The First Blockchain Business Film: "The Last Thieves"
Originally titled "The Last Thieves" in Chinese (《圣人大盗》), this groundbreaking film positions itself as the world's first blockchain-themed business thriller. Produced under the supervision of Hong Kong cinema veteran Eric Tsang, it premiered in Taiwan on October 18, 2019. While mainland China release remains uncertain, the movie has sparked significant interest within crypto communities.
Plot Summary:
The story follows young entrepreneur Yin Zixiang (played by Yen Tsao) who dreams of leveraging blockchain technology to disrupt traditional economic systems. His vision? To create a decentralized financial ecosystem that breaks free from corporate monopolies. Alongside his girlfriend Chen Xi (Joanne Tseng) and team members, they battle against:
- Ruthless fund manager Xu Jing (Megan Lai)
- Scheming conglomerate boss Lin Mingyan (Eric Tsang)
- Financial regulatory chief Chen Fatong (Ying-hsuan Kao)
As they navigate betrayals and harsh realities, the film poses profound questions:
"How much must one sacrifice for ideals? Are we builders of a better world or wolves in sheep's clothing?"
Key Themes:
✅ Decentralized finance revolution
✅ Power struggles between innovators and establishment
✅ Ethical dilemmas in technological disruption
"Blockchain technology liberates currency from centralized control, ensuring fair valuation for every individual's labor." - Core message from the film
Notable Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Films
1. Documentary Essentials
| Film Title | Release Year | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Banking on Bitcoin | 2016 | Early Bitcoin adoption struggles |
| Bitcoin Gospel | 2017 | Roger Ver's evangelism |
| The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin | 2014 | Crypto's societal impact |
👉 Discover more about crypto's evolution
2. Thematic Explorations
"Life on Bitcoin" (2014)
- Reality experiment: Can newlyweds survive 3 months using only crypto?
- Documents real-world adoption challenges
"CRYPTO" (2019 Hollywood thriller)
- Stars Kurt Russell as a financial crime investigator
- Explores crypto's dark web connections
3. Mainstream Appearances
- "Billions" (Season 3): Hedge funds trading cryptocurrency
- "The Big Bang Theory" (S11E18): Bitcoin mining episode
- "Integrity" (2019 Hong Kong film): Bitcoin in money laundering plots
FAQs About Crypto in Cinema
Q: Why do most films portray crypto negatively?
A: Early associations with darknet markets created lasting stereotypes. However, recent projects like DCEP and institutional adoption are shifting narratives.
Q: Are there accurate technical portrayals?
A: "Banking on Bitcoin" provides the most authentic look at blockchain's underlying principles, featuring Vitalik Buterin and other pioneers.
Q: What's the best film for crypto beginners?
A: "The Magic Money: The Bitcoin Revolution" balances accessibility with depth, explaining concepts without oversimplifying.
The Future of Crypto Storytelling
As blockchain permeates mainstream consciousness, expect more nuanced portrayals beyond crime tropes. Upcoming projects to watch:
- "Cryptopia" (2024 documentary)
- "Web3" (Amazon Studios drama in development)
👉 Stay updated on blockchain entertainment trends
"The most astonishing aspect of blockchain is its ability to establish trust through mathematics rather than political institutions." - Liu Cixin, author of The Three-Body Problem