🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Martin Campbell
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 54min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (195k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Jackie Chan gets *really* mad when a bomb ruins his daddy-daughter day, so he bothers Pierce Brosnan until everyone involved has a *bad* day.
🍿 The Foreigner: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Father’s Loss
Quan Ngoc Minh, a humble restaurant owner in London, loses his teenage daughter in a politically motivated bombing claimed by the ‘Authentic IRA.’ Devastated, Quan seeks justice, but his efforts to get information from the police prove fruitless. This tragic event sets him on a relentless quest for revenge, fueled by grief and a burning desire to make those responsible pay.

Targeting Hennessy
Quan focuses his attention on Liam Hennessy, a Northern Ireland deputy minister with a past as an IRA leader. Convinced that Hennessy knows the bombers’ identities, Quan travels to Belfast and confronts him. Hennessy denies involvement, leading Quan to escalate his tactics, using homemade bombs and threats to pressure him for information.

Political Intrigue and Hidden Agendas
As Quan relentlessly pursues Hennessy, a complex web of political intrigue unfolds. Hennessy is caught between maintaining peace and dealing with rogue elements from his past. He attempts to identify the bombers while battling his own internal conflicts and dealing with personal betrayals, adding layers of complexity to the story.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Quan Ngoc Minh (Jackie Chan): A humble restaurant owner and retired special forces operator seeking vengeance for his daughter’s death in a terrorist bombing.
- Liam Hennessy (Pierce Brosnan): An Irish government official with a complex past tied to the IRA, who becomes entangled in Quan’s quest for justice.
- Fan (Katie Leung): Quan’s teenage daughter, whose tragic death in a bombing sets the events of the film in motion.
- Keyi Lam (Liu Tao): Quan’s business partner and friend, who supports him through his grief and quest for revenge.
- Maggie (Charlie Murphy): Hennessy’s mistress who becomes involved in the terrorist plot.
- Mary Hennessy (Orla Brady): Hennessy’s wife and the mastermind behind the new terrorist group.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Quan: “I want names.” – Quan repeats this demand relentlessly to Hennessy, seeking the identities of those responsible for his daughter’s death.
- Liam Hennessy: “That’s me being nice!” – Hennessy says this after shooting McGrath in the knee, showcasing his ruthless nature and past as an IRA member.
- Quan: “Why her?” – A heartbreaking question asked by Quan, expressing his grief and the senselessness of his daughter’s death.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $35,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $34,393,507
- Worldwide Gross: $145,418,070
💥 The Foreigner Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this expecting a typical Jackie Chan action flick, but I was blown away! The story had depth, and Chan’s performance was surprisingly emotional and powerful. The scenes with him mourning his daughter were heartbreaking, and I was totally rooting for him to get revenge. Even the political subplot was interesting. Definitely one of the best action movies I’ve seen in a while. Pierce Brosnan’s character felt real as a conflicted government official. Overall, it’s a movie I’ll recommend to all my friends.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Jackie Chan looking for a more serious role”
- “Viewers who enjoy political thrillers and revenge stories”
- “Those interested in movies set against the backdrop of Irish-British relations”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Terrorism and bombing depictions”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A taut thriller with a compelling performance from Jackie Chan, showcasing a more serious and restrained side than audiences may be used to. Brosnan provides a strong counterpoint, making for a gripping and suspenseful experience.
- Variety: “Martin Campbell directs with a steady hand, balancing the action with political intrigue. The film’s strength lies in its ability to maintain tension throughout, though some may find the political aspects a bit dense.
- Empire Magazine: “Jackie Chan gives a career-best performance in this lean, mean thriller. The action is brutal and grounded, and the political elements add a layer of complexity rarely seen in revenge flicks. Brosnan is excellent as the conflicted government official.
Audience Reactions
Jackie Chan’s performance was surprisingly emotional and powerful.: Audiences praised Jackie Chan’s acting and the movie’s gripping story.
Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal of a conflicted government official added depth to the film.: Many viewers appreciated the complex political elements and Pierce Brosnan’s acting.
Overall Consensus: The Foreigner is a thrilling action movie with surprising depth, featuring strong performances from Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan. The story mixes political intrigue with satisfying revenge.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the 1992 novel ‘The Chinaman’ by Stephen Leather.”
- “To prepare for his role, Jackie Chan deliberately lost weight to appear gaunt and grief-stricken.”
- “The production filmed several scenes in real-life locations around London, including Lambeth Bridge, where a controlled explosion caused some public concern.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Foreigner?
The Foreigner is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase it. Check your local cable provider’s on-demand service for rental options as well. For physical copies, look to retailers like Amazon or your local movie store for Blu-ray and DVD releases. You can also find it on streaming platforms with subscription options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Foreigner, you might like these similar films:
- Taken (2008): Both films feature a father with a particular set of skills seeking revenge for a crime against their daughter.
- Death Wish (1974): Explores themes of vigilante justice and a man pushed to the edge after losing his family to violence.
- Man on Fire (2004): A bodyguard seeks vengeance against those who kidnapped the girl he was protecting, with a similar theme of protective rage.
- V for Vendetta (2005): Explores themes of revenge against political corruption and those using terrorism, a similar theme of revenge with terrorism involvement.
🛒 The Foreigner Related Products
- The Foreigner [Blu-ray]: Own the action-packed thriller on Blu-ray and experience the intense story and fight sequences in high definition. This edition includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
- The Chinaman: A Novel: Read the gripping novel by Stephen Leather that inspired ‘The Foreigner’. Dive deeper into the complex characters and thrilling plot with this digital download. (Available on Kindle)
- Jackie Chan: My Story: This book offers a look into the story of Jackie Chan. Fans will relive his story.
- Martial Arts Training Equipment Set: Improve your agility, strength, and coordination. This set includes punching bags, focus pads, and resistance bands. Great for aspiring martial artists.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Foreigner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Retrato em Branco e Preto” – performed by Stan Getz
- “The Foreigner Theme” – performed by Cliff Martinez
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, The Foreigner is based on the 1992 novel ‘The Chinaman’ by Stephen Leather. While the story incorporates elements of political conflict, it is a fictional narrative.
The Foreigner was filmed in various locations including London, England, and Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. These locations provided the authentic backdrop for the story’s setting.
No, The Foreigner is a departure from Jackie Chan’s usual comedic action roles. It’s a serious, gritty thriller with a strong focus on drama and revenge, showcasing a different side of Chan’s acting abilities.
🔥 Bonus Content
JACKIE CHAN Talks About One of His Most Insane Stunts
Ever wondered how Jackie Chan pulled off that crazy jump in Police Story? He reveals the story behind it in this interview.
His Daughter Is KILLED In An Act Of Terrorism, He Seeks For Revenge
Get a quick summary of the movie’s plot and action-packed revenge storyline in this helpful recap.
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