Cast
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Robert De Niro
as Sam
Jean Reno
as Vincent
Natascha McElhone
as Deirdre
Stellan Skarsgård
as Gregor
Skipp Sudduth
as Larry
Jonathan Pryce
as Seamus O'Rourke
Sean Bean
as Spence
Michael Lonsdale
as Jean-Pierre
Féodor Atkine
as Mikhi
Katarina Witt
as Natacha Kirilova
Ron Perkins
as Man with the Newspaper
Daniel Breton
as Sergi's Accomplice
Amidou
as Man at Exchange
Jan Tříska
as Dapper Gent
Bernard Bloch
as Sergi
Crew
Director
- John Frankenheimer
Producer
- Frank Mancuso Jr.
Reviews
The Movie Mob
**A little boring with a great car chase scene.**
Even though Ronin had shootouts, great chase sequences, and classic actors, I was bored and on my phone throughout the whole thing. Nothing was particularly bad about this film. There were actually great parts! But somehow, the sum of all its parts just equaled a movie that left me wanting. Releasing four years after Leon: The Professional, this could have been much better.
Aug 19, 2022
CinemaSerf
It would not be fair to describe a "Ronin" as a rogue; more a mercenary without loyalty to any one particular person or cause. So, Natasha McElhone "Deirdre" hires a few of these to relieve a man of a suitcase that is bound for the Russians. What follows is as internecine a thriller as you will ever see. It's full of scheming and double-scheming with "Sam" (Robert De Niro) and "Vincent" (Jean Reno) never quite sure who is or is not on their team as the suitcase changes hands more times that the wonderfully elegant Katarina Witt changes her skates. Stellan Skarsgård; Sean Bean; Jonathan Pryce and Michael Lonsdale all help to keep them, and us, guessing pretty much right to the end. It does suffer a little from a preponderance of shoot outs that couldn't hit a barn door with a shovel; and the car chases do begin to get wearisome after a while, but over all John Frankenheimer manages to keep the quality of the action to a high enough standard to compensate. The dialogue is a bit basic, as are the characterisations - this has no depth nor underlying political agenda/statements - not the I could discern, anyway - it is just a good old fashioned thriller with a first rate cast who are unchallenged by their tasks - and therefore are perfectly plausible.
Aug 28, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Ronin distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John Frankenheimer 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 1998, 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 Ronin took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $55.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 122 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 179 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 466 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ronin 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 Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ronin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King explore similar territory, Ronin 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: September 25, 1998
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Budget: $55,000,000
- Revenue: $70,692,101
