Face/Off

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"In order to trap him, he must become him."
  • R
  • 1997
  • 2 hr 18 min
  • 7.3  (394,761)
  • 82

In 1997, the action thriller movie Face/Off was released, starring John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, and Joan Allen. The film was directed by John Woo and had a budget of $80 million. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $245 million worldwide. The storyline of Face/Off revolves around FBI Special Agent Sean Archer, played by John Travolta, who is obsessed with catching his archenemy, a terrorist named Castor Troy, played by Nicolas Cage. Once Archer finally captures Troy, he discovers that the terrorist has planted a bomb in the city, and only he knows where it is. Archer races against time to find the bomb and defuse it, but his efforts are in vain as the bomb explodes, killing Troy and his own son, Michael.

In his grief, Archer decides to take on an extreme measure to catch the remaining members of Troy's terrorist network. He decides to undergo an experimental surgery that involves swapping his face and vocal cords with Troy's. This way, Archer will be able to pose as Troy and infiltrate the group, gathering intelligence and putting an end to their operations once and for all.

The surgery is a success, but Troy wakes up from his coma and soon discovers Archer's true identity. He decides to take advantage of the situation and assumes Archer's face and identity, infiltrating his family, friends, and colleagues. Archer is now trapped in Troy's body and incarcerated in a high-security prison, with no one believing his story.

The two men engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, knowing the other's every move, as they try to outsmart each other and achieve their respective goals. Troy enjoys his newfound power, wealth, and life, while Archer tries to get his old life back and stop Troy's evil plans.

The supporting cast includes Joan Allen, who plays Archer's wife, Eve, and Alessandro Nivola, who plays Pollux Troy, Castor's younger brother and partner in crime. There are also several thrilling action set pieces, including car chases, shootouts, and explosive sequences.

The movie's themes include identity, revenge, family, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It makes the viewer question what makes a person who they are, and whether anyone can change their fate or their past. The film also critiques gun culture and tackles the consequences of violent actions.

Face/Off features excellent performances from both John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, who are known for their distinct styles and talents in Hollywood. Travolta portrays the tormented Archer with nuance and heart, while Cage relishes his role as the flamboyant, unpredictable Troy. Their chemistry and dynamic are a highlight of the movie, and they both showcase their versatility as actors.

The movie's action scenes are also top-notch, thanks to the direction of John Woo, who is known for his signature touch of stylized gunplay and slow-motion shots. The music by John Powell is also memorable, adding to the film's tension and emotion.

Overall, Face/Off is a thrilling ride that delivers on action, suspense, and drama. It's a classic entry in the action genre and solidifies Travolta and Cage's status as action stars. The movie's plot may have some plot holes and implausible moments, but it's still an enjoyable watch that entertains from start to finish.

Face/Off is a 1997 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 82.

Face/Off
Description
Where to Watch Face/Off
Face/Off is available to watch, stream, download and buy, rent on demand at Amazon Prime, Philo, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, Google Play, Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft Movies & TV and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Face/Off for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1997
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 18 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (394,761)
  • Metascore
    82
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