The Sweeney Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy cop and his young partner solve crimes in London while also having an affair with his boss’s wife.

🍿 The Sweeney: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Sweeney

DI Jack Regan leads London’s Flying Squad, known as ‘The Sweeney,’ employing aggressive and often legally questionable methods to combat crime. His team, including young protégé George Carter, are highly effective but draw the ire of Internal Affairs. Regan is also having an affair with DC Nancy Lewis, the wife of DCI Ivan Lewis from Internal Affairs, adding personal complications to his professional life.

Bank Heist and Internal Investigation

The Sweeney is called in to handle a major bank heist, which quickly escalates into a violent shootout in Trafalgar Square. Regan’s reckless actions during the incident lead to civilian casualties and further scrutiny from DCI Lewis, who sees this as an opportunity to shut down The Sweeney. The investigation intensifies as Lewis uncovers evidence of Regan’s affair and other misconduct.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As The Sweeney investigates a seemingly unrelated jewelry store robbery and murder, they discover a connection to Francis Allen, a criminal from Regan’s past. Allen has a solid alibi, making it difficult to pin the crime on him. Regan and Carter work to uncover the truth, battling both criminals and the internal investigation that threatens to dismantle their unit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• DI Jack Regan (Ray Winstone): A hardened, old-school detective whose ends-justify-the-means approach to fighting crime often clashes with police regulations.
• George Carter (Plan B): Regan’s loyal and street-smart protégé, who often assists Regan in bending the rules to get results.
• DC Nancy Lewis (Hayley Atwell): A policewoman and the wife of DCI Ivan Lewis, who is having an affair with Jack Regan, complicating matters.
• DCI Ivan Lewis (Steven Mackintosh): An Internal Affairs officer investigating Regan’s methods, unaware of his wife’s affair with the detective.
• DCI Frank Haskins (Damian Lewis): Regan’s superior who often uses his influence to protect Regan and his squad from serious repercussions.
• Francis Allen (Paul Anderson): A ruthless and elusive criminal mastermind, who is Regan’s old nemesis and the target of the Sweeney’s investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• DI Jack Regan: “We’re the Sweeney, shithead. You’re nicked!” – Regan delivers this line menacingly after apprehending an armed robber in a surprise attack.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $26,650
• Worldwide Gross: $7,708,312

💥 The Sweeney Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of classic British crime dramas, I was intrigued by ‘The Sweeney.’ I found the film to be a thrilling ride, packed with intense action sequences and gritty realism. Ray Winstone’s performance as Jack Regan was outstanding, and the chemistry between him and Ben Drew was palpable. While it may not be a masterpiece, ‘The Sweeney’ is an entertaining and engaging film that I thoroughly enjoyed. The action scenes in Trafalgar Square were awesome.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in action thrillers”
  • “Those familiar with the original Sweeney TV series”
  • “Fans of Ray Winstone”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Graphic language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “While ‘The Sweeney’ doesn’t reinvent the police procedural, it delivers solid action and a charismatic lead in Ray Winstone. The plot is predictable, but the film’s energy and Winstone’s performance make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
• Empire Magazine: “‘The Sweeney’ is a decent action flick that doesn’t quite capture the spirit of the original series. Ray Winstone embodies the tough cop persona well, and the action sequences are competently executed. However, the plot is convoluted, and the film feels somewhat generic.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences were intense and kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers praised the film’s high-octane action and Ray Winstone’s portrayal of Jack Regan.

Ray Winstone was a great choice to play Jack Regan, he really brought that old school tough cop feel to the screen.: Viewers were pleased with the casting of Ray Winstone and other British actors.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Sweeney’ is a gritty and action-packed crime thriller that delivers solid entertainment, even though it may not fully capture the essence of the original TV series.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The presenters and production team from Top Gear assisted in planning and filming the car chase scene. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were credited as stunt performers.”
• “The film is a modern update of the 1970s British TV series of the same name, known for its gritty portrayal of London’s Flying Squad.”
• “During an arrest scene one of the characters says to the suspect: ‘You have the right to remain silent…’ This is part of the Miranda used by United States law enforcement and would not be used in the UK.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Sweeney?

The Sweeney (2012) is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check local listings for broadcast options. It is also often available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Sweeney, you might like these similar films:

• The Sweeney (1975-1978): The original TV series that this film is based on, offering a grittier, more realistic portrayal of the Flying Squad.
• Layer Cake (2004): A British crime thriller with a focus on character and stylish direction.
• The Bill (1984-2010): Long-running British police procedural drama focusing on day-to-day policing.
• Line of Duty (2012-2021): Modern British police procedural that delves into corruption and complex moral dilemmas.
• Get Carter (1971): Gritty and violent British crime film featuring a hardened protagonist seeking revenge.

🛒 The Sweeney Related Products

• The Sweeney [DVD]: Own the action-packed remake of the classic TV series. Features Ray Winstone as DI Jack Regan. Perfect for fans of British crime dramas.
• The Sweeney: The Original Series – Complete Collection [DVD]: Experience the classic 1970s TV series that inspired the film. Features John Thaw as DI Jack Regan and Dennis Waterman as DS George Carter.
• Ray Winstone Film Collection [DVD]: A collection of Ray Winstone’s best films, perfect for fans of his tough-guy roles and gritty performances.
• London Crime Film Collection [DVD]: A collection of the best crime thrillers filmed and set in London. Features the top actors playing hardened criminals and cops.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Sweeney features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Sweeney” – performed by Lorne Balfe
• “War Face” – performed by Friction ft. Arlissa

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Launching a Car With An Air Cannon| Top Gear

Ever wondered how they launched that car in The Sweeney? This Top Gear clip shows you exactly how with a massive air cannon! Honestly, the physics behind it are fascinating!

The Sweeney Car Chase (2012) HD

Need a quick dose of adrenaline? Check out this high-octane car chase from The Sweeney! It’s a total masterclass in stunt driving – these guys are seriously skilled.

THE SWEENEY Filming Locations – West Brompton & Fulham Part 1

Want to see how London has changed since The Sweeney was filmed? This video takes you on a tour of the filming locations! It’s amazing to see what’s stayed the same and what’s totally different!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DNmdZQwePc4

✨ Rate