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Cliffhanger
1993 113 min France, Italy, United States of America, Japan R 18+
★7.0
Action, Adventure, Thriller
Director: Renny Harlin
Trailers
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Description
A year after losing his friend in a tragic 4,000-foot fall, former ranger Gabe Walker and his partner, Hal, are called to return to the same peak to rescue a group of stranded climbers, only to learn the climbers are actually thieving hijackers who are looking for boxes full of money.
Budget:
$70M
US Gross:
$84.05M
Worldwide:
$255M
Starring
Sylvester Stallone
Actor
John Lithgow
Actor
Michael Rooker
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1994
— Best Sound
Academy Awards 1994
— Best Visual Effects
Academy Awards 1994
— Best Sound Editing
Razzie Awards 1994
— Worst Picture
Razzie Awards 1994
— Worst Supporting Actor
Razzie Awards 1994
— Worst Supporting Actress
Razzie Awards 1994
— Worst Screenplay
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1994
— Best Action Scene
Key opinion
Cliffhanger is widely regarded as a quintessential 90s action spectacle, praised for its stunning mountain photography and high-stakes stunt work. While the plot is often viewed as generic or nonsensical, the film succeeds for many as a thrilling, well-executed genre entry anchored by a charismatic villain.
| Cinematography | The breathtaking cinematography of the Dolomites provides a visually spectacular backdrop that elevates the film's production value. | |
| Acting | John Lithgow delivers a standout, memorable performance as the villain, balancing menace with a touch of cynical charm. | |
| Production | The film features ambitious and realistic stunt sequences, including mountain climbs and aerial maneuvers, that remain impressive highlights. | |
| Acting | Stallone effectively portrays a vulnerable, grounded hero rather than an invincible archetype, adding necessary emotional weight to his character. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for being predictable, cliché-ridden, and lacking in logical depth. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on pacing are divided: some find the suspenseful progression rewarding, while others criticize the film for becoming monotonous and overlong in its middle sections. |