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The Italian Job and The Trip and You're only supposed to blow the bloody

posted 10 years ago by buddyriptide
2 replies | jump to latest

I never saw the Italian Job until I saw The Trip a few days ago. Coogan and Brydon in that film kept trying to do impersonations of Caine and kept shouting "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" Not being a Britisher born before 75 I had no clue what the hell they were joking about. I somehow deduced that they were referencing The Italian Job and decided to watch it. I'm glad I did.

Thing is, I don't know why middle-aged British people would find this a funny catchphrase. I mean the explosion scene was pretty funny, but man Michael Caine's probably said way more funnier things than that.

But yes, it's somehow got caught in my head and during the day I keep thinking in Caine's voice shouting "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" But mostly due to The Trip, not The Italian Job.

[–] f-ascaso 10 years ago

Whether it's funny or not has nothing to do with it. It is a perfect utterance when something is overkill or someone goes way beyond what is necessary to get something done. Says it all and conveys the message in very few words.

if it was any good they'd have made an American version by now - Hank Hill

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

I don't know why middle-aged British people would find this a funny catchphrase.

The thing is you're honest and admit you just don't get it. I'm not British, but rest assured, it hasn't been voted one of the greatest lines in Brit. cinema for nothing. I can't help laughing every time I hear it. As the poster above notes ..." perfect" set-up and delivery.🐭