Charlestown is the Boston neighborhood associated with many armored-car robbers in The Town.
The 2010 crime film follows Doug MacRay, a Charlestown bank robber played by Ben Affleck. Early in the movie, the neighborhood is described as having a distinctive criminal tradition, particularly involving armored-car crews and bank robbers.
The film was directed by Affleck, who also co-wrote the screenplay and played the lead role. Its story follows MacRay's attempt to leave his criminal life after becoming involved with Claire Keesey, a bank manager taken hostage during one of his crew's robberies.
The real Charlestown is a historic Boston neighborhood north of the Charles River. The movie uses its streets, row houses and local identity as more than a backdrop: the setting shapes the characters' relationships, loyalties and expectations about crime.