Le Casse de l'impossible

Guy Ritchie's The Money Heist is a gripping and fascinating documentary about the real-life attempted robbery of £300 million in diamonds from the Millennium Dome in 2000.

True crime stories are often more entertaining than fiction, and this is no exception. They likely would have gotten away with it, had the police not been watching and waiting.

I watched all three episodes in one go - the pacing felt just right, and the story is well told, featuring interviews with Flying Squad detectives, De Beers (the diamond's owners), and some of the criminals involved.

I disagree with the reviews claiming the documentary glamorises crime - the substantial prison sentences handed out to the unsuccessful robbers were anything but glamorous.

People have always been interested in real crimes - Dick Turpin, the Great Train Robbery, Brinks-Mat, etc. Books and TV programmes get made about them, and they often end up entertaining, which is to be expected from a documentary series about one of the most audacious robbery attempts ever.

That one of the robbers, Lee Wenham - who is heavily featured in the programme - happens to be quite likeable is neither here nor there. Likeable rogues exist, but that doesn't mean they don't go to jail.

There are also plenty of interviews with the victorious police who foiled the plot, so it's not as if Ritchie is bastardising history.

Nothing is more disgusting than rich people flaunting their wealth like it's some kind of art exhibition. This series taps straight into that twisted reality, and I loved every minute of it. The plot revolves around an attempt to steal a diamond, but honestly, I couldn't help rooting for the bandits. The so-called "victims" are dripping with greed, privilege, and ego, which makes the tension even more satisfying. Great acting, stylish production, and a sharp critique of the elite. More of this, please! Honestly! This is just an absolute pleasure to watch! So if you haven't then go for it just right now!

This is great insight to a wonderful caper!

To have the insight of the thieves, police and justice system is rare. It's a wonderful documentary.

My only gripe is the cuts to visuals of sharks etc. I think the viewer should be credited with more intelligence.

All of that said, this is compelling viewing.

This is great insight to a wonderful caper!

To have the insight of the thieves, police and justice system is rare. It's a wonderful documentary.

My only gripe is the cuts to visuals of sharks etc. I think the viewer should be credited with more intelligence.

All of that said, this is compelling viewing.

On the one hand this is quite an interesting heist with a good story to tell.

On the other this is such a slick snd glossy production that it ends up glamorising and sanitising the real crime and gangsters as if it's one of Guy Ritchies dramas. There is a difference between TV drama and reality after all, and I think a different production style would have helped. It also gives a lot of attention and voice to the criminals themselves, which is what they want (as they say in their own words). Almost resulting in giving the impression they were in the right or somehow entitled to do what they did.

Take this as it is. It's a documentary about the failed, but audacious, attempt at stealing £350m (~$380m) worth of diamonds.

It was big news at the time. I don't think the limited series glorifies crime. It tells an accurate and compelling story.

It's not like your regular documentary, and it's British. So it's unique and compelling. If you have a Netflix subscription it doesn't cost you anything to watch.

Guy Richie is an executive director, and it shows. It's somewhere between a Lock Stock style movie and a fast paced Netflix documentary. It's good fun and the story is smartly weaved together between the robbers and the cops point of view.

Personally I really enjoyed it, and if you're not easily offended (by literally anything), I think you'll enjoy it too, particularly if you're not British (I am British living in Texas). I say that as it's a unique insight into British culture that actual Brits won't appreciate as much.