Cast
View AllEric Roberts
as Dean McConnell
Jürgen Prochnow
as Quentin Darby
Venus Terzo
as Michelle
Lisa Marie Caruk
as Aimee Dell
Kaj-Erik Eriksen
as Jeremy McConnell
Cali Timmins
as Fiona Dell
Sheila Moore
as Mrs. Lords
Ingrid Torrance
as Terrel Phillips
Rebecca Reichert
as Security Guard
Don MacKay
as Mr. Lords
Craig Veroni
as Juan Torres
John Maclaren
as Al Wilkes
Stephen Mendel
as Agent Walter Fane
David Fredericks
as Bill Beckmann
Aaron Pearl
as Tom
Crew
Director
- David Warry-Smith
Writer
- Rob Kerchner
- Charles Philip Moore
Producer
- Shawn Williamson
- James Shavick
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/TV Movie film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Heaven's Fire distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director David Warry-Smith 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, 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 Heaven's Fire took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 106 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- 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 Heaven's Fire 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 Wrath of Becky, which focuses more on action than character development, Heaven's Fire subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Under Siege and Flight 93 explore similar territory, Heaven's Fire stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: August 7, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 27m