Mission: Impossible (1996)

Film Overview
"Mission: Impossible" is a busy action spy film that was released in 1996. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film is based upon the television series of the very same name, revolving around the global spy network, Impossible Missions Force (IMF). Tom Cruise, who plays the role of Ethan Hunt, leads the ensemble while Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Beart, Henry Czerny, and Ving Rhames are included as part of the excellent star-studded cast.

Plot Summary
The film begins with Ethan Hunt's team trying to obtain a list from the U.S. Embassy in Prague-- the "Non-official Cover list", a thorough detail of all hidden representatives working in Eastern Europe. Nevertheless, things spiral out of control. Their operation is undermined, causing the death of the entire team, except for Hunt. The occurring blame is thrust on Hunt as a mole within the IMF since the team leader Jim Phelps (Jon Voight) had alerted of a potential mole penetration ahead of time.

The Titular Suspect
Hunt is cast doubt on by IMF director Eugene Kittridge (Henry Czerny), where he is accused of managing the messed up mission. Realising he is being established, Hunt manages to escape. Now on the run, he finds himself alone and presumed by his company.

Drive for Redemption
Determined to clear his name and come across the real mole, Hunt decides to reacquire the list by duplicating the original mission's plan however adds an extra layer of difficulty by trying this in CIA headquarters. He tactically develops a group from disavowed IMF representatives, including the computer system genius Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and the skilled pilot Franz Krieger (Jean Reno).

Deception and the Shocking Twist
Hunt effectively recovers the list and organizes a meeting with the prospective buyer "Max" to expose the mole to the IMF. Nevertheless, he is in for a shock when he discovers that Jim Phelps, previously presumed dead, is alive. Phelps pretends to be a victim and points at Kittridge as the mole, but Hunt quickly recognizes that it was Phelps the whole time.

Resolution
The climactic ending involves an awesome sequence on a high-speed bullet train where Hunt challenges and beats Phelps, and Max is captured by Kittridge after Hunt hands over the list. The film ends with Hunt clearing his name and successfully proving his innocence. He is later seen accepting another "impossible" mission.

Important Reception
"Mission: Impossible" got substantial attraction for its intriguing plot twists, amazing acting, particularly by Cruise and Voight, and for its mind-blowing action sequences. Its unexpected twists and turns combined with high-voltage action scenes, consisting of the iconic image of Hunt hanging from the ceiling during the CIA break-in, made it a blockbuster hit. While some slammed the movie for its complicated plot, it considerably cemented its location as a franchise with enduring appeal, sparking multiple sequels in the following years.

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