X
- 1973
- PG
- 2 h 9 m
- 1973
- PG
- 2 h 9 m
Summary In Chicago of September 1936, a young con man seeks revenge for his murdered by teaming up with a master of the big con to win a fortune from a criminal banker.
Directed By: George Roy Hill
Written By: David S. Ward
- 1973
- PG
- 2 h 9 m
- 1973
- PG
- 2 h 9 m
The Sting
8.1
Where to Watch
Summary In Chicago of September 1936, a young con man seeks revenge for his murdered by teaming up with a master of the big con to win a fortune from a criminal banker.
Directed By: George Roy Hill
Written By: David S. Ward
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 17 Critic Reviews
83
71% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
29% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 17 Critic Reviews
83
71% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
29% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The Sting, that unalloyed delight...A pure entertainment film, it is impeccably crafted and well-deserving of its immense popularity.[25 Aug 1985, p.5]
In an age when films such as Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven are revered for their trickery, The Sting remains the definitive con artist comedy: as irresistible and ingenious as the scheme that hooks in Doyle.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 81 User Ratings
8.1
88% Positive
71 Ratings
71 Ratings
9% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
4% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 81 User Ratings
8.1
88% Positive
71 Ratings
71 Ratings
9% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
4% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
The saying goes: a thief who steals a thief has 100 years of forgiveness. A '70s classic in its own right that cleverly mixes comedy with a crime story. What gives it more flavor with the performances of Robert Redford and Paul Newman, and the iconic musician Marvin Hamlich. It is not over seeing it now that it is 50 years old.
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Redford offers just the right amounts of arrogance and innocence to make Hooker a believable hustler but half-hearted scoundrel.
The Sting represents one of the most popular, widely-loved films to win Best Picture in the last half-century and an example of grand entertainment.
But the look of a movie is not as important as how it feels. The Sting feels like a cold shower. One dashes into it primarily because of its superior cast.
The plot has many twists, few surprises, and one gaping hole, which becomes apparent only after you walk out of the theater and have a chance to think. But pure popcorn like this is hardly worthy of serious analysis...Fortunately, the stars have not lost their charm and authority.
The Sting was not made to be taken seriously, but many people may find it difficult even to enjoy casually. It lacks the elements that could have given it true drive. [31 Dec 1973, p.50]
Funny, delightful, witty, thought-provoking, and aware of everything it's up to. The Sting is a stylish crime film that is for everyone. And, of course, Redford and Newman shine. It's just a bit convoluted in the first 20 minutes. Watch it ASAP, you follow? (9/10)
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I really enjoyed this movie and consider it one of the classics. At first, before watching it (I watched it in 2017) I thought that it will be some outdated movie and I wondered why I haven't even heard about it. But after checking it out I thought it is one of the most interesting movies I have seen in a long time - a really great movie with great actors and interesting plot.
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a viscous bite that spreads like fire in a forest..
The Sting
3 Out Of 5
The Sting is a heist thriller about two con artists whose plan to take down the impossible might just be possible. The scrutiny in here isn't as convoluted or glorifying as the makers think but is undeniably impressive and breezy to encounter which comes with cons too, like the characters never seems to be in trouble and has a way out of every calculated conflicts; primary reason why audience feels disconnected with the viewers. It is short on technical aspects like sound department, cinematography and editing although has amazing costume design and background score in its favor. The writing is weak yet gripping with varied tactics of heists that helps keep the audience engaged in it. The screenplay by David S. Ward pitches an impactful heist tale that is unforgettable in its own way. George Roy Hill; the director, has done a marvelous job on executing the script which could have easily come off as a hoax. The performance is decently acted out by Paul Newman and Robert Redford in their parallel roles and Robert Shaw in a supporting role. The Sting has a viscous bite that spreads like fire in a forest for despite of being loosely written it certifiably makes it entertaining.
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The Sting is the equivalent of Windows 95, foundational and necessary for subsequent follow ups but unless you have nostalgia for it, or just really wanna play the original solitaire, there's no reason to go back to it. The Sting is a heist movie, where several con men try to con the man who's never been conned. Con-versely I hope you haven’t seen Oceans 11 because if you have then congratulations you've seen The Sting. Oceans 11 achieves everything that The Sting sets out to do in a more concise, well edited manner. The only thing The Sting has on Oceans 11 is it's old retro style charm, title cards appear after each act like older films, which is an odd tradition thinking about it. To anyone who claims that modern attention spans are low, just know that moves used to have breaks in them. Other than the scheduled potty breaks, the movie also utilizes a traditional, minimal editing style throughout the movie. Simple wipes are used everywhere, horizontal wipes, vertical wipes even some unique shapes that should never be used outside ****. Judging by my review score you can tell that I am personally not a fan of this older style of filmmaking. My favorite directors consist of Edgar Wright and Steven Kubrick, directors that heavily utilize distinct and direct cuts creating a great sense of flow and cohesion with every film they make, older editing styles just don't have that. There's a good movie just below the surface of The Sting, it's just covered in a thick layer of dust caused by age. With some polish, modern editing software and brighter color palette The Sting could be a good movie. Just spit balling ideas, set it in Las Vegas, expand the cast a little bit, focus more on the plan and less so the execution and you have an amazing film. Wonder if any film like that exists...
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Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 7 Wins & 10 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
National Board of Review, USA
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
