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Ransom

Play trailer Poster for Ransom R Released Nov 8, 1996 2h 0m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
74% Tomatometer 74 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Through a life of hard work, airline owner Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) has amassed a great deal of wealth. When a group of criminals want a piece of his cash, they kidnap his son (Brawley Nolte) for a $2 million ransom. Encouraged by his wife (Rene Russo) and an FBI agent (Delroy Lindo), Tom prepares to pay the money, but the ransom drop goes awry. Enraged, Tom decides to turn the tables on the kidnappers by making the ransom a bounty on their heads -- which he announces on national television.
Ransom

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Directed with propulsive intensity by Ron Howard, Ransom is a fiery thriller packed with hot-blooded performances and jolting twists.

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Critics Reviews

View All (74) Critics Reviews
Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune The special nature of this story is its many climaxes that border on false endings and also how Gibson's character responds to the ransom demand of $2 million.... it is Gibson who sells us on it and sells it well. Rated: 3/4 Jan 22, 2014 Full Review Desson Thomson Washington Post There are more climaxes in here than in a Swedish blue movie. This is not to say you won't be thrilled, charged up and put through the ringer at times, but your intelligence will need to be shoved under your seat like warm, flat soda. Jan 22, 2014 Full Review Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer That's interesting stuff, but it doesn't play out with a lot of smarts. And the opportunity to end Ransom on a creepy note of unpredictability is forsaken for the usual glass-shattering, bullets-flying finale. Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 22, 2014 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault The movie, quite unavoidably, becomes "Guys With Phones." Rated: C Sep 1, 2022 Full Review Sheila Reid Women in the Life The result is a riveting 121 minute ride. May 16, 2022 Full Review PJ Nabarro Patrick Nabarro The sheer plethora of silly plot holes and nonsensical moments does sort of ebb away at one's suspension of disbelief. Rated: 2/5 Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
Tim M Uncompromisingly dark but equal parts thrilling, Ransom continuously subverts viewer expectations en route to a memorable experience. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review Alain E Excellent entertainment with a lot of twists and turns, plus a healthy dose of violence. It did do very well at the box office and remains very watchable. Interesting that some professional critics were disappointed that the rich guy, played wonderfully by Mel Gibson, is the upright character. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/07/24 Full Review Crey Fish S A gripping action/thriller with enough surprises and good direction from Ron Howard. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/24 Full Review Audience Member What's the real ransom? Director Ron Howard makes a nail-biting action thriller starring Mel Gibson, Renee Russo, Lilli Taylor, Gary Sinese, Armand Assante, and Delroy Lindo Tom Mullen is rich but it didn't happen overnight, he made his money on his own building a successful airline He has a loving wife, Kate and a boy named Sean Things go off the rails when a group of criminals kidnap Tom's son and ask for a bit of his cash in return..$2 million to be exact The FBI asks to step in but the situation escalates Tom now takes matters into his own hands by placing the same money as a bounty on the kidnappers in order get Sean back by announcing it on tv But the authorities may not be on the same playing field as Tom races against the clock Lots of fueled performances and some shocking turns Yet the film forgets to put in the actual thrills The first 30 min are lagging then it picks up again But by the end it quiets down so much The plot barely makes any sense 100% but Gibson and Russo are committed playing these parents desperate to get their kid back It's unorthodox but any person with a child would do anything for their safe return, even consider the thinking strategy for criminals and not just about the money It's too long and could inject more pulse-pounding yet the script is still intelligent enough to work Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/09/23 Full Review John R Mel Gibson gives off the same energy in this that he gives off in Braveheart: "I will burn everything down rather than give you what you want." It's a mood he's very good at portraying. It might be his best acting space. He and Gary Sinise opposite one another makes for a real powerhouse. Lots of great supporting actors and some really interesting turns to the plot make this a lot of fun. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/03/23 Full Review Jackson87 Ransom is a thriller that delivers on every level. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, and Gary Sinise, the film tells the story of a wealthy businessman whose son is kidnapped, and the race against time to bring him home safely. One of the film's greatest strengths is the outstanding performances by the cast. Mel Gibson delivers an unforgettable performance as Tom Mullen, a man who is forced to confront his deepest fears and emotions as he battles to save his son. Rene Russo is equally impressive as Kate, Mullen's wife, who provides a strong and supportive presence throughout the film. The film's villain, Jimmy Shaker, played by Gary Sinise, is a complex and chilling character, whose motivations are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Sinise delivers an outstanding performance that is both menacing and nuanced, making him a truly memorable antagonist. The tension and suspense that permeate the film are masterfully crafted by Ron Howard, who expertly balances the pacing of the story to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film's cinematography and editing are also excellent, with the use of lighting and camera angles adding to the film's atmosphere and emotional impact. In addition to the excellent performances and technical aspects of the film, Ransom also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and morality, adding depth and substance to the story. The film's emotional impact is undeniable, and it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer long after the credits have rolled. Overall, Ransom is a brilliantly executed thriller that is sure to leave audiences captivated and satisfied. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of its director and cast, and a true classic of the genre. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Ransom

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Movie Info

Synopsis Through a life of hard work, airline owner Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) has amassed a great deal of wealth. When a group of criminals want a piece of his cash, they kidnap his son (Brawley Nolte) for a $2 million ransom. Encouraged by his wife (Rene Russo) and an FBI agent (Delroy Lindo), Tom prepares to pay the money, but the ransom drop goes awry. Enraged, Tom decides to turn the tables on the kidnappers by making the ransom a bounty on their heads -- which he announces on national television.
Director
Ron Howard
Producer
Brian Grazer, Kip Hagopian, Scott Rudin
Screenwriter
Cyril Hume, Richard Maibaum, Richard Price, Alexander Ignon
Distributor
Touchstone Home Video, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Imagine Entertainment, Touchstone Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 8, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 27, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA)
$136.5M
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround