Clear and Present Danger, directed by Phillip Noyce and based on Tom Clancy’s 1989 novel of the same name, was the third installment in his Jack Ryan film series after The Hunt for Red October (1990) and Patriot Games (1992).
Harrison Ford stars as Jack Ryan, an investigative CIA analyst who uncovers a covert war against Colombian drug cartels authorized by President Reagan and his National Security Advisor; Willem Dafoe appears as John Clark who leads a special forces team into battle as part of this operation;
The Rise of Superbugs | Clear and Present Danger
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Joaquim de Almeida makes an appearance as Colonel Felix Cortez working against them both sides in order to uncover this illicit campaign against them both sides – Harrison Ford is seen throughout.
The film was a financial triumph, earning over $200 million at the box office and receiving positive reviews from critics who praised its performances, action sequences and political intrigue. Furthermore, two Oscar Awards nominations were received: Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing/Mastering.
Plot Summary |Clear and Present Danger
The film begins with a U.S. Coast Guard vessel intercepting and boarding a yacht in the Caribbean Sea, where they discover that an American businessman and his family were murdered by its Colombian crew.
They later learn that this businessman had been laundering money for one of South America’s most powerful drug cartels; Ernesto Escobedo ordered their killing after discovering that this businessman had embezzled millions from him.
While Admiral Greer undergoes treatment for pancreatic cancer, Jack Ryan becomes acting Deputy Director of Intelligence at the CIA. Unbeknownst to him, however, the CIA is conducting a secret operation against Escobedo and his allies with President Bennett’s and National Security Advisor Cutter’s approval – codenamed “RECIPROCITY”, it involves sending special forces under John Clark’s command into Escobedo’s drug facilities in order to destroy them and assassinate his associates.
Ryan travels to Colombia with the intention of persuading its government to allow the U.S. government to seize Escobedo’s assets – $650 million stashed away in offshore accounts – but instead gets ambushed on his way there by Escobedo’s men, as Colonel Felix Cortez of Escobedo’s intelligence officer had informed them of Ryan’s presence and provided information about where and when he should meet up with Escobedo – although luckily Ryan makes it out alive while several of his colleagues perish.
Ryan becomes suspicious that there may be someone within the CIA leaking his itinerary to Escobedo and finds out that Cutter has been diverting funds from his budget without his knowledge and consent, to fund RECIPROCITY without informing or seeking his consent.
When confronting Cutter and Ritter (Deputy Director of Operations overseeing RECIPROCITY), Ryan demands an explanation from them as to why they were acting on behalf of President whom wanted to send a strong signal that Escobedo and other drug lords that they won’t tolerate their crimes anymore.
They explain they were acting on behalf of President whom wanted to send an anti-Escobedo message about their crimes in order to send a strong signal back that these drug lords must face punishment from authorities RECIPROCITY was created so as to send that Escobedo is no longer tolerated.
Ryan was shocked by their actions and immediately warned them against violating international law and risking war with Colombia. Additionally, he raised questions over their morality and loyalty to their nation before informing them he will report their operation to Congress and expose any illegal activities taking place there.
Before Cutter can act on his orders, however, he decides to cut all support and communication for Clark and his team in Colombia – leaving them vulnerable against Escobedo’s forces.
Cutter orders Cortez to kill Escobedo and take control of his cartel in return for immunity from U.S. law enforcement authorities and protection from Cutter himself; Cortez agrees but plans on using his position to gain even greater power and influence in Colombia.
Ryan discovers Cutter’s betrayal and contacts Clark via satellite phone to inform him he has been abandoned by Cutter, and must leave Colombia quickly as Cortez is working both sides and responsible for disclosing Clark’s location to Escobedo.
Clark and his team manage to escape Escobedo’s compound with the aid of a local guerrilla group and free several American prisoners held hostage by Escobedo’s men, such as Domingo Chavez – who was involved in another covert operation which Cortez put an end to.
Ryan travels to Colombia with Clark and his team in order to meet them at a remote airstrip, only to be attacked by Cortez’s helicopter gunship on their journey there. Ryan used a shoulder-fired missile launcher against this helicopter gunship, killing all its crewmembers while saving Clark and his team before they board a plane back home together.
