
The Grifters
1990, Drama/Crime, 1h 53m
43 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Coolly collected and confidently performed, The Grifters is a stylish caper that puts the artistry in con. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Roy Dillon
Lilly Dillon
Myra Langtry
Bobo Justus
Cole
Gloucester Hebbing
Critic Reviews for The Grifters
All Critics (43) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (4)
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These doomed grifters deserve instant admission into the film noir pantheon.
February 6, 2018 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: A | Full Review… -
Best to savor The Grifters for its handsome design -- the picture looks as clean as a Hockney landscape -- and its juicy performances.
November 6, 2009 | Full Review… -
A mannerist thriller that doesn't begin to work despite the number of talented hands involved.
November 6, 2009 | Full Review… -
Cusack underplays Roy, making him an unbelievable wiseguy, a colorless cipher too akin to the saps he loves to fleece.
October 18, 2008 | Full Review… -
Donald Westlake's excellent screenplay does some justice to the starkness of Jim Thompson's novel; and Frears' direction never fails to grab the attention.
June 24, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Grifters
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Aug 28, 2014A young con artist learns the hard way that relationship problems cannot be solved with money. And there's a crapload of money here on display. Every time you look somebody is reaching into a bag to pull out stacks of green. Stacks of green laying around like a Halloween candy grab. And while Cusack and Bening are okay in this, make no mistake this is Anjelica Huston's movie. The best scene is between her and Pat Hingle, who can pull off psycho/wackjob with the best of them.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Nov 29, 2011"The Grifters" is a film all about style. It takes on the attitude of a hardboiled film noir, bringing back memories of a time never replicated but always copied. The score by Elmer Bernstein is a fantastic one and worthy of an Academy award, and there is great acting all around, especially from Annette Bening. This is a film that isn't liked by many due to its pacing and lack of tangible plot, but I found to be quite mesmerizing for the most part. A rewarding watch.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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Apr 28, 2011This is my semi-strange parallel: I see this film as a depraved, con man version of My Cousin Vinny. It's regional, it's tricky, and it's female character driven, even though the protagonist in each is ostensibly the male. But I think it's mostly because Annette Bening's character reminds me a lot of Marisa Tomei's, body hugging dress and all.Jennifer X Super Reviewer
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Nov 17, 2010ok first of all..for those who don't know what a grifter is, its when a person manipulates another individual to give them money leaving you high and dry. this film is based on a novel and it follows a trio of con artists who are intent on out-foxing each other. great performances and a solid script♥Robyn Super Reviewer
The Grifters Quotes
Lilly Dillon: | Lilly: My son will be all right. If he isn't, I'll have you killed. |
Bobo Justus: | Tell me about the oranges, Lilly. |
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