Watch Mercenary

Mercenary is a 1996 action film directed by Avi Nesher and starring Olivier Gruner. Set in the African country of Malawi, the movie revolves around the story of a soldier of fortune named Jonas Ambler, who takes on a mission to rescue an American heiress held captive by a group of ruthless rebels. The film opens with a scene of Jonas on top of a building, sniping and taking down a group of rebels. He is hired by a powerful businessman named Max Drechsler, played by John Ritter, to rescue his daughter Megan, portrayed by Ashley Laurence, who has been kidnapped by the rebels led by Masanga, played by Ed Lauter.

Jonas is joined by Max's friend, a former CIA agent named Paulina Novacek, played by Carmen Argenziano. Together, the three embark on a dangerous mission to rescue Megan and her friends, who are being held hostage in the rebel’s camp located deep in the African jungle.

Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including treacherous terrain, rebel ambushes, and double-crossing officials. They must use their wits and skills to overcome these hurdles and complete their mission. Jonas, who has a personal vendetta against Masanga, is especially determined to see the mission through to the end.

As the team gets closer to the rebel camp, they discover that Megan's kidnapping is not just about money. The rebels, led by Masanga, have a secret agenda, and they are using Megan's family as leverage to achieve their objectives.

The plot thickens as the team infiltrates the rebel camp and faces off with its leaders. Jonas and Masanga engage in a brutal showdown, with Jonas determined to avenge his past and protect Megan. The final battle scene is fast-paced and intense, with explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat.

The film's cast, led by Olivier Gruner, delivers solid performances in their respective roles. Gruner, who is known for his martial arts skills, brings his trademark toughness to the character of Jonas Ambler. John Ritter, in a rare dramatic role, is convincing as the wealthy businessman desperate to save his daughter. Robert Culp, who plays the corrupt Malawian official, adds depth to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.

The film's cinematography is impressive, with the African landscape serving as a striking backdrop to the action. The sound design is also noteworthy, with the soundtrack featuring fitting music that complements the scenes.

One of the film's strengths is its pacing. The story moves quickly, with a mix of action, drama, and suspense. The film never lags, with each scene building up to the next. Nesher's direction keeps the film grounded, with the action scenes realistic and believable.

Though the film is not without flaws, including some clichéd dialogue and predictable plot twists, it delivers on its promise of being a solid action film. The performances, pacing, and production values make Mercenary an entertaining watch for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Mercenary is a well-made action film with great performances and engaging action sequences. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre, and for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned tale of a hero taking on the bad guys. The film is a fine addition to the Olivier Gruner filmography and is worth watching for action junkies.

Mercenary is a 1997 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.