Takedown (2000)
The true story of legendary hacker Kevin Mitnick and the cyber manhunt that brought him down.
Takedown - Movie Information
- Original Title: Takedown
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Joe Chappelle
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 15, 2000 (France), September 28, 2004 (United States - R), May 15, 2003 (Germany - 12), September 28, 2004 (Brazil - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Cybertraque (FR), (Operacion Takedown) (ES), Hackers 2 - Operation Takedown (CA), Operation Takedown - Hackers 2 (SE), Hackers 2 - Takedown (DE), Hackers 2: Takedown (US), Hackers 2 - Takedown (IT)
- Production Companies: Dimension Films, Millennium Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Takedown - Plot
Kevin Mitnick is quite possibly the best hacker in the world. Hunting for more and more information, seeking more and more cyber-trophies every day, he constantly looks for bigger challenges. When he breaks into the computer of a security expert and an ex-hacker, he finds one - and much more than that...
Takedown - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the cyber-chase unfold:
The world has a right to know.
Where to Watch Takedown
Looking for where to watch Takedown?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Takedown - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joe Chappelle
Main Cast
- Skeet Ulrich
- Angela Featherstone
- Donal Logue
- Russell Wong
- Christopher McDonald
- Tom Berenger
- Jeremy Sisto
- Amanda Peet
- Cara Buono
- Ethan Suplee
Writers
- Leslie Newman
- David Newman
- John Danza
- Howard A. Rodman
Producers
- John Thompson
- Brad Weston
Takedown - FAQs
Is Takedown based on a true story?
Yes, Takedown is based on real events. It dramatizes the pursuit and capture of Kevin Mitnick, once considered the world's most wanted computer hacker. The story draws from the book Takedown by Tsutomu Shimomura and journalist John Markoff, who chronicled the real-life cyber manhunt in the mid-1990s.
What is Takedown about?
Takedown follows Kevin Mitnick, a brilliant and relentless hacker who breaks into the computer of security expert Tsutomu Shimomura. That one intrusion sets off a gripping cat-and-mouse chase as Shimomura teams up with federal agents to track Mitnick down. It's a tense cyber-thriller rooted in one of the most famous hacker cases in history.
Where can you watch Takedown online?
You can rent or buy Takedown on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. It's not currently available on a subscription streaming service, but all three platforms offer easy digital access so you can watch it whenever you're ready.
Did Kevin Mitnick object to this film?
Yes — Kevin Mitnick strongly disputed the film's portrayal of him. He argued the movie was one-sided, based on Tsutomu Shimomura's account, and painted him as a villain. Mitnick maintained that Shimomura exaggerated his own role and that the film misrepresented the true nature of his hacking activities.
Who are the main actors in Takedown?
Skeet Ulrich leads the cast as Kevin Mitnick, with Russell Wong playing security expert Tsutomu Shimomura. The film also features Tom Berenger, Donal Logue, Angela Featherstone, Amanda Peet, Jeremy Sisto, Christopher McDonald, Cara Buono, and Ethan Suplee rounding out a strong ensemble.
Why was Takedown released so late in the US?
Takedown premiered in France in March 2000 but didn't reach US audiences until September 2004 — a gap of over four years. The delay was largely tied to legal disputes involving Kevin Mitnick himself, who contested the film's depiction of events and sought to block or delay its American release.
What are similar movies to Takedown?
If you enjoyed Takedown, check out Swordfish (2001), The Net (1995), Untraceable (2008), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), and the German hacker drama 23 (1998). Firewall (2006) is another solid pick. All explore cyber-crime, digital intrusion, and the cat-and-mouse tension between hackers and those hunting them.
Is Takedown worth watching for hacker film fans?
For fans of cyber-thrillers and true-crime tech stories, Takedown is a worthwhile watch. It captures the early internet era's paranoia around hacking and features a compelling real-world premise. While critics were mixed on its dramatic liberties, the Kevin Mitnick story remains one of the most fascinating in hacker history.
More About Takedown
Explore further details about Takedown on these trusted resources: