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Ransom
1996 121 min United States of America R 16+
★6.9
Action, Thriller
Director: Ron Howard
Trailers
Description
When a rich man's son is kidnapped, he cooperates with the police at first but then tries a unique tactic against the criminals.
Budget:
$80M
US Gross:
$136.49M
Worldwide:
$309.49M
Starring
Mel Gibson
Actor
Gary Sinise
Actor
Rene Russo
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1997
— Best Actor (Drama)
Saturn Awards 1997
— Best Action, Adventure or Thriller
Key opinion
Ransom is widely regarded as a masterclass in 1990s psychological thrillers, praised for its polished craftsmanship and Ron Howard's tense direction. While some critics view it as a high-end exercise in genre formula rather than high art, audiences consistently respond to the intense performances and the film's subversion of traditional kidnapping tropes.
| Acting | Mel Gibson anchors the film with a powerful, emotionally charged performance that elevates the material beyond a standard action role. | |
| Direction | Ron Howard delivers expert, high-tension direction that successfully blends psychological drama with classic thriller suspense. | |
| Screenplay | The script subverts the tired kidnapping formula by empowering the victimized father to manipulate the situation, creating an engaging psychological duel. | |
| Acting | Gary Sinise provides a compelling and vivid performance as the antagonist, effectively cementing his niche as a complex anti-hero. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is viewed differently: some find the deliberate, slow-burn start creates effective existential dread, while others find the opening segment overly sluggish. | |
| Theme | While many admire the film's technical perfection and suspense, some critics argue its focus on conventional blockbuster thrills and traditional values prevents it from being considered true 'art'. |