The Tale of Sweeney Todd

1997

Crime / Drama / Horror / Thriller

6
IMDb Rating 6.1/10 10 914 914

murder barber

Plot summary

The fictional tale of the murderous 19th century barber (Ben Kinglsey) who sold his kills to a neighboring butcher (Joanna Lumley) for her renowned meat pies. A young innocent (Selina Boyack) and the dashing inspector (Campbell Scott) who tries to solve the murders are also thrown into the mix.

Director

John Schlesinger Photo
John Schlesinger

Top cast

Ben Kingsley Photo
Ben Kingsley as Sweeney Todd
Campbell Scott Photo
Campbell Scott as Ben Carlyle
Joanna Lumley Photo
Joanna Lumley as Mrs. Lovett
Bosco Hogan Photo
Bosco Hogan as Head Clerk
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
850.72 MB
1280*720
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 32 min
Seeds 15
1.54 GB
1920*1080
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 32 min
Seeds 29

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by missrri 7 / 10

A wonderful retelling of a London urban legend with a great cast & a love story

I wouldn't have watched this TV remake if it wasn't for Campbell Scott and Ben Kingsley. Knowing that they are both tremendous actors, I was not disappointed by this adaptation! The story is pertinent and clear from the beginning, without unnecessary details and without revealing too much from the very first scenes. The addition of dashing American inspector Ben Carlyle (Campbell Scott) adds a nice twist to the original tale, and satisfies the female romance-craving audience of this horror crime story. With Carlyle's presence and help, the story unravels more interestingly and naturally, whilst also maintaining a classic mystery-horror vibe. The blend of American, Irish, Scottish and English cast is a very fortunate one in this instance, and the American-British romance sub-plot brightens the tale a little bit. The 'justice prevails' positive ending clears the grey London clouds, and leaves the watchers satisfied for good Alice is in good hands.This version of 'The Tale of Sweeney Todd' reminds me a bit of the retelling of 'Dorian Gray' (2009) with Colin Firth, because of the addition of a subtle love story and the 'good prevails' ending.
Reviewed by rebeckap 6 / 10

Not as good as the 2007 movie but worth a look.

This is a mildly diverting take on the Sweeney Todd tale with good performances by Ben Kingsley in the title role, and Joanna Lumley as an enterprising Mrs. Lovett with rotten teeth. Those of you who have seen the recent Depp movie and/or the Broadway version will find that the back story has been changed completely. Not wanting to give anything away, I will only say that the Swiftian social satire element of the original Sondheim version has pretty much fallen by the wayside. Users here comment on the convincing 19th century atmosphere, but judging by the costumes and wigs, the setting is clearly late 18th century London and not 19th century Dublin although the movie was filmed there. There is even a small reference to the French Revolution so I would place it in about the 1790s. Having said that, costume, street scenes and general filth look very true to the late 1700s. Unfortunately, the anemic musical score is not a good one and it actually detracts from the horror and ghoulishness of the film. On the other hand, the film is a good deal less gory than the 2007 version which may make it more appealing to the squeamish.
Reviewed by lastliberal 7 / 10

The best pies in London

I do not know if the story of Sweeney Todd is based upon fact, but it sure makes for an interesting blend of horror and comedy.One of the criticisms I have heard of the new Johnny Depp version is that you never really know why he becomes a mass murderer. Well, there is no mystery here and, if you take the time to find this film, you will know everything.John Schlesinger, who gave us Cold Comfort Farm, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Darling and Oscar winner Midnight Cowboy, does a great job of keeping us interested in the case of the missing businessman.Campbell Scott was riveting as the American come to London to find the property of his employers; property in the possession of said businessman when he disappeared.You will be fascinated in the streets of London, the costuming, the atmosphere, and you will see why someone could lose their heads for a few rings.Ben Kingsley is fabulous as the serial killer, and blends humor and horror into a role that has been described as one of the better versions of a half dozen that have been done. I think it will be hard to beat this one, but I am looking forward to examining the rest.Excellent support by Joanna Lumley ("Absolutely Fabulous") and Selina Boyack in her first film.
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