The infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. Based on the hit Broadway musical.
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mouseman reviewed Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Definitely Tim Burton
I've been fond of the Tim Burton/Johny Depp combo since Edward Scissorhands. Working together for nearly two decades they have created their own distinct genre. The friends of that gothic, yet light-hearted genre will be right at home watching Johny Depp as The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
The movie is set in the 19th Century London, a city living all the consequences of the Industrial revolution - wealth, poverty, overpopulation and pollution, to name a few. A distinct and charismatic character, an escaped prisoner Benjamin Barker, is returning to London's dimly-lit streets. Wrongly imprisoned for fifteen years he takes on a name of Sweeney Todd claiming vengeance on those who have caused him to lose everything dear to him.
Even if the movie was really good, it could've been better. After a robust start I found the movie to be somewhat not-so-great anymore. However, towards the ending the movie found greatness again and on the whole it is one of the most captivating films I've seen in a long time.
Besides the famed Johny Depp, the movie has a mixture of good actors in intriguing roles. Interestingly enough, the supporting actor and the lead actress, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter respectively, are both familiar from the Harry Potter movies.
The songs were ingeniously fitting and funny. They really carried the movie forward but the music still didn't dominate the movie or confuse the viewer. I love how Tim Burton can depict something so grim and yet have these light, even comical dimensions at the same time.
The movie deserves it's K-18 ratings but not because of the blood. Certainly, there is a lot blood in some parts of the movie, but it is bright red and it's used as an artistic measure to contrast the very dark and gray overtones of the movie. There are questionable morals in the movie, mainly about taking the justice to ones own hands. Not understood correctly, some parts of the movie could be harmful to children.
A recurring theme in the movie is love. Everyone will do anything for the people they love. Sweeney Todd also touches issues like mental healthcare, child abuse and criticizes the governments right to rule by comparing it to the "justice" done by the ruler of the Fleet Street. Simply put, it is a movie with many different levels, allegories and connections between the characters which yet again connect to the issues of the real world.
I recommend this movie to the fans of Tim Burton's work. If you like musicals, this one is also for you. The movie isn't scary, there isn't one frightening scene in it, so it's definitely not a horror movie. So take an open mind with you and dive into the world of Sweeney Todd.
A private user reviewed Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Well, I must admit that I was expecting a lot more blood! The blood in the movie was so unreal!!! But Johnny Depp did a great job on the film! Though I prefer his role as Captain Jack Sparrow better..
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