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{{Short description|1996 film directed by Ron Howard}}
{{Infobox Film {{Infobox film
| name = Ransom | name = Ransom
| image = RansomPoster.jpg | image = RansomPoster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster | caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = ] | director = ]
| producer = ]<br />Kip Hagopian<br />] | producer = {{Plainlist|
* ]
| story = ]<br />]
* ]
⚫ | screenplay = ]<br />Alexander Ignon
* B. Kipling Hagopian
| starring = ]<br />]<br />]
}}
| based_on = {{based on|'']'' 1956 movie<br>'']'' 1954 TV play|] and ]}}
⚫ | story =
⚫ | writer =
| screenplay = {{Plainlist|
⚫ * ]
* Alexander Ignon
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| music = ] | music = ]
| cinematography = ] | cinematography = ]
| editing = ]<br />] | editing = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
| studio = ]<br>]<br />]
| studio = ]<ref name=afi>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/60558|title=Ransom (1996)|work=]|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref><br>]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://imagine-entertainment.com/film/ransom/ | title=Imagine Entertainment Ransom }}</ref>
| distributor = ] | distributor = ]<ref name=afi/>
| released = November 8, 1996
| runtime = 121 minutes | released = {{Film date|1996|11|8}}
| country = United States | runtime = 121 minutes<ref name=afi/>
| country = United States<ref name=afi/>
| language = English | language = English
| budget = $70 million<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Ransom|title=Ransom|work=The-Numbers.com|access-date=2018-02-19}}</ref>
⚫ | budget = $80 million
| gross = $309.5 million<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3261761025/weekend/|title=Ransom|work=]|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref>
⚫ | gross = $309,492,681
}} }}
'''''Ransom''''' is a 1996 American crime ] directed by ], and starring ], ], and ]. ], ], ], and ] appear in supporting roles. Gibson was nominated for a ] for ]. '''''Ransom''''' is a 1996 American ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/best-ron-howard-movies-ranked/amp/|title=10 Best Ron Howard Movies, Ranked (According To Rotten Tomatoes)|website=]|date=21 April 2020 }}</ref> directed by ] from a screenplay by ] and Alexander Ignon. The film stars ], ], ], ], ], Brawley Nolte, ], ] and ]. Gibson was nominated for a ] for ]. The film was the 5th highest-grossing film of 1996 in the United States. The original story came from a 1954 episode of '']'' titled "]". In 1956, it was adapted by ] and ] into the feature film, '']'', starring ], ], and ].

The original story came from a 1954 episode of '']'' titled "Fearful Decision". In 1956, it was adapted by ] and ] into the feature film '']'', starring ], ], and ]. The film was also influenced by ]'s ] novel '']''.

The film received mostly positive reviews, and was a major financial success, becoming the 5th highest-grossing film of 1996 in the United States.


==Plot== ==Plot==
<!-- Film plots should be between 400 and 700 words -->
While multi-millionaire Tom Mullen and his wife Kate attend a science fair, their son Sean is kidnapped. Sean is taken to an apartment by Maris, a caterer for the Mullens, along with criminals Clark, Cubby and Miles. Tom and Kate receive an e-mail from the kidnappers demanding $2,000,000. Tom calls the FBI, which begins operating from his New York City penthouse.
While millionaire airline magnate Tom Mullen and his wife Kate attend a science fair, their son Sean is ], having left their sight unexpectedly. Sean is taken to an apartment by Maris Conner, a caterer working for the Mullens; brothers Clark and Cubby Barnes; and tech expert Miles Roberts. Jimmy Shaker, an ] detective who is Maris' boyfriend, is later revealed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping. The kidnappers send Tom and Kate an e-mail with a video of Sean demanding $2 million. Tom calls the ] despite the kidnappers' instructions not to contact authorities, who operate from his ] penthouse under Special Agent Lonnie Hawkins. In private, Tom voices his belief that union machinist Jackie Brown, who is in prison following one of Tom's business scandals, may be behind it. They visit Brown in prison, but he angrily denies any involvement before attacking Tom.


