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Now this is what I call a documentary. The movie's about Mexico City in the 60s-ish and the thieving culture that existed at the time. Through interviews with a couple of incarcerated guys now sixty years old and beyond, we learn about the best thieves and their ways.

Most of the guys are small time crooks who were jailed for theft, got into trouble in jail and tripled their sentences. But one guy, “El Carrizos”, he's a big time thief of fame and fortune. The man has houses in Polanco, a ritzy suburb of Mexico City. The best parts of the movie described these highly successful thieves. Dudes like "El Cuatro Vientos" who went to major global events like the World Series to pickpocket people. These guys were masters of their craft and highly talented according to the old-timers. El Carrizos himself managed to rob the houses of two Mexican Presidents so obviously he was on the most wanted list.

Through an incredible splicing of interviews, newspaper and TV footage, we watch these exploits dating back decades. And we enter the world of Mexican police who manipulate the crooks to serve their own ends. One cop in particular, El Dracula, let his head get too big which evolved into a showdown with Carrizos. Some of the most effective bits of documentary weave these different pieces together to give us the scope of this world--crime affecting the rich, powerful and corrupt.

At the end of the day these robbers had a strong code of ethics. None of them were armed; killing was not part of the game. Instead, not getting caught was a matter of pride and developing one's skills for the notoriety. Most of them began their trade given incredible poverty. It's a bit depressing watching 70's era journalists interview street-kids in Mexico City. Actually, the whole documentary is not exactly sunshine, but fascinating. There are so many different sides to these stories.

Glad I got to watch this via the Chicago Latino Film Festival. Have no idea how to tell anyone else to watch it, but if you're into documentaries and criminal undergrounds, check it out.

http://www.losladronesviejos.com/