🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Barbet Schroeder
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Neo-noir
- Release year: 1995
- Runtime (length): 1h 41min
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10 (40K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A guy really regrets driving that truck, then he really, REALLY regrets snitching.
🍿 Kiss of Death: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Jimmy’s Downfall
Jimmy Kilmartin, an ex-con seeking a legitimate life, is lured back into crime by his cousin Ronnie. He participates in a car theft ring led by the volatile Little Junior Brown. The heist goes wrong, resulting in Jimmy’s arrest and imprisonment. This sets off a chain of tragic events for Jimmy and his family.

Life After Prison
After serving his time, Jimmy is approached by Detective Calvin Hart. Hart pressures Jimmy to become an informant and infiltrate Little Junior’s criminal operation. Driven by a desire for revenge and a promise of a clean slate, Jimmy reluctantly agrees to go undercover. This decision forces him to navigate a treacherous landscape of violence and betrayal.

Undercover Operation
Jimmy navigates the dangerous world of Little Junior’s criminal enterprise, trying to gather enough evidence for Detective Hart while protecting his new family. He has to make difficult choices and risk his safety to bring down Little Junior Brown. The situation becomes increasingly complicated and dangerous.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jimmy Kilmartin (David Caruso): An ex-con trying to go straight who is forced back into a life of crime and must go undercover.
- Little Junior Brown (Nicolas Cage): A psychotic and eccentric mobster who becomes the target of an undercover operation.
- Calvin Hart (Samuel L. Jackson): The determined detective who enlists Jimmy to take down Little Junior.
- Bev Kilmartin (Helen Hunt): Jimmy’s wife whose life is tragically affected by his past actions.
- Frank Zioli (Stanley Tucci): The slippery DA with political aims who leverages Jimmy’s situation.
- Ronnie Gannon (Michael Rapaport): Jimmy’s cousin whose actions inadvertently set off Jimmy’s troubles.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Little Junior Brown: “I have an acronym for myself. Know what it is? B.A.D. B.A.D… Balls, Attitude, Direction. You should give yourself an acronym… ’cause it helps you visualize your goals.” – Little Junior shares his personal philosophy, suggesting a way for Jimmy to define himself, highlighting his eccentric and violent nature.
- Jimmy Kilmartin: “How about F.A.B.? Fucked At Birth.” – Jimmy sarcastically responds to Little Junior’s acronym suggestion, reflecting his cynical and hopeless outlook.
- Jimmy Kilmartin: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” – Jimmy reflects on his experiences and growing resolve.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $14,942,422
- Worldwide Gross: $14,942,422
💥 Kiss of Death Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched ‘Kiss of Death’ mainly for Nic Cage, and he didn’t disappoint! His character, Little Junior, is insane and hilarious. The movie is a bit slow, but the performances kept me hooked. That scene where Little Junior talks about his ‘acronym’ is pure gold. I felt a bit bad for Caruso’s character, always getting screwed over. Overall, it’s a decent crime flick with some memorable moments.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in neo-noir films”
- “Those who enjoy movies with strong ensemble casts”
- “Fans of Nicolas Cage’s intense performances”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Gritty crime drama with an excellent cast but falls short on originality. Caruso delivers a solid performance, but Nicolas Cage steals the show with his over-the-top portrayal of Little Junior. Overall, an entertaining but forgettable neo-noir.
- IMDB: “A decent remake elevated by strong performances, especially from Cage and Tucci. Caruso’s stoic demeanor fits the noir tone. The plot is predictable, yet the film delivers suspense and action. Worth watching for the cast alone.
Audience Reactions
Nicholas Cage’s performance as Little Junior Brown is unforgettable.: Viewers praise the strong performances, especially Nicolas Cage and Stanley Tucci, and the film’s gritty atmosphere.
The film maintains a tense and engaging atmosphere throughout.: Audiences agree that the suspenseful storyline and solid acting make it a worthwhile crime thriller.
Overall Consensus: A decent crime thriller with stellar performances, especially Nicolas Cage, but the predictable plot prevents it from being a classic.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The club featured in the film was a converted small business office building in Queens, New York, transformed by production designer Mel Bourne.”
- “Nicolas Cage underwent a physical transformation for his role as Little Junior Brown, gaining muscle mass to portray the character’s intimidating presence.”
🖥️ How to Watch Kiss of Death?
Currently, “Kiss of Death” (1995) is available for rental or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Kiss of Death, you might like these similar films:
- The Departed (2006): Features undercover work, betrayal, and intense crime drama in a similar vein.
- Heat (1995): Explores the moral ambiguities of both sides of the law, intense action, and strong performances.
- King of New York (1990): A stylish neo-noir crime film set in New York with an ex-con protagonist.
- Reservoir Dogs (1992): Known for violence and unique dialogue.
🛒 Kiss of Death Related Products
- Kiss of Death (1995) – Original Movie Poster: A vintage, high-quality reprint of the original theatrical release poster, capturing the essence of this neo-noir thriller. Great condition and displayable.
- Nicolas Cage Movie Collection (DVD): A collection of Nicholas Cage’s most iconic films, including high-octane action and dramatic performances. A perfect item to add to your movie night and explore different roles.
- NYPD Blue: The Complete Series (DVD): The complete series of the groundbreaking police procedural drama that launched David Caruso’s career. Follow the gritty cases and complex characters that made NYPD Blue a television phenomenon.
- Crime Thriller Film Score Soundtracks Collection: A compilation of soundtracks from classic and modern crime thrillers, featuring atmospheric scores that enhance the viewing experience.
🎧 Soundtrack
Kiss of Death features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While not directly based on a specific true story, “Kiss of Death” (1995) is a remake of a 1947 film noir of the same name, inspired by real-life crime stories and the gritty atmosphere of New York City.
David Caruso’s departure from the hit TV show “NYPD Blue” to pursue a film career created controversy, and “Kiss of Death” did not achieve the expected box office success, impacting his subsequent film opportunities.
In the film, Little Junior Brown explains that his acronym, B.A.D., stands for “Balls, Attitude, Direction.” He uses it as a personal mantra to visualize and achieve his goals.
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