Patriot Games (1992)

When CIA analyst Jack Ryan interferes with an IRA assassination, a renegade faction targets him and his family for revenge.

Director:

Phillip Noyce

Writers:

Tom Clancy (novel), W. Peter Iliff (screenplay)

Stars:

Harrison Ford, Sean Bean, Anne Archer

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Harrison Ford	...	Jack Ryan
Anne Archer	...	Cathy Ryan
Patrick Bergin	...	Kevin O'Donnell
Sean Bean	...	Sean Miller
Thora Birch	...	Sally Ryan
James Fox	...	Lord Holmes
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Robby
Polly Walker	...	Annette
J.E. Freeman	...	Marty Cantor
James Earl Jones	...	Admiral Greer
Richard Harris	...	Paddy O'Neil
Alex Norton	...	Dennis Cooley
Hugh Fraser	...	Watkins
David Threlfall	...	Inspector Highland
Alun Armstrong	...	Owens

Storyline

Former CIA analyst, Jack Ryan is in England with his family on vacation when he suddenly witnesses an explosion outside Buckingham Palace. It is revealed that some people are trying to abduct a member of the Royal Family but Jack intervenes, killing one of them and capturing the other, and stops the plan in its tracks. Afterwards, he learns that they're Irish revolutionaries and the two men are brothers. During his court hearing the one that's still alive vows to get back at Jack but is sentenced and that seems to be the end of it. However, whilst the man is being transported, he is broken out. Jack learns of this but doesn't think there's anything to worry about. But, when he is at the Naval Academy someone tries to kill him. He learns that they are also going after his family and so he rushes to find them, safe but having also been the victims of a failed assassination. That's when Jack decides to rejoin the CIA, and they try to find the man before he makes another attempt.

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Plot Keywords:

jack ryan character | lingerie | villain | terrorist | cia | 

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Taglines:

Not for honor. Not for country. For his wife and child.

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Genres:

Action | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, and for language and violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 June 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Patriot Games

Filming Locations:

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$45,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,511,191, 7 June 1992, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$83,287,363

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$94,700,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mace Neufeld Productions, Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

James Horner (who, like many composers, often re-uses his own material) borrows part of his score from Aliens (1986) in scoring this film. Specifically, the key elements of "Resolution and Hyperspace" from the Aliens (1986) soundtrack appears in this movie, as the music that plays while Ryan and the others watch the S.A.S. attack on the Libyan training camp. That music itself heavily echoes Dmitri Shostakovich's fifth symphony.

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Goofs

Just as the announcement is finishing, another train can be heard arriving. After 1917, Aldwych station had only one track.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jack Ryan: [answering machine answers] Sorry, we can't come to the phone right now. If you leave a message, we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks.

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Alternate Versions

The German TV-version has got a few cuts.

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Connections

Followed by Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

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Soundtracks

The Washington Post
Written by John Philip Sousa
Performed by John Philip Sousa

User Reviews

Harrison Ford at his best!

Whether you're Irish, English, American, or just a big fan of Harrison Ford or Sean Bean, this film is a must-see! Harrison was a perfect fit for this family man, reluctant hero role. He's no super-action hero or martyr, just a man in the wrong place at the wrong time trying to protect his family and prevent the slaughter of innocents. But when the terrorists seek revenge by targeting his family, Jack Ryan is forced to use any means necessary to keep his loved ones safe. Sean Bean plays a convincing villain as usual, donning a convincing Irish accent and his signature sinister expression. His performance was one of his best to date and kudos to Mr. Bean for creating a villain with whom we can sympathize. Anne Archer's character is weak however, typical damsel-in-distress wife and mother relying completely on her husband for protection and having no self-defense skills whatsoever. Thora Birch is adorable in her pre-pubescent innocence. Samuel Jackson as usual does little to step out of his smooth-talking, sarcastic typecast and again plays the same character he plays in every film to date. The film bounces between edge-of-your-seat thriller and slow-moving CIA analysis, but the scenes of action and the superb acting of Harrison Ford more than make up for any slow parts.