There's something undeniably captivating about the world of high finance, especially when it's mixed with the suspense and mystery of a good detective story. Here's a curated list of ten films that delve into the lives of bankers, exploring themes of greed, deception, and the quest for justice. Whether you're a fan of financial thrillers or just love a good whodunit, these films offer a unique blend of both, providing not just entertainment but also a peek into the often opaque world of banking.
The Insider (1999)
Description: Although not about banking, this film involves corporate corruption and whistleblowing, themes that resonate with the financial sector. It's a gripping tale of investigation and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The film was based on a true story and received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
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The Bank Job (2008)
Description: This film is based on the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery in London. It's a classic heist film with a twist, where the robbers uncover more than just money, leading to a complex web of political intrigue and blackmail.
Fact: The film's script was reviewed by MI5 to ensure it didn't reveal too much about the real-life events. Also, the film was shot in the actual location of the robbery.
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The International (2009)
Description: An Interpol agent and an American attorney investigate an arms dealer's ties to a major bank, uncovering a global conspiracy. It's a high-stakes financial thriller with detective elements.
Fact: The film was shot in several international locations, including Berlin, Milan, and New York.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: While not strictly a detective film, it's about the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, whose financial schemes and lifestyle attract the attention of the FBI, making it a tale of financial crime and investigation.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated for Best Actor.
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The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film explains the complex financial instruments that led to the 2008 housing market crash. It's a detective story where the protagonists are trying to understand and profit from the impending doom.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain financial jargon, making complex concepts accessible to the audience.
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Margin Call (2011)
Description: This film captures the initial 24 hours of the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of an investment bank. It's a detective story of sorts, as characters piece together the impending financial disaster.
Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and much of the dialogue was improvised.
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The Accountant (2016)
Description: While not directly about bankers, this film features an accountant with a mysterious past who uncovers financial irregularities, leading to a thrilling investigation.
Fact: Ben Affleck underwent extensive training to portray the autistic savant accountant.
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The Company Men (2010)
Description: While more about corporate downsizing, this film touches on the ethical dilemmas faced by bankers and executives during economic downturns, making it a subtle detective story of personal and professional integrity.
Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, and Kevin Costner.
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Inside Job (2010)
Description: This documentary explores the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the systemic corruption of the financial industry. It's a detective story in its own right, uncovering the truth behind the economic meltdown.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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The Bank (2001)
Description: This Australian film explores the dark side of banking through the story of a young mathematician who discovers a pattern in the bank's loan approvals, leading to a moral and financial conflict.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life banking scandals in Australia.
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