President Bennett confronts Ryan at the White House and accuses him of lying to both Americans and Congress regarding his involvement with RECIPROCITY, as well as evidence pertaining to Cutter’s deal with Cortez that will testify against Cutter.
Bennett attempts to justify his actions by explaining he was only protecting against drug threats while offering Ryan a promotion and further opportunity to work together more closely; Ryan turns down this offer and quits from CIA altogether.
Ryan testifies before a Senate committee, where he unveils the truth about RECIPROCITY and exposes Cutter’s corruption. Ryan defends Clark and his team by noting they were following orders and saved many lives as a result; and expresses his admiration for Greer who died due to cancer during their ordeal.
The film concludes with Ryan visiting Greer’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Clark and Chavez to pay their respects to her and salute her tombstone.
Cast and Characters | Clear and Present Danger
1. Harrison Ford plays Jack Ryan
an intelligence analyst who becomes acting Deputy Director. He values truth and justice; opposing RECIPROCITY while trying to prevent its eruption into war.
2. Willem Dafoe
plays John Clark, a CIA operative leading the special forces team in RECIPROCITY.
A trusted and disciplined soldier, John follows orders without question or questioning and supports Ryan in uncovering Cutter’s treachery.
3. Joaquim de Almeida plays Colonel Felix Cortez
A former Cuban intelligence officer working as Escobedo’s Chief of Security and Intelligence. Cortez is cunning, ambitious, and ruthless; playing both sides of the conflict by betraying Escobedo to Cutter as well as providing information to Escobedo about Ryan Clark; eventually planning to take control of Escobedo’s cartel in Colombia in order to become one of its most powerful drug lords himself.
4. Miguel Sandoval stars as Ernesto Escobedo
leader of the Cali Cartel – one of South America’s most powerful drug organizations. He’s rich, influential, and violent – controlling a vast network of drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption.
After murdering Peter Hardin he orders revenge killings with deadly consequences in return. This leads to Reciprocity being ordered.
5. Henry Czerny as Robert Ritter
Robert Ritter is the CIA Deputy Director of Operations who supervises Reciprocity. He’s cold, arrogant and manipulative; believing the end justifies any means used. He lies to Ryan about Reciprocity while trying to cover up his involvement.
6. Harris Yulin as James Cutter
Cutter is President Bennett’s National Security Advisor who initiates Reciprocity with Ritter. A man of questionable character who prioritizes personal gain over nation-building, Cutter makes an agreement with Cortez to kill Escobedo and take control of his cartel in exchange for immunity and protection from U.S. authorities.
7. Donald Moffat plays President Bennett |Clear and Present Danger
the President of the United States who authorizes RECIPROCITY after learning that Peter Hardin was murdered by Escobedo. Bennett is weak, naive, and hypocritical as he claims to fight drug-trafficking but secretly supports an undeclared war against Colombia.
8. Anne Archer plays Cathy Ryan
Jack Ryan is married to an eye surgeon named Cathy Ryan who provides outstanding eye care services in Los Angeles. Cathy is supportive, compassionate, and intelligent as she regularly worries for his safety and well-being.
9. James Earl Jones portrays Admiral James Greer
Jack Ryan’s mentor and friend at the CIA who, until becoming sick with pancreatic cancer, served as its Deputy Director. Admiral Greer is known as an honorable individual whom Ryan can trust with advice to follow his conscience.
10. Raymond Cruz plays Domingo Chavez
Originally part of another covert operation in Colombia which was destroyed by Cortez, Chavez is captured and tortured until Clark rescues him and becomes his protege.
Thora Birch plays Sally Ryan, Jack Ryan’s daughter who is smart, curious and loves her father immensely. Benjamin Bratt plays Captain Ramirez: A U.S. Army officer working alongside Clark’s team in Colombia who respects Clark and Ryan equally as professional soldiers. Her FAQs may provide more insight.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide To Your Questions
Q: Is Clear and Present Danger based on an actual event or story?
A: No, Clear and Present Danger is an imaginary novel by Tom Clancy that draws its inspiration from events related to U.S.-Colombia relations in the 1980s and ’90s such as War on Drugs, Iran-Contra and Medellin crisis.
However, these real events and issues pertaining to Colombia’s relations with America during these same years, like War on Drugs, Iran-Contra affair as well as Medellin Crisis are all part of that real story.
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