🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Roger Spottiswoode
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 1988
- Runtime (length): 1h 50min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (15K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
An FBI agent and a mountain man play tag with a jewel thief through the wilderness, occasionally stopping to admire the scenery and argue about whose fashion sense is worse.
🍿 Shoot to Kill: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Jewel Heist Gone Wrong
The film opens in San Francisco with a jewelry store owner seemingly breaking into his own store. It’s quickly revealed that his wife is being held hostage and he’s been forced to steal the diamonds as ransom. An intense standoff ensues, led by FBI Agent Warren Stantin. Despite Stantin’s efforts, the situation escalates tragically. The kidnapper, a ruthless killer, escapes with the diamonds after killing the store owner’s wife. Stantin, feeling responsible, becomes determined to bring him to justice.

Into the Wilderness
Stantin receives a lead that the killer may be heading towards the Canadian border through the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. He learns that the killer has joined a guided hiking tour led by Sarah, a skilled wilderness guide. Recognizing his lack of wilderness experience, Stantin reluctantly enlists the help of Jonathan Knox, Sarah’s boyfriend and an expert tracker. The unlikely pair sets off into the rugged terrain to track down the killer and save Sarah.

The Hunt Intensifies
As Stantin and Knox navigate the treacherous wilderness, they face numerous challenges, including dangerous river crossings and harsh weather conditions. Their differing personalities and approaches create tension, but a grudging respect begins to develop. Meanwhile, the killer begins eliminating members of the hiking group, one by one, to ensure his escape. Sarah, unaware of the killer’s true identity initially, becomes increasingly suspicious as accidents and disappearances plague the group.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Warren Stantin (Sidney Poitier): A determined FBI agent who pursues a ruthless killer into the wilderness after a failed hostage situation.
- Jonathan Knox (Tom Berenger): A skilled and rugged mountain tracker who reluctantly helps Stantin to find his girlfriend and stop the killer.
- Sarah Rennell (Kirstie Alley): A knowledgeable wilderness guide and Knox’s girlfriend, who unknowingly leads a killer and becomes his hostage.
- Steve (Clancy Brown): The cunning and ruthless killer who infiltrates a hiking group to escape across the Canadian border.
- Harvey (Andrew Robinson): A member of the hiking group that unknowingly is with a killer who is trying to escape to Canada.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Warren Stantin: “Everybody else up here acts like they’ve never seen a black man before. Why should the bear be different?” – Stantin says this after scaring off a bear, highlighting his outsider status and wry humor.
- Jonathan Knox: “What’s the matter? Haven’t you ever heard about us mountain boys?” – Knox jokingly responds to Stantin’s discomfort when they are forced to share body heat in an ice cave.
- Warren Stantin: “Oooh, shit!” – Stantin exclaims this when Knox prepares to cross a dangerous gorge on a rope.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $29,300,090
- Worldwide Gross: $29,300,090
💥 Shoot to Kill Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching ‘Deadly Pursuit’ as a kid and being completely on the edge of my seat! The suspense of not knowing who the killer was among the hikers really got to me. The mountain scenery was breathtaking, and seeing Sidney Poitier in action after so many years was awesome. That scene where they had to cross the gorge on that rickety cable basket? My heart was pounding! It’s a classic action-thriller that I still enjoy watching today.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action thrillers”
- “Viewers who enjoy buddy cop dynamics”
- “People who appreciate movies set in wilderness environments”
- “Sidney Poitier and Tom Berenger fans”
- “Those who like suspenseful plots with a mystery element”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence, including gun violence and some graphic scenes”
- “Mild language”
- “Perilous situations in the wilderness”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A thrilling action film with a solid plot, ‘Deadly Pursuit’ captivates with its suspenseful storyline. The film features excellent performances from Sidney Poitier and Tom Berenger as they navigate the dangerous wilderness. The film balances action and suspense. A must-see for thriller fans.
- JoBlo.com: “This thriller provides intense moments and great performances from the cast. ‘Deadly Pursuit’ creates an engaging narrative through the Pacific Northwest. Poitier and Berenger deliver captivating and authentic performances. Overall a solid watch.
Audience Reactions
The suspense of not knowing who the killer is keeps you guessing until the big reveal.: Viewers praise the suspenseful plot and the chemistry between Sidney Poitier and Tom Berenger.
The beautiful mountain scenery adds a stunning visual element to the thrilling storyline.: Many enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscapes shown throughout the movie.
Overall Consensus: A suspenseful and well-acted thriller, ‘Deadly Pursuit’ offers a captivating storyline and beautiful scenery, making it a favorite among fans of the genre. The great character chemistry creates a compelling and memorable viewing experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was Sidney Poitier’s first acting role in eleven years, marking his return to the big screen.”
- “The film’s title was changed to ‘Deadly Pursuit’ in some international markets.”
- “Filming took place in the rugged mountains of British Columbia, Canada, adding to the film’s authentic wilderness feel.”
🖥️ How to Watch Shoot to Kill?
Currently, ‘Deadly Pursuit,’ also known as ‘Shoot to Kill,’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current pricing and availability in your region. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) may also be available through retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Shoot to Kill, you might like these similar films:
- The Edge (1997): Survival thriller set in the wilderness with two men forced to work together against a killer and the elements.
- First Blood (1982): Features a city man matching wits against a wilderness expert in the rugged Pacific Northwest.
- U.S. Marshals (1998): Action-thriller involving a relentless pursuit of a fugitive, with a similar cat-and-mouse dynamic.
- The Fugitive (1993): Centers on an innocent man pursued by law enforcement with gripping tension and action sequences.
🛒 Shoot to Kill Related Products
- The Films of Sidney Poitier: A collection of Sidney Poitier’s greatest films, offering a deep dive into his remarkable career.
- Tom Berenger Signed Platoon Script: A rare collectible featuring Tom Berenger’s autograph, commemorating his role in ‘Platoon’.
- Kirstie Alley Signed Photo: Autographed photo of Kirstie Alley, in recognition of her role as Sarah Rennell.
- Wilderness Survival Guide: A comprehensive guide to surviving in the wilderness, inspired by the survival skills in the movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
Shoot to Kill 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
Deadly Pursuit was primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, showcasing the beautiful Pacific Northwest wilderness. Some initial scenes were shot in San Francisco, California.
Deadly Pursuit is also known as Shoot to Kill. This is the alternative title used in some international markets, including the United Kingdom.
While not a traditional buddy cop film, Deadly Pursuit features a compelling partnership between FBI agent Warren Stantin (Sidney Poitier) and wilderness guide Jonathan Knox (Tom Berenger). Their contrasting personalities and skill sets create a dynamic that drives the plot.
🔥 Bonus Content
Shoot to Kill (1988) Grizzly encounter
Whoa, check out this intense scene from ‘Shoot to Kill’! Can you imagine coming face-to-face with a grizzly like that? Definitely makes you appreciate the wilderness skills in the movie!
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