The Negotiator
After a convenience store robbery, three unidentified men hold a group of people hostage in a hospital. Inspector Ishida and Captain Tohno handle the negotiations while one of their colleagues, Lt. Ando, tries to find out why the men decided to take the hospital hostage. Through flashbacks, relevant information is revealed to the audience. When the negotiations are finished, most things seem to be fine until they lose track of the criminals. Then, the story unveils from a different perspective, its roots in feelings of love and vengeance.
Insights
Plot Summary
A highly skilled police negotiator, framed for murder and embezzlement by his own corrupt superiors, takes a group of hostages in a downtown building to buy himself time and expose the truth. As he negotiates with the detective sent to bring him in, a tense standoff unfolds, revealing layers of conspiracy and betrayal within the police department.
Critical Reception
The Negotiator was met with generally positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success. Praise was directed towards Samuel L. Jackson's powerful performance and the film's suspenseful action sequences and intricate plot. Some critics noted that the film relied on familiar genre tropes but found its execution compelling.
What Reviewers Say
- Samuel L. Jackson delivers a commanding performance as a negotiator pushed to his limits.
- The film offers a tense and action-packed thriller with a compelling conspiracy plot.
- While occasionally relying on genre conventions, the direction and pacing keep the audience engaged.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's intense action and Samuel L. Jackson's strong lead role. Many found the plot engaging and suspenseful, though some felt it was predictable.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
Samuel L. Jackson reportedly improvised the line 'I'm talking about the same system that's letting these dirty cops walk free right now' during the interrogation scene.
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