Mack the Knife

Watch Mack the Knife

"Smooth. Sharp. Deadly."
  • PG-13
  • 1995
  • 2 hr
  • 5.6  (397)

Mack the Knife is a musical film from 1989 directed by Menahem Golan, based on the famous Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's The Threepenny Opera. The main stars of the movie are Raul Julia, Richard Harris, and Julia Migenes. The story sets in London in the Victorian era and portrays the life of the notorious criminal Macheath, also known as Mack the Knife. Played by the excellent Raul Julia, Macheath is a charismatic criminal who owns the city's underworld with his criminal activities, which include robberies, smuggling, and murder.

Macheath has two women in his life - Polly Peachum, played by Julia Migenes, the beautiful daughter of the boss of London's beggars' guild, and Lucy Brown, played by Rachel Robertson, the daughter of the chief of police. Both Polly and Lucy are hopelessly in love with Mack, but Polly is the one who wins his heart.

All goes well for Mack until he runs afoul of Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum, father of Polly and the head of the beggars' guild. Peachum is a cold and calculating man, who is not happy about his daughter's relationship with Macheath. He decides to use his power and influence to have Macheath arrested and hanged for his crimes.

Mack the Knife is a musical film that combines drama, love, and humor, with the soundtrack consisting of the famous songs of The Threepenny Opera. The songs are performed with great passion and enthusiasm by the remarkable cast, including Raul Julia, who is excellent as Mack the Knife, and Richard Harris, who plays Peachum with all his dramatic talent.

The film is visually stunning, with lavish costumes and sets that capture the mood and atmosphere of Victorian London. The scenes of the city streets, the markets, and the taverns are all beautifully recreated, transporting the viewer back in time.

Apart from the excellent music and striking visuals, the movie also delves into the themes of power, corruption, and morality. The characters are flawed and nuanced, with both the good and bad sides of their personalities on display. The film also explores the concept of justice and the different notions of it held by the various characters.

Overall, Mack the Knife is an excellent adaptation of The Threepenny Opera that works incredibly well as a standalone film. The performances by the cast are outstanding, and the film effectively captures the mood and atmosphere of Victorian London. The movie is a must-see for all lovers of musicals and classic cinema.

Mack the Knife
Mack the Knife doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    2 hr
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (397)