The Offence
Seen it?1973 | 113 min | Crime, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (71% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Changeling or Gone Baby Gone, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1973: an older pace and style.
A burned-out British police detective finally snaps while interrogating a suspected child molester.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 BAFTA.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 38K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney Lumet
- Sean ConneryDetective Sergeant Johnson
- Trevor HowardLieutenant Cartwright, Detective Superintendant
- Vivien MerchantMaureen Johnson
- Ian BannenKenneth Baxter
- Peter BowlesDetective Inspector Cameron
- Derek NewarkFrank Jessard
- Ronald RaddLawson
- John HallamPanton
- Anthony SagarHill
- Maxine GordonJanie