Brilliantly balances a striking mix of taut heist drama and social commentary. At least until the end, which is, admittedly, more than a little silly.

Wise weaves several elements very deftly, creating a tense crime film, a character study and a social study all in one enjoyable and moody film. The three leads are all fantastic at showing their inner turmoil and the ending is perfectly appropriate in wrapping up the film's various angles. Great score too.

Not necessarily film noir, but an impeccably crafted heist film and character study which covers many subjects dividing society, including race, sexuality, and generation. Surely this is one of the films that helped bring about the end of the production code in Hollywood. It manages to be neither preachy nor sentimental, and in fact is quite even-handed, understated, and methodical. It's no wonder this was apparently a huge influence on Jean-Pierre Melville.

Very hip crime drama with a great screenplay and good performances from a fine ensemble cast.

Wise beautifully paints the screen in shades of gray. Ryan is at his very best. Belafonte is absolutely wonderful. There's also a fine roster of excellent supporting actors. I also have to mention the amazing avant-garde score, and the striking use of sound design, often bridging scenes with a particular sound effect. There are scattered references to atom bombs. The film's climax even evokes a post-nuclear landscape. The film is grim, claustrophobic, gripping, and damn near perfectly executed.