Tom agrees to the FBI's plan for delivering the ]. Receiving a phone call from Shaker, who electronically disguises his voice, Tom follows his instructions. He meets Cubby in a ] quarry but refuses to hand over the money when Cubby fails to give him Shaker's promised directions to Sean. During an ensuing fight, the FBI intervenes and shoots Cubby, who dies before revealing Sean's location. Tom realizes the kidnappers have no intention of returning Sean alive upon receiving the ransom. Shaker arranges another drop-off, but although Tom initially agrees to take the money alone, he instead appears on television and offers the ransom as a ] on the kidnappers, dead or alive, only promising to withdraw the bounty and drop all charges if the kidnappers return Sean alive and unharmed, making it clear he will not pay the ransom.
Detective Shaker of the NYPD is arresting a perpetrator in a convenience store when Cubby buys some ]. Shaker follows Cubby into the building where the kidnappers are residing, sees Sean tied in a bedroom, and holds Cubby at gunpoint, berating him for being so obvious; Shaker is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.


Despite Kate and Hawkins' pleas, Tom sticks to his plan, believing it is the best chance for Sean's return. Shaker lures Kate to a meeting where he assaults her and presents Sean's blood-stained t-shirt as a warning to pay the ransom, but Tom responds by doubling the bounty to $4 million. Shaker calls Tom and gives him one final warning to pay, but Tom still refuses, and Shaker fires a gunshot after Tom hears Sean scream for help, leading Tom and Kate to believe their son is dead. Clark and Miles attempt to abandon the plan and flee, but Shaker requests backup, kills both Clark and Miles, and makes it look like Miles shot first. When Maris shoots Shaker in the arm from behind, he kills her as well. The NYPD arrives to find Shaker with a badly beaten Sean, whom they believe Shaker rescued. Hawkins informs Tom and Kate, and they are reunited with Sean while Shaker is hospitalized.
Tom agrees to the FBI instructions for delivering the ]. Receiving a phone call from Shaker, who is electronically disguising his voice, Tom follows his instructions. He meets Cubby in a New Jersey quarry. Shaker indicated that Cubby would give Tom an address where Sean could be picked up in exchange for the money, but when Cubby appears ignorant of these instructions and simply demands the cash, Tom refuses to hand it over. The FBI sends a helicopter after Cubby and Cubby opens fire. FBI marksmen kill Cubby before he reveals Sean's location.


Shaker arrives at Tom's penthouse to claim the reward; he intends to immediately leave the country before his connection to Maris is discovered. However, Sean recognizes Shaker's voice and expressions as the kidnapper and Tom notices. With his cover blown, Shaker plans to kill everyone in the apartment, but Tom persuades Shaker to accompany him to the bank to get the money and leave peacefully. Shaker attempts to force Tom to ] the money from the house via phone, but Tom stands his ground and warns him that whether he receives his money or not, Shaker will be exposed and hunted citywide. Shaker reluctantly agrees to go to the bank, threatening to rekidnap and murder Sean should Tom attempt a ]. On the way, Tom discreetly alerts Hawkins, and the police and FBI converge on Tom and Shaker outside the bank.
Shaker sets up another ransom drop. Angered that the FBI followed him instead of the money and killed his only lead, Tom insists on taking the money without being tracked. Realizing the first drop was a setup and there is no guarantee that Sean will come back alive, Tom goes on the television news and offers the ransom as a ]. The only way for the kidnappers to save themselves is to return his son, in which case he will withdraw the bounty and drop all charges.


