Cliffhanger Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Stallone yells and climbs a mountain to retrieve money stolen by British terrorists after a series of unfortunate accidents involving poorly designed carabiners and physics-defying leaps.

🍿 Cliffhanger: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Opening Tragedy and Gabe’s Guilt

The film opens with Gabe Walker, a skilled mountain rescuer, and his friend Hal attempting to rescue Hal’s girlfriend, Sarah, from a precarious situation on a mountain ledge. Despite Gabe’s efforts, Sarah’s equipment fails, and she falls to her death, leaving Gabe burdened with immense guilt and Hal filled with resentment.

Return to the Mountains and a False Distress Call

Eight months later, Gabe returns to the mountains to gather his belongings and reconnect with his girlfriend, Jessie. A distress call lures Gabe and Hal into a rescue mission, but they soon discover the call is a ruse orchestrated by a group of ruthless thieves.

Heist Gone Wrong and Pursuit

Led by the cunning Qualen, the thieves are after suitcases filled with stolen money that were lost in a plane crash within the mountain range. Gabe and Hal are forced to guide them, but Gabe quickly turns the tables, setting off a deadly game of cat and mouse across the treacherous terrain.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone): A guilt-ridden mountain rescuer who must confront his past to stop a group of ruthless thieves and save his friends.
• Eric Qualen (John Lithgow): The ruthless and intelligent leader of a group of thieves who will stop at nothing to retrieve stolen money.
• Jessie Deighan (Janine Turner): A skilled climber and Gabe’s girlfriend who supports him and aids in the fight against Qualen’s gang.
• Hal Tucker (Michael Rooker): Gabe’s friend and fellow rescuer who initially blames Gabe for a past tragedy but ultimately fights alongside him.
• Richard Travers (Rex Linn): A corrupt U.S. Treasury agent who collaborates with Qualen in the heist and attempts to double-cross him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eric Qualen: “Get off my back!” – Qualen responds sarcastically to one of his henchmen who is getting too close for comfort.
• Eric Qualen: “You want to kill me? Get in line.” – Qualen taunts Gabe and Hal when they are held hostage, showcasing his arrogance.
• Hal Tucker: “Delmar, from me to you, you’re an asshole.” – Hal’s defiant last words to Delmar before facing certain death, displaying his courage.
• Eric Qualen: “We had a deal, Walker. But now, we only have each other!” – Qualen says as the tables turn and both their lives are on the line.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $70,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $84,049,211
• Worldwide Gross: $255,000,211

💥 Cliffhanger Reviews

Personal Review

I saw Cliffhanger when I was a kid, and it blew my mind. The opening scene where the girl falls still makes my palms sweat! Stallone is awesome as the guilt-ridden hero. The action is non-stop, and John Lithgow is such a great villain – you just love to hate him. The mountain scenery is spectacular, too. I found myself rooting for Sly the whole time, such a great watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sylvester Stallone”
  • “Action movie enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stunning mountain scenery”
  • “Those who enjoy ‘Die Hard’ style action in a unique setting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense action violence”
  • “Perilous situations”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Cliffhanger delivers a solid action experience, particularly in its stunning mountain scenery. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the breathtaking stunts and dynamic pacing make it a worthwhile watch for action enthusiasts. John Lithgow’s villain is entertaining, adding a layer of sophistication to the otherwise straightforward narrative.
• Roger Ebert: “Cliffhanger is a thrilling action movie set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The film successfully balances high-stakes action with impressive stunt work. Though the storyline is simple, the movie is elevated by strong performances, especially from John Lithgow. The opening scene is particularly gripping and sets the stage for non-stop action.
• Empire Magazine: “Cliffhanger is a classic 90s action movie that revels in its over-the-top stunts and simplistic plot. Sylvester Stallone delivers a typical performance as the strong, silent hero. The movie’s strength lies in its visuals and adrenaline-pumping sequences. If you’re looking for a straightforward action film with impressive mountain scenery, Cliffhanger delivers.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the intense and suspenseful opening sequence, citing it as one of the most memorable parts of the movie.: Spectacular mountain scenery and thrilling stunts kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Many praised John Lithgow’s performance as the villain, noting his effectiveness and the entertainment value he brought to the role.: Lithgow’s villainous character was a standout, making the movie more exciting.

Overall Consensus: Cliffhanger is a thrilling action movie with memorable scenes. While the plot may be simple, the stunning stunts, scenery, and solid performances make it an exciting and enjoyable watch.

Awards

1. MTV Movie Award (Best Action Sequence)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the costliest aerial stunt ever performed. Stuntman Simon Crane was paid $1 million to cross once between two planes at fifteen thousand feet.”
• “Sylvester Stallone offered to reduce his own fee for the movie by the amount that the stunt cost to produce, in order that the film could be made.”
• “The film was shot in the Dolomites in Italy because the production couldn’t find mountains in Colorado, USA with the unique rock structures that they needed.”
• “The Black Diamond harness used in the opening scene was specially modified so that it would fail.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cliffhanger?

Cliffhanger is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary by region. Physical copies of the movie on Blu-ray and DVD can also be purchased through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cliffhanger, you might like these similar films:

• Vertical Limit (2000): Features a rescue attempt on K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, filled with perilous climbing sequences.
• Die Hard (1988): A lone hero trapped in a confined space takes on a group of terrorists, similar to Gabe fighting the criminals in the mountains.
• Alive (1993): Survival against the odds in a frozen environment.
• The Mountain Between Us (2017): Two strangers must rely on each other for survival after being stranded in a remote, snow-covered mountain range after a plane crash.
• K2 (1991): Two climbers attempt to summit the world’s second-highest mountain, facing extreme dangers.

🛒 Cliffhanger Related Products

• Cliffhanger [Blu-ray]: Experience the stunning action and breathtaking scenery of Cliffhanger in high-definition. This Blu-ray edition brings the thrilling stunts and intense drama to life with crystal-clear visuals and immersive sound. A must-have for action movie enthusiasts.
• Cliffhanger Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original Cliffhanger movie poster. Perfect for adding a touch of 90s action nostalgia to any room. Makes a great gift for Stallone fans and movie buffs alike.
• Mountain Climbing Gear Set: Inspired by the equipment used in Cliffhanger, this set includes a climbing harness, ropes, carabiners, and other essential gear. Perfect for beginners looking to explore the world of rock climbing. Safety certified and built for durability.
• Die Hard: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]: Since Cliffhanger is considered by some reviewers as ‘Die Hard on a Mountain’, fans may enjoy Die Hard series box set. This collection includes all five Die Hard films in stunning high definition, with hours of bonus content. Relive the action, suspense, and iconic one-liners that made Bruce Willis a cinematic legend.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by Trevor Jones
• “Sarah’s Death” – performed by Trevor Jones
• “Do You Need Some?” – performed by Mind Bomb

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Lithgow Funny Cliffhanger story #shorts @GQVideos

Want to know how John Lithgow became the lead villain in ‘Cliffhanger’? Check out this hilarious story of how he was cast the night before they started shooting!

CLIFFHANGER (1993) | Behind the scenes of Sylvester Stallone 90s Cult Movie #1

Take a peek behind the scenes of the classic action film ‘Cliffhanger’ and witness the incredible stunts and intense action sequences.

Stallone’s Cliffhanger Is So Good It Almost Makes Mountain Climbers Bearable – Best Movie Ever

Prepare for a laugh-out-loud experience as this unique review hilariously criticizes ‘Cliffhanger’ while making you appreciate the absurdity of mountain climbing.

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