In the arid Bolivian highlands, an elderly Quechua couple has been living a tranquil life for years. While he takes their small herd of llamas out to graze, she keeps house and walks for miles with the other local women to fetch precious water. When an uncommonly long drought threatens everything they know, Virginio and Sisa must decide whether to stay and maintain their traditional way of life or admit defeat and move in with family members in the city. Their dilemma is precipitated by the arrival of their grandson who comes to visit with news of his own. The three of them must face, each in their own way, the effects of a changing environment, the importance of tradition, and the meaning of life itself.

What more needs to be said about this cult classic? The film’s plot centres on Cockney criminal Charlie Croker (Michael Caine), recently released from prison, who forms a gang for the job of stealing a cache of gold bullion being transported through the Italian city of Turin in an armoured security truck. In addition to Caine, the cast also included Noël Coward and, surprisingly, Benny Hill. The soundtrack was composed by Quincy Jones. The film proved a success upon its release, earning acclaim amongst critics for the performances by Caine and Coward, the film’s reflection of British culture from the period and the climactic car chase. Several elements became symbolic cult features, including the never-resolved cliffhanger ending.