Cliffhanger (1993)

A botched mid-air heist results in suitcases full of cash being searched for by various groups throughout the Rocky Mountains.

Director:

Renny Harlin

Writers:

John Long (premise), Michael France (screen story),

Stars:

Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sylvester Stallone	...	Gabe Walker
John Lithgow	...	Eric Qualen
Michael Rooker	...	Hal Tucker
Janine Turner	...	Jessie Deighan
Rex Linn	...	Richard Travers
Caroline Goodall	...	Kristel - Jet Pilot
Leon	...	Kynette
Craig Fairbrass	...	Delmar
Gregory Scott Cummins	...	Ryan
Denis Forest	...	Heldon
Michelle Joyner	...	Sarah
Max Perlich	...	Evan
Paul Winfield	...	Walter Wright
Ralph Waite	...	Frank
Trey Brownell	...	Brett

Storyline

Whilst crossing a ledge, 4000 feet above the earth, Gabe's friend's equipment fails to work and she slips out of his hand, falling to the ground. Almost a year later, Gabe is asked to go back to the same mountain range and rescue a group of 'stranded' people. The only catch is that these so called 'stranded' people are in fact looking for three boxes filled with $100,000,000 and they need a mountain ranger to lead them to them!!

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Plot Keywords:

money | mountain | climbing | snow | rocky mountains | 

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Taglines:

Hang on!

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Details

Country:

Italy France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 May 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Riesgo total

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$65,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

£7,834,921 (UK) (13 August 1993)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carolco Pictures, Canal+, Pioneer

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby Digital (35 mm prints) (Europe) Dolby SR (35 mm prints) (USA)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was originally titled "Gale Force" under the Carolco studio. The script concerned Sylvester Stallone fighting a band of terrorists/thieves in a coastal town during a hurricane. Deemed too expensive to produce (after investing roughly $2 million in script rewrites and the original), the plug was pulled. The basic concept was then carried over to this film with the same director (Renny Harlin) and star (Sylvester Stallone) attached.

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Goofs

Gabe started rescue mission in ordinary shoes. They changed later to climbing shoes with metal ribs, and again to ordinary shoes.

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Quotes

Gabe: Remember, shithead! Keep your arms and legs in the vehicle at all times!

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Painted Hills (1993)

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Soundtracks

"DO YOU NEED SOME?"
Written by Matt Mercado
Performed by Mind Bomb
Courtesy of Mercury Records

User Reviews

Prepare yourselves for an awesome thrill ride

Hold on for dear life as Sylvester Stallone takes you on the ride of a lifetime. With extreme non-stop action, gripping and suspense-filled scenes; Stallone has proven why he is a SUPERSTAR with his role in "Cliffhanger." I knew I would be in for an action packed treat as soon as I realized Stallone was starring in this film; however, I failed to realized how great the other actors were in this film.

Stallone is joined by Michael Rooker, Janine Turner and John Lithgow as they produce quite possibly the best action film of 1993. The cast is perfectly selected and chosen to play their parts. It was a joy to see a reversal of roles. I'm not accustomed to seeing Rooker as a hero or Lithgow as a villain; it is a refreshing change.

I couldn't have asked for a better villain than Lithgow. He is one of the most ruthless and cunning villains I've seen. I enjoyed how he never let anything get in his way and spared no expense to get what he wanted. I'm glad I got the chance to see him play the villain and hope I see it again.

Turner gives tremendous support to this film and creates an atmosphere where it is enjoyable to watch. She is the heat that warms a cold room because everytime she comes on screen it seems as though it is hot. It is a delight to see an incredible actress to have that much power. Rooker makes up the other the third of talented actors that makes "Cliffhanger" a delight to watch. Rooker brings a fresh view to the film as well as credibility; all I have to say is awesome work, Michael.

There is an avalanche of talent in "Cliffhanger." Stallone is an unstoppable force and incredible action hero. After watching "Cliffhanger," I'm convinced that Stallone was the only man for this job. Stallone had the fire in his eyes for this part that told me he means business. Only true action stars have the fire I saw; furthermore, I was fascinated with the strength, power and conviction with which he took on the role.

Another reason I enjoyed "Cliffhanger" was the writing because it contained unbelievable action sequences, a man dealing with redemption and dialogue is awesome. I was impressed to see that Stallone also co-wrote the script because he really has a knack for what action fans want.

"Cliffhanger" is a super-charged, heart-racing, suspense-filled action thrill ride that you should take because at the end it will leave you asking for more.