When a rich man's son is kidnapped, he cooperates with the police at first but then tries a unique tactic against the criminals.
Acting
Gary Sinise's sweaty desperation rivals Gibson's volcanic fury.
Direction
Ron Howard at his most ruthless, no Spielberg softness here.
Editing
That bridge handoff sequence—taught in film school.
Director
Ron Howard
Mel Gibson
Tom Mullen
Rene Russo
Katherine Mullen
Gary Sinise
Det. Jimmy Shaker
Delroy Lindo
Agent Lonnie Hawkins
Lili Taylor
Maris
Brawley Nolte
Sean Mullen
Liev Schreiber
Clark Barnes
Donnie Wahlberg
Cubby Barnes
Evan Handler
Miles Roberts
Nancy Ticotin
Agent Kimba Welch
Michael Gaston
Agent Jack Sickler
Kevin Neil McCready
Agent Paul Rhodes
José Zúñiga
David Torres
Dan Hedaya
Jackie Brown
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mel Gibson broke his collarbone during the bridge stunt and kept filming. The grimace in the car chase? Partly real.
This was Ron Howard's deliberate pivot from wholesome fare—he wanted to prove he could do 'adult' thrillers after Apollo 13. The '90s ate it up.
US
