Watch The Banksy Job

The Banksy Job is a documentary film released in 2016 that chronicles the events surrounding the theft of an artwork created by renowned street artist Banksy. The film primarily follows the exploits of a group of thieves who stole the artwork, as well as the efforts of a group of men who attempted to recover it. These efforts included one man, who spent a year traveling the world to track down the artwork, and another who worked to save the piece from being destroyed.

The film begins with the background of Banksy and his rise to fame, showcasing some of his most iconic works and discussing his status as a cultural icon. The artwork at the center of the film is known as the Kissing Coppers and is a stencil of two male police officers kissing. The piece was originally painted on a wall in Brighton, England, in 2004 and became famous soon after. In 2011, thieves removed the mural from the wall and attempted to sell it at auction, but the sale was cancelled after the artwork's authenticity was challenged.

The Banksy Job also introduces the different people involved in the theft and recovery of the artwork. The group of thieves included individuals with experience in art theft and criminal activities, while the group attempting to recover the artwork included art dealers and enthusiasts who were passionate about Banksy's work. The film highlights the stark contrast between these two groups, with the thieves often depicted as ruthless and unconcerned with the cultural significance of Banksy's work, while the recovery team is portrayed as people who appreciate and value art.

The film is structured in a way that highlights the tension between these two groups, with the thieves and the recovery team often coming close to crossing paths. The film follows their efforts as they travel across the globe, from Miami to Berlin to Scandinavia, in an attempt to locate the missing artwork. Throughout their journey, they encounter a number of obstacles, including undercover police officers, rival art dealers, and even a group of neo-Nazis.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Banksy Job is the way that it explores the larger issues surrounding art theft and the value of cultural heritage. The film is effective in showing how the theft of artwork can have devastating consequences, both for the specific piece and for the broader cultural conversation. By showcasing Banksy's work and exploring the controversy surrounding the Kissing Coppers mural, the film effectively makes the case that art is more than just a commodity - it is an important part of our cultural heritage.

Throughout the film, there is a palpable sense of tension and drama as the various groups move closer to finding the missing artwork. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the story, as the thieves attempt to sell the artwork on the black market and the recovery team works tirelessly to locate it. There are also moments of levity and humor, particularly in the interactions between the different members of the recovery team.

Overall, The Banksy Job is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that shines a light on the dark world of art theft and the importance of cultural heritage. It is a fascinating exploration of the life and work of Banksy, as well as an examination of the social and cultural issues surrounding the theft of artwork. The film is well-paced, well-structured, and features a great cast of characters, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in art, culture, and the criminal underworld.

The Banksy Job is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.