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THE STING- REVIEW

THE STING (English,1973)

Director : George Roy Hill

Cast : Paul Newman , Robert Redford

This classic , had been on my list of "Yet to watch" movies for a long time . I finally got to watch it , and what an experience it turned out to be.

The story is set in 1936 Illinois , and is about a con artist , Hooker(Redford) , who is among the best grifters in town. Hooker and his mentor , Luther , con a guy , and make a lot of money. Sadly , Luther gets murdered , as the guy they had conned , happens to work for a dangerous mobster , Doyle Lonnegan, who seeks revenge.

Luther had just decided to quit the game , and had asked Hooker to meet a certain Henry Gondorff (Newman), in Chicago, before his untimely death. Hooker and Gondorff then decide to pull off one of the biggest cons of all times . And the target ? You guessed it.. Lonnegan.

This is undoubtedly one of the best con movies I have come across . And when it has legends like Newman and Redford , expectations are bound to be high.

The movie is essentially about the crime rackets in the 1930's , and is supposed to fit into the Crime genre. But thanks to some really well shot scenes , it manages to keep you laughing and at least smiling , most of the time.

The screenplay is aptly divided into various parts - The Players,The Set-up, The Tale,The Wire,The Shut-out and The Sting. Each part is equally engrossing and you are never given the opportunity to get bored. The dialogues are very witty and keep you laughing. The con sequences are top-notch. Newman and Redford simply shine as the con artists.

Of particular mention , are the con scenes in the Western Union Office , and the poker game on the train , in which Gondorff makes a walking joke out of Lonnegan.

Apart from the con scenes , there are many others which stand out. For instance the relationship between Hooker and Loretta , a coffee shop attendant , will shock you, for reasons best left unrevealed. The other cast members have all done well. However , Newman and Redford steal the show.

If you are expecting chemistry between the two , like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", you will be let down. Both the characters get their own share of the cake , and there are hardly any scenes , which remind you of the wonderful bond these actors shared , in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Nevertheless , it is still a treat to watch these legends together again.

I don't find any flaw in the movie . In fact , I feel that today's industry which has given similar movies , like the Ocean's series , which are very good movies in their own right , have simply failed to meet the standards set by this movie , which I feel has to be considered as the perfect example of the word "CON".

Please do watch this movie , for Robert Redford and Paul Newman . I write this review , as a mark of respect for Paul Newman , who succumbed to cancer , a few days ago , at the age of 83. Watch this movie and the image of Henry Gondorff , will remain with you for a long time. Paul Newman fits perfectly into the character. May his soul Rest In Peace.

I will give this movie 4 out of 5 . Please do watch it to experience the Paul Newman effect. They don't make actors like him anymore. Butch Cassidy lives on in the hearts of film-lovers like me forever.

VERDICT : Timeless Classic . 4 / 5