Douglas and his associates. According to Chicago Reader, the actor succeeds in portraying the psychological depth of the character, in the scene facing the brutal reality of war.

3. Alfie (1966)

"Alfie" trailer from 1966. Video: Paramount Pictures

According to MovieWeb, the work directed by Lewis Gilbert helped Michael Caine earn his first Oscar nomination in his career. The artist plays the main role of Alfie, a New York City playboy with a dashing appearance who preys on gullible women.

The actor does not hesitate to portray Alfie's deceitful aspects, from selfishness to promiscuity. In the scene where the character confides in the camera, Caine uses his voice to describe the character's dark side, giving the work depth. In 2012, critic Jonathan Rosenbaum said that the film has remained in the hearts of audiences for many years thanks to Michael Caine's performance.

4. Mona Lisa (1986)

Trailer for "Mona Lisa" in 1986. Video: HandMade Films

The film tells the story of an ex-convict named George (Bob Hoskins), who is hired as a driver for prostitute Simone (Cathy Tyson). During the job, George experiences many troubles and at the same time falls in love with Simone.

In Neil Jordan's work, Caine plays the villain, the gangster Mortwell. The artist exudes determination and coldness through his words, most notably in the scene arguing with Bob Hoskins (as George). MovieWeb commented that despite his small appearance, Caine can still easily transform into any role.

5. The Ipcress File (1965)

"The Ipcress File" trailer, 1965. Video: Lowndes Productions

The artist plays spy Harry Palmer, assigned to investigate the kidnapping and brainwashing of famous scientists . While trying to capture suspect Bluejay (Frank Gatliff), Palmer discovers a mysterious recording called "Ipcress", containing many classified information.

Experts consider the character Palmer to be one of Caine's best roles. The actor has many humorous lines in many scenes, and at the same time shows his masculinity through difficult situations. According to MovieWeb, many people compare The Ipcress File by director Sidney J. Furie to the James Bond series, however, the character Palmer has more depth than Bond, due to the pain he experiences when being tortured.

6. The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Excerpt from "The Man Who Would Be King". Video: Columbia Pictures

The film was directed by John Huston, based on the novel of the same name by Rudyard Kipling. The content tells the story of two former British soldiers Daniel Dravot (Sean Connery) and Peachy Carnehan (Michael Caine) traveling from India to the kingdom of Kafiristan. However, Dravot is mistaken for a god by the natives and worships him. From there, many funny and sad situations happen to Dravot and Carnehan.

Sight & Sound magazine praised the combination of Caine and Connery, saying that the two artists fully expressed the characters' emotions, giving the ending depth. The work received four Oscar nominations in 1976, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

7. Zulu (1964)

Excerpt from "Zulu." Video: Paramount Pictures

Directed by Charles De Latour, the film is about the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the British and Zulu armies in 1879. A regiment led by Lieutenant John Chard (Stanley Baker) and Gonville Bromhead (Michael Caine) is stationed near Mount Isandlwana and must fight 4,000 Zulu warriors. Although most of the British soldiers are wounded and starving, the group must defend their fort against the Zulu.

The film was praised by experts for recreating painful moments in history. The Telegraph commented that Michael Caine gave an excellent, emotional performance as a soldier determined to protect the lives of his comrades.

8. The Dark Knight (2008)

Trailer "The Dark Knight". Video: CGV

Caine plays the butler Alfred Pennyworth, who always stands behind Batman/Bruce Wayne (Michael Caine) in his fight against crime. Director Christopher Nolan's work has been praised by many people, because each character's personality is described in detail.

Although he doesn't appear much, Caine conveys his kindness and devotion through many actions. Alfred appears as a father figure who always silently protects Wayne, supports and advises him before important decisions.

9. Sleuth (1972)

Excerpt from "Sleuth". Video: 20th Century Fox

The film, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is about detective novelist Andrew Wyke (Laurence Olivier) who asks Milo Tindle (Michael Caine) to end his affair with Wyke's wife. From there, the two confront each other through mind games, with no clear winner.

Variety magazine praised Michael Caine's performance, saying that the actor improvised well in the climax. Positif commented that Caine's performance brought appeal to the work. In 1973, the work received four Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Caine and Olivier.

10. Children of Men (2006)

Excerpt from "Children of Men". Video: Universal Studios

The film, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is set in 2027, when the world has fallen into chaos due to the lack of children born for many years. One day, Theo Faron (Clive Owen) discovers that a woman named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) is pregnant. Theo and his friends must protect Kee to a safe place, avoiding the pursuit of bad guys.

Michael Caine plays Jasper, a drug dealer who helps Theo protect Kee. Jasper's character appears briefly but plays an important role in the plot of the film. MovieWeb believes that Caine's role is touching when describing the sacrifice for friends, while also bringing laughter to help lighten the heavy work.

In addition to the top 10, Michael Caine's other notable roles in movies:

11. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)12. The Whistle Blower (1986)13. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)14. The Wrong Box (1966)15. Get Carter (1971)16. Inception (2010)17. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)18. The Quiet Americans (2002)19. Batman Begins (2005)20. Dressed to Kill (1980)

Thu Ha (According to vnexpress.net)

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