Looper (2012)
Rian Johnson's razor-sharp sci-fi thriller pits a hired killer against his own future self in a time-bending battle for survival.
Looper - Movie Information
- Original Title: Looper
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Rian Johnson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 26, 2012 (Australia - MA 15+), September 28, 2012 (United States - R), September 28, 2012 (Canada), September 28, 2012 (United Kingdom - 15), October 2, 2012 (Germany - 16), October 31, 2012 (France - U), October 12, 2012 (India), September 27, 2012 (New Zealand - R16), September 28, 2012 (Brazil - 16), October 5, 2012 (Mexico), January 31, 2013 (Italy - T), October 18, 2012 (Spain - 16), October 11, 2012 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Looper: Αντιμέτωποι Με Το Χρόνο (GR), Looper - Reflexo Assassino (PT), 时凶獵殺 (HK), Looper／ルーパー (JP), Петля времени (RU), Asesino del futuro (MX), Looper: Assassinos do Futuro (BR), Looper - A jövő gyilkosa (HU)
- Production Companies: Endgame Entertainment, DMG Entertainment, Ram Bergman Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Looper - Plot
In the year 2044, time travel has not yet been invented but in 30 years it will have been. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target into the past where a looper, a hired gun, like Joe is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good until the day the mob decides to close the loop, sending back Joe's future self for assassination.
Looper - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the time-bending action unfold:
Hunted by your future, haunted by your past.
Where to Watch Looper
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Looper - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rian Johnson
Main Cast
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Bruce Willis
- Emily Blunt
- Paul Dano
- Noah Segan
- Piper Perabo
- Jeff Daniels
- Pierce Gagnon
- Xu Qing
- Tracie Thoms
Writers
- Rian Johnson
Producers
- Ram Bergman
- James D. Stern
Looper - FAQs
What does the ending of Looper mean?
At the end of Looper, Joe realizes that Cid will grow up to become the Rainmaker because of the trauma caused by Old Joe's actions. To break the cycle, Joe sacrifices himself, preventing Old Joe from ever existing in that future and stopping the Rainmaker's rise before it begins.
Is Cid the Rainmaker in Looper?
Yes. Cid, the telekinetically gifted child played by Pierce Gagnon, is revealed to be the Rainmaker — the feared future crime lord. His transformation is directly triggered by the violence Old Joe brings to his life, making the film's central tragedy a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Where can you stream Looper online?
Looper is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available through YouTube TV. Streaming availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Who are the main actors in Looper?
Looper stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the young Joe and Bruce Willis as his older self. Emily Blunt plays Sara, the determined mother of a gifted child. The supporting cast includes Paul Dano, Jeff Daniels, Noah Segan, Piper Perabo, Pierce Gagnon, Xu Qing, and Tracie Thoms.
Is Looper based on a true story?
No, Looper is not based on a true story. It is an entirely original science fiction screenplay written by director Rian Johnson. The film draws on classic time travel paradox concepts and neo-noir storytelling traditions rather than any real-world events or persons.
What is Looper rated and why?
Looper is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's strong violence, including graphic executions and action sequences, as well as drug use and some language. It is not suitable for younger audiences and carries equivalent restrictive ratings in most international markets.
How long is the movie Looper?
Looper has a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes (118 minutes). The film moves at a confident pace, balancing its high-concept time travel premise with character-driven drama and bursts of intense action across its near-two-hour running time.
Did Looper receive positive reviews from critics?
Yes. Looper was widely praised by critics upon release, earning a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers celebrated Rian Johnson's sharp, original screenplay, the dual lead performances of Gordon-Levitt and Willis, and the film's ability to use time travel as a vehicle for genuine emotional storytelling.
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