As soon as Tom and Shaker exit the bank, two police officers attempt to detain Shaker, but Shaker shoots them. Tom knocks Shaker to the ground and the two struggle. Tom hurls Shaker through the window of a lamp store. Tom picks up Shaker's dropped gun and points it at him. Hawkins and other police officers demand that Tom drop the gun and walk away. In desperation, Shaker draws another gun but is shot dead by Tom and Hawkins. As Tom drops the gun, police rush in to arrest him, but Hawkins orders them to stand down. Tom is allowed to leave the scene with Kate.
Despite the pleadings of Kate and FBI Special Agent Lonnie Hawkins, Tom sticks to his plan, believing it is the best chance of having Sean returned. Shaker lures Kate to a meeting where he tells her to pay the ransom or Sean will die. Tom responds by increasing the bounty to $4,000,000. Shaker calls Tom and demands to be paid. Tom replies that Sean must be returned or else the kidnappers will be hunted down. Tom hears Sean's voice screaming for his father. Shaker fires a shot heard over the phone before the call cuts off, leaving Tom and Kate believing their son is dead.

Shaker forms a new plan; he will kill Clark and Miles, pretend to rescue Sean and claim the bounty for himself and Maris. He calls in a possible kidnapping to the NYPD, requesting backup. He then flashes his badge and gun at Clark and Miles, who realize he has betrayed them. Clark tries running Shaker over with his van, but Shaker fatally shoots him. He then kills Miles, making it look as though Miles shot first. Maris, trying to back out of the plan, shoots Shaker in the shoulder. Before she can fire again, Shaker kills her and re-enters the apartment just before a SWAT team charges in, finding a wounded Shaker sitting next to Sean.

Hawkins takes Tom and Kate to the scene of Sean's rescue. Tom thanks Shaker, who is being hospitalized. Hawkins takes Tom to Maris' body, where he recognizes her.

Shaker appears at the Mullen penthouse to receive the reward, claiming he wants to avoid publicity. As Tom writes a check for him, Sean recognizes Shaker's voice. Seeing his son's horrified reaction and hearing Shaker speak the same phrase kidnapper did, Tom realizes who Shaker is. Tom gives Shaker the check with a false signature, but Shaker realizes that Tom is on to him. Shaker threatens to kill everyone in the house, but Tom convinces him to take him hostage and go to the bank so Tom can wire the money to Shaker's account. En route, Shaker orders Tom to ready his private jet. Tom fakes a call to his pilot, actually calling Hawkins, whom Tom manages to tell covertly that the kidnapper is with him.

Cops converge on Tom and Shaker outside the bank. Shaker opens fire, shooting both officers. Tom lunges at Shaker, grabbing his gun. Tom throws Shaker through a store window and when they emerge, they are surrounded by armed policemen. Shaker draws his back-up revolver from an ankle holster. Tom and Hawkins fire first, killing Shaker. The film closes as Hawkins stops the police from arresting Tom.


==Cast== ==Cast==
* ] as Tom Mullen * ] as Tom Mullen
* ] as Kate Mullen * ] as Kate Mullen
* ] as Sean Mullen * Brawley Nolte as Sean Mullen
* ] as Det. James "Jimmy" Shaker * ] as NYPD Detective Jimmy Shaker
* ] as Special Agent Lonnie Hawkins * ] as ] Special Agent Lonnie Hawkins
* ] as Maris Conner * ] as Maris Conner
* ] as Clark Barnes * ] as Clark Barnes
* ] as Cubby Barnes * ] as "Cubby" Barnes
* ] as Miles Roberts * ] as Miles Roberts
* ] as FBI Director Stan Wallace * ] as ] Director Stan Wallace
* ] as David Torres * ] as David Torres
* ] as Jackie Brown * ] as Jackie Brown
* ] as Roberto

* ] as an ] Officer
==Production notes==
During filming, Mel Gibson had ] and had to have an operation.<ref>{{dead link|date=October 2012}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2012}}


==Reception== ==Reception==
The movie has a 73% rating from ].<ref> Rotten Tomatoes, Retrieved 8/02/10</ref> Critic ] gave the movie three stars out of four, saying "Gibson gives an interesting performance, showing a man trying to think his way out of a crisis, and Sinise makes a good foil: Here are two smart men playing a game with deadly stakes."<ref> Roger Ebert, Retrieved 8/02/10</ref> ''Ransom'' has a 74% rating from ] based on 74 reviews, with its consensus stating: "Directed with propulsive intensity by Ron Howard, ''Ransom'' is a fiery thriller packed with hot-blooded performances and jolting twists."<ref> Rotten Tomatoes, Retrieved 8/02/10</ref> ] gave the film a score of 60 based on 21 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |title=Ransom Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/ransom/ |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015853/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/ransom |archive-date=12 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Audiences polled by ] gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemascore.com/ |title=CinemaScore |work=cinemascore.com}}</ref>

