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The Sting

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The Sting

PG

Released Dec 25, 1973

2h 9m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

107 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

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Critics Consensus

Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and director George Roy Hill prove that charm, humor, and a few slick twists can add up to a great film.

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Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

One of the most enduring and exquisitely crafted blockbusters of all time.

Dec 2, 2023

Full Review

Andrew Sarris

Village Voice

Pure popcorn like this is hardly worthy of serious analysis... Fortunately, the stars have not lost their charm and authority.

Aug 8, 2022

Full Review

Judith Crist

New York Magazine/Vulture

It's a joy to look at and has that rarest of present-day ingredients, Hill's hallmark -- taste. What glitters here is pure movie gold.

Aug 8, 2022

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

Arguably the G.O.A.T. heist-comedy-blockbuster “The Sting” (seven Oscars) is the premier example of the saying, "They don't make 'em like that anymore."

Rated: 5/5

May 17, 2024

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

The Sting has everything going perfectly right from start to finish and still holds up 50 years later as one of the best films ever made. It is a masterclass in filmmaking.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 25, 2023

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Keith Garlington

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

There's a playful allure that permeates much of the film and it has a cool retro style that calls back to the classic mob movies of Raoul Walsh and Lloyd Bacon. But it also has a touch of 1970s grit which helps sets it apart.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 21, 2023

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Ericka R

I love that I had the opportunity to see it on the big screen again. The first movie I saw in a theater that I remember. I was too young to understand most of it, I was 3, but I loved it all the same. Such a marvelous ensemble of stelar craftsmen. My mom suggested we get the soundtrack. I already have it for her. We were over joyed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/23

Full Review

Faiz D

Great comedy-crime caper that inspired so many con films.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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Jacopo D

Bellissimo, colpi di scena inaspettati, trama geniale che richiede attenzione per tutta la sua durata.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

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Greg H

Epic entertainment… From cinema's days of glory.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/25

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David W

Much has been written about this wonderful film and I will not comment on such, but rather point out what seems to be much overlooked! The music is such a big part and we owe a great debt to Scott Joplin for providing the perfect audio backdrop (aided ably by Marvin Hamlisch's adaptation). The memory would be barren without it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/01/25

Full Review

Len C

Saw at Empire Leicester Square on release. First time, in a cinema, that the whole audience stood up to give a standing ovation at the twists and turns of the final few minutes. I had to see the film 3 times to attempt to sort out the plot, understand all the misdirection, and make sense of the flow of the story. In contrast, the Da Vinci code is like The Sun quick crossword.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/19/25

Full Review

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George Roy Hill

Director

Paul Newman

Henry Gondorff

Robert Redford

Johnny Hooker

Robert Shaw

Doyle Lonnegan

Charles Durning

Lt. William Snyder

Ray Walston

J.J. Singleton

The Sting: Official Clip - Name's Lonnegan

1:43

The Sting: Official Clip - You're a Gutless Cheat

2:34

The Sting: Official Clip - Johnny Gets the Girl

1:20

The Sting: Official Clip - It's Over, Hooker

2:58

The Sting: Official Clip - A Real Professional

1:35

The Sting: Official Clip - A Game of Jacks

2:59

The Sting: Official Clip - This is a Class Joint

2:59

The Sting: Official Clip - The Hook

1:55

The Sting: Official Clip - It's Close

2:31

The Sting: Official Clip - World's Easiest Five Grand

2:59

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Synopsis

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

Director: George Roy Hill
Producer: Tony Bill, Julia Phillips, Michael Phillips
Screenwriter: David S. Ward
Distributor: Universal Home Entertainment, MCA/Universal Home Video, Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1973, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Runtime: 2h 9m

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