.357

The .357 is a 1999 action thriller film directed by Nicholas Webster. It tells the story of Jade "Jinx" LaRose, a young woman who escapes a life of organized crime with her new husband, Jack. Unfortunately, their happiness is short-lived, as Jade barely survives a brutal murder attempt by a notorious crime family, the D'Amicos. The attempt on her life leaves her shaken, but not deterred, particularly when she wakes up on her wedding night to find herself holding Jack's lifeless hand. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, Jade pawns Jack's wedding ring to buy a .357 Magnum pistol, her intention being to use it to exact revenge on the D'Amicos for their involvement in Jack's death. However, she is still a novice and, in her first attempt to use the gun, Jade botches the job and ends up getting captured by the crime family. Enter Jack "The Hammer" Stevens, an enigmatic Vietnam veteran who has a reputation for getting the job done. He is a skilled and seasoned assassin with a no-nonsense attitude, and he sees potential in Jade. Despite her inexperience, Hammer takes Jade under his wing and decides to train her in the art of being a methodical assassin. The training process is arduous, both physically and mentally, as Hammer pushes Jade to her limits, testing her resolve and willpower. He teaches her how to use her new gun, as well as other skills she needs to survive in a world of violence and murder. Through Hammer's guidance, Jade becomes more confident and skilled, and she begins to see her revenge as a possibility. One year after Jack's death, Jade is ready to begin her quest for revenge. Her plan is to hunt down the D'Amicos one by one, using the six bullets from her .357 pistol, each one marked for a specific family member. As Jade embarks on her mission, she becomes a more efficient and ruthless killer, thanks to the skills she learned from Hammer. Throughout the film, the stakes escalate, and Jade faces numerous challenges as she navigates the underworld of organized crime. Despite the danger surrounding her, she remains determined to complete her mission and exact revenge on the family responsible for Jack's death. The film features plenty of action and suspense, as well as some surprising twists and turns. The cinematography is gritty and realistic, capturing the seedy world of organized crime and the dark themes that permeate the story. The performances from the cast, particularly Laura Branigan and Brian Bosworth, bring depth and nuance to the characters, making their actions more believable and relatable. As Jade works her way through the list of targets, she encounters various obstacles, including family members who are more cunning and ruthless than she anticipated. Meanwhile, Hammer watches from the sidelines, providing guidance and support as needed, but ultimately leaving Jade to her own devices. The film's climax features a thrilling showdown between Jade and the final target on her list. After facing numerous setbacks and challenges, Jade is finally confronted with the leader of the D'Amicos, who has a few tricks up his sleeve. In the end, Jade emerges victorious, having successfully completed her mission and avenged her husband's death with the six bullets from her .357 pistol. The .357 is a tense and engaging thriller that explores the themes of revenge, violence, and the consequences of a life of crime. The film's gritty realism and intense action sequences make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre, and the complex characters and relationships add depth and nuance to the story.