Ronin
Ronin

Ronin

1998Movie122 minEnglish

A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals' hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or 'ronin', and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes64%
Metacritic69/100
Google Users85%
Director: John FrankenheimerGenres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A group of ex-special operatives, known as 'ronin' due to their lack of a master, are hired by a mysterious Irishman to steal a highly valuable briefcase. The team, composed of disparate individuals with their own agendas, must navigate a dangerous underworld of betrayal, shifting alliances, and intense car chases across Paris and Nice. As they delve deeper, the true nature of the briefcase and the extent of the danger become terrifyingly clear.

Critical Reception

Ronin was generally well-received by critics, who praised its intelligent script, authentic action sequences, and strong performances, particularly from Robert De Niro and Jean Reno. The film's gritty realism and complex plot were highlighted as major strengths, though some found the narrative occasionally convoluted. It is often regarded as one of the better action thrillers of the late 1990s.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its expertly staged and exhilarating car chases.
  • Commended for its tense, intricate plot and strong ensemble cast.
  • Noted for its gritty realism and sophisticated, character-driven espionage thriller elements.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's high-octane action sequences, especially the realistic car chases, and the compelling performances from the lead actors. The intricate and suspenseful plot was also a significant draw for viewers.

Fun Fact

The film's director, John Frankenheimer, was known for his meticulous attention to detail and insisted on performing many of the car stunts with minimal special effects, often at high speeds and with real actors behind the wheel, contributing to the film's visceral realism.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

<em>'Ronin'</em> was somehow an unknown to me as of weeks ago. I say that because... what a cast! How have I at least not heard of this in passing in all my years on this Earth? That plus the type of plot makes this right up my alley, on pa...
CinemaSerf

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...
The Movie Mob

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 wer...