Critic ] gave the film three stars out of four and wrote, "Gibson gives an interesting performance, showing a man trying to think his way out of a crisis, and Sinise makes a good foil: Here are two smart men playing a game with deadly stakes."<ref> Roger Ebert, Retrieved 2010-08-02</ref>


==Awards and nominations== ==Awards and nominations==
Line 71: Line 80:
* Nominated - ] * Nominated - ]
'''1997 ]s''' '''1997 ]s'''
* Nominated - ] — ] * Nominated - ] — ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1996/scene/vpage/golden-globe-nominations-2-1117436552/|title=GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS|author=<!-- Staff -->|work=]|date=1996-12-19|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref>
'''1997 ]''' '''1997 ]'''
* Nominated - ] — ] * Nominated - ] — ]
Line 81: Line 90:


==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0117438|Ransom (1996)}}
* {{mojo title|ransom|Ransom}} * {{IMDb title|117438}}
* {{TCMDb title|id=300927}}
* {{AFI film|60558}}
* {{mojo title|ransom}}


{{Ron Howard Films}} {{Ron Howard}}
{{Scott Rudin}} {{Richard Price}}
{{Brian Grazer}} {{Brian Grazer}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 04:39, 22 December 2024

1996 film directed by Ron Howard
Ransom
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRon Howard
Screenplay by
Based onRansom! 1956 movie
Fearful Decision 1954 TV play
by Cyril Hume and Richard Maibaum
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyPiotr Sobociński
Edited by
Music byJames Horner
Production
companies		Touchstone Pictures
Imagine Entertainment
Distributed byBuena Vista Pictures Distribution
Release date
  • November 8, 1996 (1996-11-08)
Running time121 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$70 million
Box office$309.5 million

Ransom is a 1996 American action thriller film directed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by Richard Price and Alexander Ignon. The film stars Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Gary Sinise, Delroy Lindo, Lili Taylor, Brawley Nolte, Liev Schreiber, Donnie Wahlberg and Evan Handler. Gibson was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. The film was the 5th highest-grossing film of 1996 in the United States. The original story came from a 1954 episode of The United States Steel Hour titled "Fearful Decision". In 1956, it was adapted by Cyril Hume and Richard Maibaum into the feature film, Ransom!, starring Glenn Ford, Donna Reed, and Leslie Nielsen.

Plot

While millionaire airline magnate Tom Mullen and his wife Kate attend a science fair, their son Sean is kidnapped, having left their sight unexpectedly. Sean is taken to an apartment by Maris Conner, a caterer working for the Mullens; brothers Clark and Cubby Barnes; and tech expert Miles Roberts. Jimmy Shaker, an NYPD detective who is Maris' boyfriend, is later revealed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping. The kidnappers send Tom and Kate an e-mail with a video of Sean demanding $2 million. Tom calls the FBI despite the kidnappers' instructions not to contact authorities, who operate from his New York City penthouse under Special Agent Lonnie Hawkins. In private, Tom voices his belief that union machinist Jackie Brown, who is in prison following one of Tom's business scandals, may be behind it. They visit Brown in prison, but he angrily denies any involvement before attacking Tom.

Tom agrees to the FBI's plan for delivering the ransom. Receiving a phone call from Shaker, who electronically disguises his voice, Tom follows his instructions. He meets Cubby in a New Jersey quarry but refuses to hand over the money when Cubby fails to give him Shaker's promised directions to Sean. During an ensuing fight, the FBI intervenes and shoots Cubby, who dies before revealing Sean's location. Tom realizes the kidnappers have no intention of returning Sean alive upon receiving the ransom. Shaker arranges another drop-off, but although Tom initially agrees to take the money alone, he instead appears on television and offers the ransom as a bounty on the kidnappers, dead or alive, only promising to withdraw the bounty and drop all charges if the kidnappers return Sean alive and unharmed, making it clear he will not pay the ransom.

