The Package Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Gene Hackman escorts Tommy Lee Jones to the U.S., Jones escapes, and then they both realize that the real enemy is… bureaucracy!

🍿 The Package: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Escorting the Package

Sergeant Johnny Gallagher (Gene Hackman), a seasoned Green Beret, is assigned to escort a prisoner, supposedly Airborne Ranger Walter Henke, from Germany back to the United States. Gallagher sees this as a routine, if somewhat tedious, assignment. However, the situation quickly escalates upon their arrival in the US.

Escape and Pursuit

During a stop at National Airport, the prisoner escapes with surprising ease. Gallagher, now responsible for the escaped prisoner, begins his pursuit. He soon discovers that the man he was escorting wasn’t Walter Henke at all, sparking a deeper mystery and conspiracy.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

With the help of his ex-wife, Colonel Eileen Gallagher (Joanna Cassidy), and an old friend, Chicago Police Lieutenant Milan Delich (Dennis Franz), Gallagher uncovers a plot involving high-ranking military officials on both sides of the Cold War. Their aim is to assassinate a high-ranking world figure to sabotage arms control talks.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Msg. Johnny Gallagher (Gene Hackman): A seasoned Green Beret sergeant who uncovers a conspiracy while escorting a prisoner.
• Thomas Boyette (Tommy Lee Jones): An Airborne Ranger and skilled assassin whose escape sets off a chain of events.
• Col. Eileen Gallagher (Joanna Cassidy): Johnny’s ex-wife and an Army Colonel who aids him in uncovering the truth.
• Col. Glen Whitacre (John Heard): A high-ranking military officer involved in the conspiracy to sabotage arms control talks.
• Det. Milan Delich (Dennis Franz): A Chicago police detective and old friend of Johnny who helps him in Chicago.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Msg. Johnny Gallagher: “Generals do a lot of thinking. Whenever I’m asked to be one, I always say no.” – Gallagher says this to his team, explaining why a general is pacing alone in the cold; it highlights his perspective on military hierarchy.
• Lt. Milan Delich: “I’ve gotta stop feeding that kid.” – Delich says this while putting his sleeping child on a couch, revealing his exhaustion as a parent.
• Col. Glen Whitacre: “You’re a dead man.” – Whitacre coldly tells Gallagher this, after Gallagher starts uncovering the conspiracy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,647,219
• Worldwide Gross: $10,647,219

💥 The Package Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and being completely drawn in by the suspense. Gene Hackman is just so believable as the no-nonsense sergeant, and Tommy Lee Jones is perfectly cast as the mysterious prisoner. The scene where Jones escapes in the airport bathroom was iconic, and the whole conspiracy kept me guessing until the very end. It’s a classic 80s thriller that still holds up today!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political thrillers”
  • “Those interested in Cold War era stories”
  • “Admirers of Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones”
  • “Viewers who appreciate intricate plots and suspenseful narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gunfights”
  • “Political Intrigue”
  • “Mature Themes”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “An often-overlooked political action thriller, The Package delivers solid performances from Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones. While the plot is a tad convoluted, the film’s tense atmosphere and engaging action sequences make for a compelling viewing experience. A must-see for fans of 80s action cinema.
• AllMovie: “While not Andrew Davis’s best work, The Package still offers a competent thriller with a strong cast. Gene Hackman is reliably excellent, and the film’s exploration of Cold War paranoia is surprisingly relevant even today. However, the plot meanders at times, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

Audience Reactions

Hackman’s performance is a masterclass in portraying a determined and resourceful soldier.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s suspenseful plot and the strong performances of the lead actors.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted but slightly convoluted political thriller that benefits from strong performances by Hackman and Jones, although the plot can be difficult to follow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Although set in various international locations, most of the film was shot in Chicago, director Andrew Davis’s hometown.”
• “The film was released around the same time the Berlin Wall was coming down, which made the Cold War plot feel somewhat outdated to some contemporary viewers.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Package?

The Package is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Package, you might like these similar films:

• The Fugitive (1993): Directed by Andrew Davis and starring Tommy Lee Jones, this action thriller features a man on the run trying to prove his innocence in a vast conspiracy.
• In the Line of Fire (1993): Another political thriller from the same era, this film deals with an assassination attempt on the President of the United States and a Secret Service agent’s efforts to stop it.
• Three Days of the Condor (1975): A CIA researcher finds all his co-workers dead and must outwit the agency to survive, uncovering a deep conspiracy.
• Argo (2012): A thrilling, fact-based account of a daring CIA operation to rescue American hostages from Iran, showcasing political intrigue and suspense.

🛒 The Package Related Products

• Gene Hackman: A Life in Movies: Explore the incredible career of Gene Hackman, from his early stage work to his iconic roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven. This biography delves into his acting process and offers insights into his most memorable performances.
• Tommy Lee Jones: The Hunter: This biography explores the life and career of Tommy Lee Jones, diving into his background, early work, and rise to becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. With roles from Lonesome Dove to The Fugitive, and here in The Package
• The Fugitive [Blu-ray]: Directed by Andrew Davis, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford, the blockbuster The Fugitive is a great thriller to add to your home collection. See the genius of Andrew Davis in action.
• Cold War Espionage Board Game: Immerse yourself in the world of Cold War espionage with this strategy board game. Players compete to gather intelligence, recruit agents, and undermine their opponents in a tense battle for global supremacy. Perfect for fans of political thrillers and historical strategy games.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Soul of the Land” – performed by William Olvis
• “Main Title” – performed by James Newton Howard

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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