Clear and Present Danger
Plot
Clear and Present Danger is a 1994 American action-thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Tom Clancy. The film picks up where the previous installment, Patriot Games, left off. CIA Analyst Jack Ryan has just been promoted to Deputy Director of Intelligence and is struggling to balance his professional life with his personal one. His wife, Cathy, is dealing with health issues, and their daughter, Sally, is trying to adjust to her parents' new status. Ryan's troubles are compounded when he is drawn into an illegal war fought by the US government against a Colombian drug cartel. The CIA has been secretly supporting a rebel group in Colombia, known as the Escambray Battalion, in its fight against the Medellín cartel. However, things take a turn for the worse when the rebels are betrayed and massacred by the cartel. Ryan's boss, James Greer, informs him that the US government is willing to support the Colombian army in its war against the cartel, but only if it can be done quietly and without Congressional oversight. Ryan is tasked with coordinating the operation, which puts him at odds with his superiors and the CIA's internal politics. As Ryan delves deeper into the situation, he discovers that the cartel is being run by a ruthless and cunning leader named Hernandez. The cartel is using its vast resources to fund terrorist activities around the world, including the kidnapping of American citizens. Ryan also learns that Hernandez has a personal vendetta against him, as his family was killed in a cartel-related incident. Ryan's wife, Cathy, becomes embroiled in the conflict when she is kidnapped by the cartel and held for ransom. Ryan is forced to use all his skills and resources to rescue her and bring down the cartel. Along the way, he must navigate the treacherous world of international espionage and politics, where allegiances are fleeting and loyalty is tested. Clear and Present Danger features a mix of action, suspense, and intrigue as Ryan faces off against the cartel's henchmen in a thrilling climax. The movie explores themes of patriotism, duty, and the moral complexities of war, making it a gripping and thought-provoking thriller.
Reviews
Sylvia
The film delivers a visceral dose of personal heroism that's intensely satisfying!
Everett
The Jack Ryan trilogy is arguably one of the most inconsistent trilogies ever made. "The Hunt for Red October" came out in 1990, followed by "Patriot Games" in 1992, and "Clear and Present Danger" in 1994. The latter two starred Harrison Ford, while Alec Baldwin played Ryan in the first. Moreover, the real central figure in "The Hunt for Red October" wasn't even Ryan, but rather Sean Connery's character.
Madeline
The third installment in the "Jack Ryan" series, this film reunites the cast and crew from the previous "Patriot Games." The narrative is concise, clearly conveying the complex international landscape and shifting political machinations of the post-Cold War era. It also delivers exhilarating action sequences, making it a top-notch political thriller. However, viewers must pay close attention to fully appreciate the film's subtle nuances and underlying themes.
Sarah
In "Clear and Present Danger," a ruthless Mexican drug cartel executes the President's close friend, prompting a covert operation to retaliate. The President secretly dispatches a military force to strike at the cartels while publicly seizing their assets. When the cartel's henchman orchestrates the assassination of American officials, a hidden act of reprisal decimates the cartel's headquarters. Amidst the chaos, the henchman proposes a deal to the U.S. government: eliminate the cartel leader and silence the American troops. Jack Ryan, played brilliantly by Harrison Ford, uncovers the scheme and, to avoid becoming a scapegoat, unites with the military to defeat both the drug lord and his treacherous assistant. In a final act of integrity, Ryan exposes the President's involvement. Harrison Ford's performance is simply outstanding!
Diego
The first half is a bit slow, with lengthy dialogues and setups. It gradually becomes exciting from the intense Colombian ambush in the middle part, with political confrontations, shady deals, and the gradual exposure of the true villain. The ending rescue mission brings it to a climax. Compared to "Patriot Games," this one is much more exciting and action-packed.
Nicole
This action-packed thriller expertly weaves a complex narrative of politics, espionage, and betrayal. With Harrison Ford reprising his role as Jack Ryan, the film skillfully explores the blurred lines between right and wrong in the world of high-stakes intelligence. As the CIA analyst delves deeper into the US government's secret war against a Colombian drug cartel, he must confront the darker aspects of power and loyalty, making for a gripping cinematic experience full of suspense and intrigue.
