Ronin (1998)
A taut, expertly crafted espionage thriller featuring a stellar ensemble cast, relentless tension, and some of the most breathtaking practical car chases in cinema history.
Ronin - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ronin
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: John Frankenheimer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 25, 1998 (United States), November 20, 1998 (United Kingdom - 15), December 3, 1998 (Germany - 16), November 25, 1998 (France - TP), January 28, 1999 (New Zealand - M), February 4, 1999 (Australia - M), November 20, 1998 (Brazil - 12), January 8, 1999 (Italy - T), November 13, 1998 (Spain - 12), November 14, 1998 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Ronin (ES), Ronin (US), Ронин (RU), 罗宁 (CN), ローニン (JP), 로닌 (KR), โรนิน 5 มหากาฬล่าพลิกนรก (TH)
- Production Companies: United Artists, FGM Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, UAC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Ronin - Plot
A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals' hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or 'ronin', and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.
Ronin - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the high-octane world of Ronin unfold:
Anyone is an enemy for a price.
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Ronin - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Frankenheimer
Main Cast
- Robert De Niro
- Jean Reno
- Natascha McElhone
- Stellan Skarsgård
- Skipp Sudduth
- Jonathan Pryce
- Sean Bean
- Michael Lonsdale
- Féodor Atkine
- Katarina Witt
Writers
- J. D. Zeik
- David Mamet
Producers
- Frank Mancuso Jr.
Ronin - FAQs
Where can you watch Ronin (1998) online?
Ronin (1998) is available to stream for free on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, VIX, YouTube Free, Hoopla, and Plex. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
What is the mysterious briefcase in Ronin?
The contents of the briefcase in Ronin are never revealed — intentionally. Director John Frankenheimer and screenwriter David Mamet used it as a classic MacGuffin: an object whose value drives the plot without requiring explanation. The ambiguity keeps the focus on character tension and action rather than the object itself.
Who are the main actors in Ronin?
Ronin stars Robert De Niro as Sam, Jean Reno as Vincent, Natascha McElhone as Deirdre, Stellan Skarsgård as Gregor, Jonathan Pryce as Seamus O'Rourke, Sean Bean as Spence, Skipp Sudduth as Larry, Michael Lonsdale as Jean-Pierre, Féodor Atkine as Mikhi, and Katarina Witt as Natacha Kirilova.
What is Ronin (1998) about?
Ronin follows a group of ex-intelligence operatives and mercenaries assembled by an Irish liaison to recover a heavily guarded briefcase. Coveted by both Irish terrorists and the Russian mob, the case triggers a dangerous game of shifting loyalties, double-crosses, and some of cinema's most celebrated car chase sequences across France.
Who directed Ronin and who wrote the screenplay?
Ronin was directed by John Frankenheimer, the veteran filmmaker known for The Manchurian Candidate and Seconds. The screenplay was written by J. D. Zeik and David Mamet, with Mamet contributing a significant rewrite under the pseudonym Richard Weisz, lending the dialogue its characteristically sharp, economical style.
Are the car chases in Ronin real or CGI?
The car chases in Ronin are almost entirely practical, performed by professional stunt drivers on real streets in France, including Paris and the Côte d'Azur. Frankenheimer, a lifelong motorsport enthusiast, insisted on authenticity. The sequences are widely regarded among the finest practical car chases ever committed to film.
What is the age rating and runtime for Ronin?
Ronin has a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. While no US MPA rating is listed in official records, the film received a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom, a 16 rating in Germany, and a 12 rating in both Spain and Brazil, reflecting its intense action violence and mature themes.
What movies are similar to Ronin (1998)?
If you enjoyed Ronin, consider watching Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995), The Professional (1981), Con Air (1997), and Live Free or Die Hard (2007) for comparable action-thriller energy. Cape Fear (1991) and La Cérémonie (1995) offer similarly taut suspense, while I Stand Alone (1999) delivers comparable European grit.
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