Patriot Games (1992)

HomeFilmPatriot Games
Don't miss another programme!
Get reminders on your favourite actors or programmes right where you need them.
digiguide.com
Looking for a great TV guide?
Look no further. 30 days free trial will convince you.
Click here for 30 day trial

Written by Tom Clancy, W. Peter Iliff

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Also known as "Jeux de guerre", "Jogos Patrióticos", "Juegos de Patriotas"

Running Time: 120 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1992

Rating: 15 Certificate

Production Country: USA

Filmed in Colour

This 1992 thriller sees retired CIA operative Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford, pictured) on holiday in London with his wife Cathy (Anne Archer) and daughter Sally (Thora Birch). In the right place at the right time, Ryan prevents the assassination of government minister Lord Holmes (James Fox) by a renegade IRA unit, killing one of their number into the bargain.

Hailed a hero, Ryan returns to the family's seaside summer home in America but he's being followed by a team of terrorists led by Sean Miller (Sean Bean) and Kevin O'Donnell (Patrick Bergin), intent on revenge for the killing of their comrade...

Ford (who went on to play the same role in Clancy's Clear and Present Danger) is suitably tough yet intelligent, while Archer turns from frightened wife to vengeful harpy when Sally is injured in one of the early attacks. Bean produces one of his better performances as the controlled yet psychotic terrorist and there are strong supporting performances from Fox, James Earl Jones, Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Harris.

Director Phillip Noyce keeps the tension reasonably high throughout the film, using human intelligence and high-tech spy techniques to move the plot along, but some observers have been less than impressed by his efforts, concluding that the movie is muddled and fails to fire on all cylinders. There's also some laughable stereotypes - cue the bungling buffoon Brits and diddly-diddly Irish terrorists. So a mixed bag then, although it certainly has its moments.

When is Patriot Games next on TV?

In the UK... it's next showing on Sky Screen 2 HD November 28th, 8:35am and on Sky Screen 2 November 28th, 8:35am. See more...

Cast

Image for Harrison FordHarrison FordJack Ryan
Image for Anne ArcherAnne ArcherDr. Catherine "Cathy" Ryan
Image for Patrick BerginPatrick BerginKevin O'Donnell
Image for Sean BeanSean BeanSean Miller
Image for Thora BirchThora BirchSally Ryan
Image for James FoxJames FoxLord Holmes
Image for Samuel L. JacksonSamuel L. JacksonLt. Cmdr. Robby Jackson
Polly WalkerAnnette
J.E. FreemanMarty Cantor
Image for James Earl JonesJames Earl JonesAdm. James Greer
Image for Richard HarrisRichard HarrisPaddy O'Neil
Image for Alex NortonAlex NortonDennis Cooley
Hugh FraserGeoffrey Watkins
Image for David ThrelfallDavid ThrelfallInsp. Highland
Image for Alun ArmstrongAlun ArmstrongOwens

Still looking for more?

 Click here to search the web for Patriot Games

Add a comment

(required)
(required but not displayed)
Your e-mail is also used for adding an Avatar image to your comment using the free and very cool Gravatar.com
 
(your personal web site)

Please note we can not guarantee that programme makers will read your comment as we have no direct relationship with them, so requests for application forms will almost certainly be ignored (try searching Google instead). This is merely an opportunity to register opinions, questions or comments about a programme's content.