THE ITALIAN JOB - British vs Hollywood

I watched The Italian Job (2003) first then The Italian Job (1969) later. There are a lot of differences between two versions, also some similarities that I want to share. Let's talk about the stories

The Italian Job (1969)
It was directed by Peter Collinson and written by Troy Kennedy Martin. They are well-known for directing and screenplaying this movie. Thanks to the appearance of Micheal Cain, it was very popular in Britain in 1969.
Shortly after being released from prison, Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) involves in a mission of stealing 4 million dollars worth of gold arriving in Italy from China. With the help of Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward), who runs a gangland empire from within jail. In the first half of the movie Charlie gathers a computer expert Professor Peach (Benny Hill), and a very minor character played by Robert Powell to form a gang. By corrupting the traffic-control system, they steal the gold and escape despite the traffic jam. Unfortunately, the mafia jump in and cause them some trouble, but they somehow handle it and successfully manage to go to Switzerland. However, at the end when they are on the mountain road, the bus has an accident and fall over the edge of the cliff making the gold slip toward the door. Finally, I don't know if they can survive and save the gold or not, but Charlie's last line opens a new beginning for the film 'Hang on lads, I've got a great idea!'

The Italian Job (2003)
This remake is a Hollywood action directed by F. Gary Gray and written by Donna and Wayne Powers. Lots of film addicts think this can not be considered as rival to its classic predecessor. In my opinion, those two follow the different category, to compare them together is impossible.
After successfully achieve the gold from an Italian mafia in Venice, Charlie (Mark Wahlberg) and his gang – computer genius Lyle (Seth Green), the transporter Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), explosives expert Left-Ear (Mos Def) and safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland) – can't believe Steve (Edward Norton) their inside man backstabs them and keeps the gold for himself as well as killing John Bridger in the process.
One year later, they are back for revenge with the help of Bridger's daughter, Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron). As in The Italian Job (1969), things of course do not go as smoothly, especially when they find out Steve has updated his safe. But in the end they prevail. They hijack the van; steal the gold, and Stella gets revenge on her father’s killer. While the gang escapes in a train, Steve is kidnapped by some Ukrainian’s whose relative he killed. The happy ending is so predictable.

Similarities:

• They share the same main character Charlie: young, handsome and ladykiller
• The gang include genius computer who can cause a traffic jam for his comrades to escape
• The use of mini coopers for thrilling chasing scenes

Differences:
Other than the few similarities I mentioned  above, most of the plot have been change.

• The film is set in the present (as opposed to the 1960’s); and although the initial robbery takes place in Venice, Italy, the majority of the film is filmed in L.A. 
• The original film was based around the robbery of some four million dollars worth of gold from an Italian shipment from China. While the remake begins with a mission set in Italy, everything afterwards is new twist – someone betrays them and takes the money for himself. A year later they assemble a team to seek revenge on their crooked comrade, and take back what is rightly (although illegally) theirs.
• The presence of Bridger's daughter set more romance for the Hollywood version

Finally, I personally think each movie has its own charm, may be it depends on the interest of audiences. If you like classic comedy with some action scenes and unpredictable ending or you just simply like the British accent (like me), you may enjoy the original film. However, if you like Hollywood action style with breathtaking car chase scenes plus amazing computer hacking and some romantic scenes between two main characters, you can be interested in the remake version.

You think who is more handsome? :)