This documentary brings us the true story behind the infamous 2003 Antwerp Diamond Robbery, also known as “the heist of the century”. So, for those of you who do not know what exactly happened, here’s a gist of it: thieves conducted a daring theft in the Antwerp Diamond Centre situated in Belgium. Now what’s interesting is that the center is well guarded, and it's next to impossible to break into the vaults or, let alone, the buildings. The burglars ended up stealing approximately $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, and other precious stones and gems. This news shook not only Germany but the entire world because literally no alarms went off after the burglary happened. So you can imagine how clean it was. To give a detailed account of what happened, former diamond squad commander Agim De Bruycker appears throughout the documentary, sharing his voice and experience of what happened in this particular case. Just like us, even after all these years, he still is in disbelief that such a robbery could take place in what is known as one of the most secure and heavily guarded places on earth.
This robbery is just an example of what a human mind can do because it was conducted with a lot of sophistication. And when I say that it's next to impossible to break into the vaults, here’s a reason why: there are infrared heat sensors that can detect body temperatures. In addition to this, there are magnetic locks with special combinations to open them. Not to mention the 24-hour surveillance and the steel doors, which only add to the overall complexity. What’s more is that the vault is buried two floors underground. So you can imagine the level of planning and plotting required to break into a system that isn’t easy to get inside.
Today, the case remains partially solved, with the main convict, Leonardo Notarbartolo, being arrested days later. However, according to me, this too is a bit suspicious because someone who managed to break into the unbreakable vaults could and does everything to evade getting caught.
With the help of images and voices of those involved in solving the case, the film is good to watch. We get to hear so many different thoughts and opinions on this particular incident. Though it's been two decades since this incident, for those who were working on this case, the memories are alive as if it happened just yesterday. However, this isn’t a typical documentary like the ones we see about murders. Though the topic is sensitive, its portrayal is simple. It doesn’t go big on background music, heavy dialogue, or plot. That’s what the beauty of this film is. It focuses on presenting an insight into the happenings of February 2003. Some of you might end up finding this a bit boring because of this display. It doesn’t create a sense of fear or terror in your head, and only when you pay attention can you understand the process followed in conducting this robbery. Stolen for sure captures and displays the true essence of the crime.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times