Clear and Present Danger Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Harrison Ford frowns a lot while uncovering a conspiracy that makes him wish he’d stayed an analyst.

🍿 Clear and Present Danger: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A President’s Fury and a Secret War

When a close friend of the U.S. President is murdered, along with his family, suspicion falls on Colombian drug cartels. President Bennett, enraged by the killings, secretly authorizes covert operations against the cartels, deeming them a “clear and present danger.” This sets the stage for a clandestine war hidden from the public and even parts of the government.

Jack Ryan’s Unwitting Involvement

CIA Analyst Jack Ryan, recently appointed acting Deputy Director of Intelligence due to Admiral Greer’s illness, is tasked with investigating the cartel’s involvement. Unaware of the secret paramilitary operations, Ryan seeks congressional funding for what he believes are advisory roles in Colombia. As Ryan delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of money laundering and political intrigue.

Betrayal and Conspiracy Unveiled

Ryan’s investigation reveals that the President’s advisors are manipulating the situation for their own gain. A covert team, led by John Clark, is dispatched to Colombia, but their operations are compromised. Ryan discovers a secret deal between a cartel leader and a high-ranking U.S. official, endangering the lives of American soldiers and threatening to expose the illegal war.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford): The principled CIA analyst who uncovers a secret war against a Colombian drug cartel orchestrated by corrupt members of the US government.
• Clark (Willem Dafoe): A skilled and pragmatic field operative leading a covert paramilitary team in Colombia, forced to confront betrayal and moral compromises.
• Felix Cortez (Joaquim de Almeida): A shrewd and ruthless intelligence officer for the Colombian drug cartel, adept at playing multiple sides to consolidate power.
• Robert Ritter (Henry Czerny): The duplicitous CIA Deputy Director of Operations who facilitates the illegal covert war and attempts to cover it up.
• James Cutter (Harris Yulin): The President’s National Security Advisor who authorizes the secret operation and makes deals with the cartel.
• James Earl Jones (Admiral James Greer): Jack Ryan’s mentor, and friend who is suffering with cancer, making Ryan Deputy Director of Intelligence.
• President Bennett (Donald Moffat): The President who is involved in a dangerous plan to take out the Cali Cartel.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Ryan: “I’m a history teacher. I teach people to remember. I can’t help it.” – Ryan explains his dedication to uncovering the truth, highlighting his core values and integrity.
• Jack Ryan: “How dare you, sir?” – Ryan confronts the President for conducting an illegal operation, showcasing his moral outrage.
• Felix Cortez: “As long as there is product, and people want it, there will always be someone to provide it.” – Cortez explains the futility of the war on drugs, capturing the cynical and pragmatic perspective of the cartels.
• Robert Ritter: “We are not explorers here, Mr. Ryan. We do not break new ground. We only dig up the old ground.” – Ritter’s cynical line about intelligence work, highlighting the dark and morally ambiguous world of espionage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $62,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $122,187,717
• Worldwide Gross: $215,887,717

💥 Clear and Present Danger Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and being blown away by the action. Harrison Ford is great as Jack Ryan, but it was Willem Dafoe’s character, Clark, that really stood out. His quiet intensity and professionalism just resonated with me. The ambush scene in the streets is unforgettable. The movie made me think about the complexities of politics and the tough choices people have to make.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in espionage and covert operations”
  • “Admirers of Harrison Ford and Tom Clancy adaptations”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful action movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Themes of political corruption and betrayal”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Noyce delivers a taut thriller that balances political intrigue with exhilarating action sequences. Ford embodies Ryan’s moral compass perfectly, navigating the murky waters of Washington’s power plays.
• The New York Times: “While the plot becomes convoluted at times, the film shines in its portrayal of moral compromises within the government. Dafoe’s stoic presence adds a layer of grit to the already intense narrative.
• Los Angeles Times: “Though it lacks the sharp wit of ‘Hunt for Red October,’ ‘Clear and Present Danger’ is a solid entry in the Jack Ryan series. Ford’s performance is reliable, grounding the film’s complex web of deceit.

Audience Reactions

The ambush scene was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to blend suspenseful action with intelligent political commentary.

Harrison Ford delivers a fantastic performance as Jack Ryan, really embodying the character’s moral strength.: Ford’s portrayal of Jack Ryan was a highlight, bringing a sense of integrity and determination to the role.

Overall Consensus: ‘Clear and Present Danger’ is a compelling political thriller with strong performances and suspenseful action, though the plot can be complex.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The drug lord’s mansion that was destroyed by a missile was a real residence in Mexico, bought by the filmmakers from a divorcée with unpleasant memories of the place.”
• “John Milius, one of the screenwriters, brought his experience from writing ‘Apocalypse Now’ to craft the film’s intense action sequences and moral complexities.”
• “To realistically portray Colombia, the filmmakers chose Cuernavaca, Mexico, for the film’s street scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Clear and Present Danger?

Clear and Present Danger is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast options and availability on other streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Clear and Present Danger, you might like these similar films:

• Patriot Games (1992): Another Jack Ryan film starring Harrison Ford, focusing on political intrigue and action.
• Sicario (2015): Explores the morally ambiguous world of the war on drugs, with a focus on covert operations and government overreach.
• Traffic (2000): A multi-stranded narrative exploring the complexities of the drug trade from various perspectives.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): A modern political thriller centered on intelligence operations and the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
• All the President’s Men (1976): A classic political thriller focused on investigative journalism and government corruption.

🛒 Clear and Present Danger Related Products

• Clear and Present Danger (4K UHD): Experience the thrilling action in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution. Perfect for home theaters, offering enhanced visual and sound quality.
• Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: Own the complete Jack Ryan film series on Blu-ray. A must-have for collectors, featuring ‘Clear and Present Danger’ and other classic films.
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege: Inspired by Tom Clancy’s universe, this tactical shooter delivers intense close-quarters combat and strategic team-based gameplay.
• Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality poster featuring the iconic Jack Ryan character. Perfect for movie rooms and home offices.

🎧 Soundtrack

Clear and Present Danger features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by James Horner
• “The Ambush” – performed by James Horner
• “Clear and Present Danger (End Title)” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Clear and Present Danger

Attention all espionage enthusiasts! Catch a riveting summary of Clear and Present Danger. This video dives into Harrison Ford’s thrilling role as Jack Ryan, uncovering treacherous government cover-ups and a dangerous drug cartel. Get ready for a captivating journey into the world of covert operations and high-stakes intrigue.

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