The River Wild (1994)

Rafting expert Gail takes on a pair of armed killers while navigating a spectacularly violent river.

Director:

Curtis Hanson

Writer:

Denis O'Neill

Stars:

Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon, David Strathairn

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Meryl Streep	...	Gail Hartman
Joseph Mazzello	...	Roarke Hartman
Stephanie Sawyer	...	Willa
David Strathairn	...	Tom
Elizabeth Hoffman	...	Gail's Mother
Victor Galloway	...	Gail's Father (as Victor H. Galloway)
Diane Delano	...	Ranger
Thomas F. Duffy	...	Ranger
Kevin Bacon	...	Wade
John C. Reilly	...	Terry
William Lucking	...	Frank
Benjamin Bratt	...	Ranger Johnny
Paul Cantelon	...	Violinist
Glenn Morshower	...	Policeman

Storyline

The teacher Gail Hartman is facing problems with her marriage with her husband, the workaholic architect Tom Hartman. On the birthday of their son Roarke, Gail decides to leave her daughter with her parents and take her family to raft down a wild river where she was a guide. On the departure, a young man named Wade befriends Roarke and leaves the place with his friends Terry and Frank. Later the family encounters Wade and Terry, who do not have rafting experience, and Gail helps them to cross a whitewater. They get closer to the family and soon Gail and Tom learn a dark secret about Wade and Terry. What will they do to get rid of the men?

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Plot Keywords:

rafting | criminal | estranged husband | gang | villain played by lead actor | 

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Taglines:

The vacation is over

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Genres:

Adventure | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violence and threatening moments

Did You Know?

Trivia

Meryl Streep did most of her own stunts.

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Goofs

Although Wade's revolver holds 6 cartridges, there are 7 shots: 1 shot at Maggie (the dog), 1 when Tom tries to get the gun from Terry (waking Wade), 2 more at Tom on the ledge, 1 when Wade shoots Ranger Johnny, 1 when Wade drops the gun into the water near the end, and Gail's final shot. Also, earlier Wade removes 3 spent cartridges, leaving 3 in the chamber, but when Gail opens it up, there's only 1 in the chamber.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Gail: Roarke! Roarke! I've told you for the 157th time, turn that damn music off. I'm losing my hearing. Jeez. You gotta find your sneakers buddy. You owe me.

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Crazy Credits

Dog named 'Maggie' is listed in the credits (almost top-billing) as being played by a dog named 'Buffy.'

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Connections

Featured in The Universal Story (1996)

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Soundtracks

The Water is Wide
Performed by Cowboy Junkies
Courtesy of BMG Music Canada, Inc.

User Reviews

Photography Was Outstanding

If you love the wild outdoors, fishing, camping and riding a raft down rapids like Niagara Falls, this is definitely your kind of picture. Meryl Streep,(Gail Hartman), earned her salary in this film, not just acting but having to take part in some of the water scenes. Gail Hartman every year visited her parents home and enjoyed camping and water sports. However, Gail's husband was deeply involved with his work and some what disappointed his family the last minute. Kevin Bacon,(Wade) meets up with Gail and takes a great liking to her, as well as, her son and it looks like things are going to work out for a great vacation. What appears like a great story becomes a horrible situation that you will have to find out.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language

Release Date:

30 September 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

La rivière sauvage

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$45,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,214,450, 2 October 1994

Gross USA:

$46,816,343

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$94,216,343

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Turman-Foster Company, David Foster Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

DTS-Stereo DTS Dolby SR Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1