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The Saint
1997 116 min United States of America, Russia PG-13 12+
★5.6
Thriller, Action, Romance, Science Fiction, Adventure
Director: Phillip Noyce
🎭 Based on
«Simon Templar»
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Simon Templar (The Saint), is a thief for hire, whose latest job to steal the secret process for cold fusion puts him at odds with a traitor bent on toppling the Russian government, as well as the woman who holds its secret.
Budget:
$68M
US Gross:
$61.36M
Worldwide:
$118.1M
Starring
Val Kilmer
Actor
Elisabeth Shue
Actor
Rade Serbedzija
Actor
Awards
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Actor
Key opinion
The Saint is widely regarded as a tonally inconsistent, disposable thriller that suffers from absurd, stereotypical depictions of 1990s Russia. While some viewers find it an enjoyable, nostalgic piece of late-90s entertainment, critics and fans of the source material largely dismiss it as a lackluster adaptation.
| Acting | Val Kilmer’s performance as a master of disguise is frequently cited as the film's most notable asset, with his multi-role transformations providing a reliable source of entertainment. | |
| Theme | The film’s portrayal of 1990s Russia relies heavily on outlandish, cliched tropes—such as absurd energy crises and inaccurate geography—which frustrate viewers seeking authenticity. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is heavily criticized for its messy, tonally confused blend of espionage, science fiction, and romantic comedy that lacks structural cohesion. | |
| Acting | The chemistry between Val Kilmer and Elisabeth Shue serves as a highlight for some, though opinions on Shue's character development range from seeing her as an emotional anchor to a vulnerable damsel in distress. | |
| Originality | The film is polarizing as a viewing experience; some find its nostalgic, lighthearted tone charming and rewatchable, while others view it as a hollow and inferior iteration of the classic source material. |