‘Den of Thieves 2’ Was Inspired by Robert De Niro’s Heist Movie ‘Ronin’

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  • How ‘Ronin’ Inspired ‘Den of Thieves 2’
  • Why ‘Ronin’ Is a Must-See Heist Film

If Den of Thieves (2018), directed by Christian Gudegast, was a loving tribute to Michael Mann’s Heat, then Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is openly influenced by another iconic ’90s Robert De Niro action film. In the sequel, Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) embarks on a daring diamond heist in London, and it’s difficult not to notice the sophisticated European touches reminiscent of John Frankenheimer’s Ronin.

Despite Gudegast acknowledging numerous classic European crime movies from the French New Wave era as influences, he firmly believes that “Ronin” holds a greater impact on “Den of Thieves: Pantera” than any other. At the very least, fans of “Den of Thieves” should gain a deeper understanding of the intentional path Gudegast has chosen for the franchise and consider watching “Ronin” to notice the similarities between the two European crime films.

‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’s Premise, Explained

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2018 saw the debut of “Den of Thieves,” a film that delved into the heated competition between Los Angeles bank robbers, known as The Outlaws, and a special LAPD squad called The Regulators. Headed by unorthodox detective Big Nick O’Brien (Gerard Butler), The Regulators are willing to cross lines and go to great lengths to apprehend The Outlaws, who aim to pilfer $30 million in untouched currency from the Federal Reserve Building.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but draw parallels between the thrilling climax of “Den of Thieves 2” and the iconic 1995 bank heist film “Heat.” Just like in Mann’s masterpiece, where Robert De Niro played the cunning bank robber chased by Al Pacino’s relentless LAPD detective, the sequel delivers a heart-stopping showdown. Interestingly, Gudegast seems to have been inspired for the enigmatic American protagonist in “Den of Thieves 2” by another less celebrated De Niro action movie from the ’90s, “Ronin.” This film served as the model for portraying a solitary hero navigating the complexities of Europe.

In the movie “Den of Thieves,” it is revealed that a minor Outlaw member named Donnie Wilson was actually the mastermind behind the L.A. Federal Reserve heist. Nick finds out that Donnie has escaped to London, planning to execute a complex diamond heist. The subtitle “Pantera” signifies the Pink Panthers Diamond syndicate, infamous for the 2003 Antwerp diamond heist, adding depth to the storyline. However, beyond the plot, the mood, rhythm, tempo, atmosphere, and underlying philosophical themes bear a resemblance to Frankenheimer’s “Ronin.

How ‘Ronin’ Inspired ‘Den of Thieves 2’

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share my insights on how Pantera was shaped by some of the most influential films in cinema. In an exclusive interview with Slash Film, director Gudegast shed light on the key cinematic inspirations that fueled the creation of this masterpiece.

The film ‘Ronin’ had a substantial impact on me, influencing my style and mood. Films like ‘Gomorrah’, ‘Suburra’, and many from the French New Wave such as Melville’s works (‘Le Cercle Rouge’, ‘Rififi’) and ‘Borsalino’ left their mark, too. I’ve seen most of the classic movies in this genre. Essentially, I draw inspiration more from the atmosphere and feel of these films rather than making direct tributes. ‘Ronin’ was particularly influential due to its portrayal of an American character in Europe, creating a fusion of both American and European cinematic styles. However, there wasn’t any specific homage intended.

Composed by David Mamet and J.D. Zeik, the film Ronin features De Niro in the role of Sam, an American intelligence analyst who goes by the nickname “Samurai” (which means “lone wolf” in Japanese). Hired to find a mysterious briefcase containing unknown and highly sought-after contents, Sam finds himself pursued by rival Irish and Russian criminal organizations. With its unhurried tempo, convoluted plotline that demands close attention, and gradual character development, Ronin possesses a distinctly European ambiance that Gudegast intentionally emulated for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

Why ‘Ronin’ Is a Must-See Heist Film

While “Heat” is a gritty American action movie with De Niro portraying an unyielding and uncompassionate antagonist who offers little goodness, “Ronin” showcases the legendary Academy Award winner as a multi-faceted character grappling with his mission’s moral implications. This film was praised for its deep character exploration, meticulous production, pulse-pounding car chases, and raw action sequences. Despite falling short at the box office, “Ronin” remains compelling in 2025 and is highly recommended to fans of “Den of Thieves.

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2025-01-14 05:01