The best films of MICHAEL CAINE

With so many to choose from, it is hard to whittle down Michael Caine’s greatest films, so instead we have handpicked a few of his best, focusing on his most recent roles…

The Cider House Rules (1999)

The Cider House Rules, based on John Irving’s novel, is a film about an orphan who leaves the orphanage in Maine where he was raised, and goes to work in a cider house. Michael Caine plays Dr. Wilbur Larch, the head of the orphanage, which doubles as a birthing hospital where he is also the obstetrician. In this movie Caine trains the main orphan, played by Tobey Maguire, to be an obstetrician. Although Caine is not onscreen for the majority of the movie, he gives a touching performance as a conflicted man trying to do everything he can for the children under his care.

The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige is a film about two rival magicians Angier and Borden, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, whose mission is to sabotage one another’s work. Michael Caine stars as John Cutter, an engineer of magic tricks, who works with Angier to try and out do Borden. Cutter’s character acts as a father figure to Angier and as a teacher, sharing his expertise and experience with him. However, eventually he has to leave Angier, who becomes too obsessed with beating his rival. Full of twists and turns, The Prestige is an extremely thrilling and creative film.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is centered around Bruce Wayne, played by Christian Bale, who lives a double life as the crime-purging vigilante, Batman. However, Wayne wouldn’t have got to where he was without the support of his long-suffering butler, Alfred Pennyworth played by Caine. Having looked after Bruce since birth, Alfred is not only his long standing friend but also one of the only people to know Bruce’s alternative identity. Caine’s Alfred offers Bruce guidance and advice throughout the movie, acting as his father figure, counsel and accomplice. Although this is not one of Caine’s larger roles, Alfred is an integral part of the Batman mythos.

Now You See Me (2013)

In Now You See Me, Caine plays Arthur Tressler, the owner of an insurance company who financially sponsors the magician team, The Four Horsemen, throughout their tour. Arthur travels with the team over the US and revels in the fame he gets for sponsoring the popular show. After a few shows, The Four Horsemen try to read Arthur’s mind, little does he know, this was a secret trick to reveal the passwords to his bank details. It turns out Arthur’s insurance company was scamming people, so the magicians rob him of his money. He wasn’t quite the keeper people expected…

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

Based upon the 2012 comics, Kingsman: The Secret Service is a British spy film that tells the story of  the recruitment and training of a potential secret agent into a spy organisation, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius. Caine stars as Arthur, the leader of the Kingsman organisation, and it’s up to Arthur and the Kingsmen to stop the villainous millionaire Valentine, played by Samuel L Jackson, before he kills millions.

The Last Witch Hunter (2015)

In The Last Witch Hunter Caine plays Dolan 36^th, a priest who protects and looks over Vin Diesel’s character, Kaulder. Kaulder is immortal and it is the Dolan’s job to watch over him. Dolan 36^th in particular advises him and makes sure Kaulder sticks on a moral path. Throughout the film, the father / son relationship is very clear.

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is out now on Digital DOWNLOAD, courtesy of Entertainment One