Despite Kate and Hawkins' pleas, Tom sticks to his plan, believing it is the best chance for Sean's return. Shaker lures Kate to a meeting where he assaults her and presents Sean's blood-stained t-shirt as a warning to pay the ransom, but Tom responds by doubling the bounty to $4 million. Shaker calls Tom and gives him one final warning to pay, but Tom still refuses, and Shaker fires a gunshot after Tom hears Sean scream for help, leading Tom and Kate to believe their son is dead. Clark and Miles attempt to abandon the plan and flee, but Shaker requests backup, kills both Clark and Miles, and makes it look like Miles shot first. When Maris shoots Shaker in the arm from behind, he kills her as well. The NYPD arrives to find Shaker with a badly beaten Sean, whom they believe Shaker rescued. Hawkins informs Tom and Kate, and they are reunited with Sean while Shaker is hospitalized.

Shaker arrives at Tom's penthouse to claim the reward; he intends to immediately leave the country before his connection to Maris is discovered. However, Sean recognizes Shaker's voice and expressions as the kidnapper and Tom notices. With his cover blown, Shaker plans to kill everyone in the apartment, but Tom persuades Shaker to accompany him to the bank to get the money and leave peacefully. Shaker attempts to force Tom to wire the money from the house via phone, but Tom stands his ground and warns him that whether he receives his money or not, Shaker will be exposed and hunted citywide. Shaker reluctantly agrees to go to the bank, threatening to rekidnap and murder Sean should Tom attempt a double cross. On the way, Tom discreetly alerts Hawkins, and the police and FBI converge on Tom and Shaker outside the bank.

As soon as Tom and Shaker exit the bank, two police officers attempt to detain Shaker, but Shaker shoots them. Tom knocks Shaker to the ground and the two struggle. Tom hurls Shaker through the window of a lamp store. Tom picks up Shaker's dropped gun and points it at him. Hawkins and other police officers demand that Tom drop the gun and walk away. In desperation, Shaker draws another gun but is shot dead by Tom and Hawkins. As Tom drops the gun, police rush in to arrest him, but Hawkins orders them to stand down. Tom is allowed to leave the scene with Kate.

Cast

Reception

Ransom has a 74% rating from Rotten Tomatoes based on 74 reviews, with its consensus stating: "Directed with propulsive intensity by Ron Howard, Ransom is a fiery thriller packed with hot-blooded performances and jolting twists." Metacritic gave the film a score of 60 based on 21 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.

Critic Roger Ebert gave the film three stars out of four and wrote, "Gibson gives an interesting performance, showing a man trying to think his way out of a crisis, and Sinise makes a good foil: Here are two smart men playing a game with deadly stakes."

Awards and nominations

1997 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards

  • Won - Top Box Office Film

1997 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (Saturn Awards)

1997 Golden Globe Awards

1997 Image Awards

1997 Young Artist Awards

  • Nominated - Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor — Brawley Nolte

References

  1. ^ "Ransom (1996)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved 2018-01-19.
  2. "Imagine Entertainment Ransom".
  3. "Ransom". The-Numbers.com. Retrieved 2018-02-19.
  4. "Ransom". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2018-01-19.
  5. "10 Best Ron Howard Movies, Ranked (According To Rotten Tomatoes)". Screen Rant. 21 April 2020.
  6. Ransom Rotten Tomatoes, Retrieved 8/02/10
  7. "Ransom Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  8. "CinemaScore". cinemascore.com.
  9. Ransom Roger Ebert, Retrieved 2010-08-02
  10. "GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS". Variety. 1996-12-19. Retrieved 2018-01-19.

External links

Ron Howard
Feature films
Directed
Produced
Documentaries
Directed
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See also
Richard Price
Novels
Films written
TV series created
Film adaptations
Brian Grazer
Films produced
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and written
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