Cast
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Steven Seagal
as John Hatcher
Basil Wallace
as Screwface
Keith David
as Max
Tom Wright
as Charles
Joanna Pacula
as Leslie
Elizabeth Gracen
as Melissa
Bette Ford
as Kate
Danielle Harris
as Tracey
Al Israel
as Tito Barco
Arlen Dean Snyder
as Duvall
Victor Romero Evans
as Nesta
Tony DiBenedetto
as Jimmy Fingers
Kevin Dunn
as Lt. Sal Roselli
Danny Trejo
as Hector
Elena Sahagun
as Carmen
Crew
Director
- Dwight H. Little
Producer
- Michael Grais
- Steven Seagal
- Mark Victor
Reviews
CinemaSerf
"Hatcher" (Steven Seagal) has to come out of retirement when a lethal gang of Jamaican drug dealers decide to avenge themselves upon him and his family after he killed one of their number when he was an American DEA agent. After some initial skirmishes, he sets out with his two friends "Max", a singularly deadly football coach (Keith David) and Chicago cop "Charles" (Tom Wright) to hunt down "Screwface" (Basil Wallace). It's procedural, totally devoid of any originality and brutal at times - but then it is a Steven Seagal film, so that ought not to be a surprise. The dialogue ("I'd give you the sweat off my balls!") is best overlooked most of the time and the quality of the acting from the star on down is pretty ropey. In it's favour, it is an end-to-end action movie with plenty going on, but after you have seen it I suspect you will wonder just how Seagal ever became such an hot box office property. He is completely charm free, as is much of this mediocre vendetta movie.
Apr 20, 2022
GenerationofSwine
The best thing about movies like this is that the supporting cast, in this case Keith David, does a better job than the lead. I mean, watching Steven is like watching a cardboard cutout do kung-fu.
But... the baddies are over the top and over acted to perfection. The plot is basic, the violence is amped up, and the script sucks, there is ample T&A... in other words it's a fun action movie in the best possible way.
And it's the kind of action movie that we don't see any more... and the kind that really should have been direct to video fun when it came out.
It sucks, but it's entertaining and that's all you should really ask for.
Apr 15, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Marked for Death examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dwight H. Little brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Marked for Death took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Marked for Death shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Rage: Carrie 2, which focuses more on action than character development, Marked for Death offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Elite Squad and xXx explore similar territory, Marked for Death stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 5, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Revenue: $46,044,400
