General Overview"Cliffhanger" is a high-intensity action-adventure film launched in 1993. It stars Sylvester Stallone as Gabe Walker, Michael Rooker as Hal Tucker, and John Lithgow as the bad guy, Eric Qualen. The film is directed by Renny Harlin and sits easily in Stallone's action-thriller inventory next to "Rambo" and "Rocky".
Plot SummaryThe story begins with a mountain rescue failed, resulting in the tragic death of a female who was Hal Tucker's (Michael Rooker's) girlfriend. The occurrence deeply affects Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone), an experienced mountaineer and rescue ranger, who feels responsible and chooses to leave his task and the mountains behind him.
Eight months later on, an airplane carrying a group of wrongdoers, led by ex-military intelligence officer Eric Qualen (John Lithgow), crashes in the mountains. The bad guys had taken $100 million from the U.S. Treasury and remained in the process of escaping when their airplane crashed in a location untraceable by radar due to mineral deposits in the mountain. The burglars lose their cash in the wilderness and need local assistance to retrieve it.
Walker, encouraged by his old friend Tucker, reluctantly returns to the mountains to help in the rescue mission, unaware that they will experience the criminal gang. Upon their arrival, they are hijacked, and Walker is required by Qualen to utilize his climbing skills to find the lost cash.
CenterpieceA gripping game of survival occurs as Walker double-crosses Qualen, handles to leave, and recuperates among the cash cases. The remainder of the film focuses on him trying to outmaneuver Qualen's men, save his buddy Tucker, and prevent the thieves from leaving the mountain with the money.
ConclusionThe climax comes at the top of a mountain, where Walker fights Qualen and his staying henchman in a harsh conflict. Walker dominates, eliminating Qualen and effectively obtaining the last money case. The film ends with Walker and his sweetheart Jessie, a helicopter pilot, flying off the mountain, leaving the cash to fall and scatter in the wind, representing a triumphant end over greed.
Movie Review"Cliffhanger" is a thrilling movie filled with intense minutes of survival techniques, unbelievable stunts, and breathtaking visuals of the mountain terrain. Stallone fits completely in the function of the brave and competent mountaineer, and Lithgow justifies his shrewd villain character. The narrative masterfully blends action, thriller, and emotional chaos together. Although its storyline is straightforward, the unforeseeable turns and twists vitally add to making it a gripping watch. This film makes sure to amuse viewers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Effect and Recognition"Cliffhanger" was a box office success and got favorable evaluations for its action sequences and cinematography. The movie was chosen for 3 Academy Awards-Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Effects Editing. It continues to hold its appeal as a timeless action movie and has motivated a 2021 reboot. Regardless of its age, "Cliffhanger" still holds up as a well-paced, thrilling, and visually outstanding action movie.
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