Cast
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Steven Seagal
as Forrest Taft
Michael Caine
as Michael Jennings
Joan Chen
as Masu
John C. McGinley
as MacGruder
R. Lee Ermey
as Stone
Shari Shattuck
as Liles
Billy Bob Thornton
as Homer Carlton
Richard Hamilton
as Hugh Palmer
John Trudell
as Johnny Redfeather
Mike Starr
as Big Mike
Sven-Ole Thorsen
as Otto
Irvin Kershner
as Walters
Kenji
as Rook
Ivan Kane
as Spinks
Chic Daniel
as Chic
Crew
Director
- Steven Seagal
Producer
- A. Kitman Ho
- Julius R. Nasso
- Steven Seagal
Reviews
Per Gunnar Jonsson
When I saw that this movie was given on Cine+ Frisson last evening and there was nothing else on I thought, why not? It is Steven Seagal and Michael Cane after all. Okay, Steven Seagal is not always a good thing but Michael Cane usually do not disappoint. I had seen it before but it was long time ago. Now I kind of wonder why on earth I did watch this movie again.
This is a typical example of the fact that an actor, even though he might have done a set of successful movies, should generally stay with what he does well and not be allowed to get into the directors chair. Especially not if he has some bullshit political agenda and plans to fill the movie with this.
There are some good moments in the movie where Steven Seagal is allowed to do what he does best which is fighting. Michael Cane is also good as always although his role is really so exaggerated that it borders on the ridiculous. His henchman is simply stupid. He is supposed to be an experienced tough guy and yet he panics at the first movement and shoots an Eskimo in front of the whole tribe. Yeah, right, very professional…not! The team of mercenaries that they bring in is slightly better but even they are fairly amateurish with the possible exception of the team leader.
The pseudo-magic bla bla with the Eskimos in the middle of the movie could have worked in a different kind of movie but in this one it is just a boring filler.
The entire movie is basically done to promote Steven Seagal’s political agenda protesting against big companies, the oil industry and his ideas about the future. I really do not like political propaganda in movies and this one is simply filled with tacky green left-wing nonsense. The propaganda speech at the end is so far off and ridiculously detached from reality that it is embarrassing. It is rumoured that this speech originally lasted 30 minutes but that Warner stepped in and cut it down (thank god).
The only reason this movie did not get an even lower rating by me is because Michael Cain is doing a good job of the lousy role that he has and that there are some decent fighting scenes.
Mar 10, 2013
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, On Deadly Ground distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Steven Seagal 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 1994, 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 On Deadly Ground took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $50.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1690 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1994, 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 On Deadly Ground shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pushed to the Limit, which focuses more on action than character development, On Deadly Ground offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hidden and The Big Boss explore similar territory, On Deadly Ground 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: February 18, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Revenue: $49,000,000
