American Hustle (2013) Review in 2025
American Hustle is a crime drama film that follows the story of Irving Rosenfeld, a con artist, and his partner Sydney Prosser, who get caught up in a FBI sting operation.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
American Hustle is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and con artist stories. It's a complex and engaging film with excellent performances and direction. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes and strong language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film is based on the FBI's Abscam sting operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which targeted corrupt politicians and businessmen. Irving Rosenfeld, played by Christian Bale, is a con artist who runs a fake art business with his partner Sydney Prosser, played by Amy Adams. They get caught up in the FBI's sting operation, led by Richie DiMaso, played by Bradley Cooper, and must navigate the complex web of corruption and deceit to stay one step ahead of the law.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-written, with a complex web of characters and plot twists. However, it can be confusing at times, and some viewers may find it difficult to follow.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with each member of the cast delivering a standout performance. Christian Bale and Amy Adams are particularly impressive, bringing a level of depth and nuance to their characters that is rare in modern cinema.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique personality and motivations to the story. Christian Bale and Amy Adams deliver standout performances as Irving and Sydney, and Bradley Cooper is excellent as Richie DiMaso.
direction9.00/10
David O. Russell's direction is excellent, bringing a sense of energy and excitement to the film. He does a great job of balancing the tone, moving seamlessly from comedy to drama and back again.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a mix of bright and muted colors that add to the overall mood of the film. However, some viewers may find the camera work to be a bit too frenetic at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent performances from the cast, particularly Christian Bale and Amy Adams. Engaging and complex story with a great balance of tone. David O. Russell's direction is superb.
Cons
Some viewers may find the story confusing at times, and the camera work can be a bit too frenetic. The film's themes and language may not be suitable for all audiences.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a con artist, I'm a businessman."
"I'm not a fake, I'm a...I'm a...I'm a...I don't know what I am."
"You're a con artist, Irving. You're a fake."
