The Sting (1973)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The Sting3 Out Of 5The 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.

Besides the bizarre honky-tonk piano ragging recognisable riffs that serve as the soundtrack and the odd painterly chapter-break frames - that both feel quite out of place to the point that they tend to clash with the tone and interrupt the flow of the piece (rather than emulate the movies of the 1930s as intended), 'The Sting (1973)' is a colourful and gleefully confident flick that takes joy in simply showing its characters getting one over on the bad guy using their sheer ingenuity and willpower alone. It's set up to play out much like the big con it portrays and, while its final reveal didn't sneak up on me the way it is intended to, it successfully manages to cleverly subvert expectation and consistently deliver devilishly fun solutions to its smart little problems. 7/10

Without a doubt one of my favorite movies ever made - the relationship between Redford and Newman is just perfect, the tricks they play and the turning of the tables (without spoiling anything here), it is just a great movie. It deserves all of the praise that it gets, from the acting to the sets and costumes and music, it is just extremely well done. If you haven't seen this, you should spend the time to watch it, as it's clearly one of the best movies to ever come out of Hollywood, and if you're a fan of either Redford or Newman, it's not possible to be such without having seen this movie.

Wow, what a masterpiece!I re-watched The Sting recently for my family who'd never seen it. The story line depicts a bunch of grifters who need to take down a big-time mobster bank in the 1930's. What an all-star cast of actors in the prime of their careers - Robert Redford as the youngster who needs schooling in the ways, Paul Newman as the grizzled veteran, Robert Shaw as the big- time mobster, and tons of superb supporting stars you will recognize.The acting is terrific. The music is great. The plot will keep you on your seat from start to end. The Sting keeps you rooting for the underdogs throughout. This film is one of the rare gems that will be fun for young and middle and old folks alike. Except for some gun shot violence, and a little tawdry scenes with all that gambling houses offer, this film is fine for all. Sit back and enjoy the ride. The Sting - a must see masterpiece! Enjoy.