Red Heat (1988)

A tough Russian policeman is forced to partner up with a cocky Chicago police detective when he is sent to Chicago to apprehend a Georgian drug lord who killed his partner and fled the country.

Director:

Walter Hill

Writers:

Walter Hill (story), Harry Kleiner (screenplay)

Stars:

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Belushi, Peter Boyle

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Arnold Schwarzenegger	...	Ivan Danko
Jim Belushi	...	Art Ridzik (as James Belushi)
Peter Boyle	...	Lou Donnelly
Ed O'Ross	...	Viktor Rostavili
Laurence Fishburne	...	Lt. Stobbs (as Larry Fishburne)
Gina Gershon	...	Cat Manzetti
Richard Bright	...	Sgt. Gallagher
J.W. Smith	...	Salim
Brent Jennings	...	Abdul Elijah
Gretchen Palmer	...	Hooker
Pruitt Taylor Vince	...	Night Clerk
Mike Hagerty	...	Pat Nunn (as Michael Hagerty)
Brion James	...	Streak
Gloria Delaney	...	Intern
Peter Jason	...	TV Announcer

Storyline

A mutually uneasy alliance is formed between the stern Captain Ivan Danko of the Moscow Police and his American equivalent, the Chicago Detective Art Ridzik when the latter captures Viktor Rostavili, a dangerous Georgian drug kingpin. With his partner murdered by Viktor's hands, Ivan lands in Chicago to extradite the crime lord back to Russia, however, when he manages to escape, a frenzied chase in the bustling downtown will begin. In the end, to bring down the ruthless criminal, are the two reluctant comrades who are worlds apart willing to put their differences aside?

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Plot Keywords:

drug dealer | drug cartel | american actor playing foreigner | cold war | police brutality | 

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Taglines:

Moscow's toughest detective. Chicago's craziest cop. There's only one thing worse than making them mad. Making them partners.

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian

Release Date:

17 June 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dimitri

Filming Locations:

Hungary

Box Office

Budget:

$29,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,133,822, 19 June 1988, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$34,994,648

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carolco Pictures,Lone Wolf,Oak Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo (4 channels)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Walter Hill wanted to use buses rather than cars in the climactic action scene because it would be more interesting. "Also, I thought it was very appropriate for Arnold. He doesn't fit well in cars."

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Goofs

At the end of the movie when they crash the bus, Danko smashes the rear window with his fist. The window shatters before his fist hits the glass.

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Quotes

[Danko changes his militia uniform for a suit]
Art Ridzik: What, you retire your uniform?
Ivan Danko: I now work undercover.
Art Ridzik: Undercover? You look like Gumby.

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Crazy Credits

In the opening credits certain letters are reversed so as to imitate Russian Cyrillic script. In particular, "Rs" and "Ns" are reversed.

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Connections

Referenced in Guns, Genes & Fighting Machines: The Making of 'Universal Soldier' (2004)

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Soundtracks

CANTATA FOR THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCTOBER REVOLUTION
Op.74: "The Philosophers"
Written by Sergei Prokofiev
Arranged and Conducted by James Horner

User Reviews

"Name?" "Danko." "You're Welcome!"

A highly entertaining film that stars Anrold Schwarzanagger as tough and dutiful Russian cop Ivan Danko and James Belushi as the undisciplined passionate American cop Art Ridzik. Ed O'Ross is great as the evil drug running Viktor Rosta who escapes to America after Danko busts him in Russia. Danko follows Rosta to America where Commander Lou Donnelly(The late Peter Boyle) assigns Ridzik and his partner Sergeant Gallagher(Richard Bright) to help Danko out with his investigation. When Gallagher is killed by Rosta and his gang, Ridzik flies into a rage and decides to do things Danko's way-Shoot first and think later. With stalwart supporting performances from O'Ross, Boyle, and a younger Laurence Fishburne, and fine directing from Walter Hill, Red Heat is definitely recommended for all Arnie or Belushi fans. A previous comment stated that there were no good 1-liners in this film. That statement is incorrect. It's just that Arnold played the straight man, setting up Jim Belushi for the great lines. 9/10