The Punisher (1989 film)
1989 film directed by Mark Goldblatt / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about The Punisher (1989 film)?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Punisher is a 1989 vigilante action-thriller film directed by Mark Goldblatt, written by Boaz Yakin, and starring Dolph Lundgren. Based on the Punisher character from Marvel Comics. It was shot in Sydney, co-starring Louis Gossett Jr, Jeroen Krabbé, Kim Miyori, Nancy Everhard, and Barry Otto.
The Punisher | |
---|---|
Directed by | Mark Goldblatt |
Written by | Boaz Yakin |
Based on | |
Produced by | Robert Mark Kamen |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Ian Baker |
Edited by |
|
Music by | Dennis Dreith |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Live Entertainment (North America) New World International (International) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 89 minutes[1] |
Countries |
|
Language | English |
Budget | $9 million[2] |
Box office | $30 million[2] |
Former undercover police detective Frank Castle (Lundgren), presumed dead after his family's murder, becomes the elusive vigilante "The Punisher," targeting mobsters with his skull-etched throwing knives. As the mob groups weaken under his relentless attacks, the yakuza, led by Lady Tanaka (Miyori), seize the opportunity to invade their territories, threatening the Mafia by kidnapping their children. Punisher retaliates, freeing most captives, except the son of mobster Gianni Franco (Krabbé), and gets arrested. Freed by Franco, Punisher aids him in rescuing Franco's son from the yakuza.
The film had a troubled release since the company who made it had financial issues, while it received a theatrical run outside of the US it was released on Home Video domestically. The film grossed 30 Millions. Some changes on the character's origin, and eliminating the signature skull logo, troubled fans of the comic book upon its release and were dismissive. Also initial reviews found it to be a trashy comic book film. However over the years the film developed a cult with some who think it's the best adaptation of the comic. The film was re-evaluated with a much more positive outlook who find Lundgren's performance solid as a ghostly and soul depraved vigilante, with a first rate supporting cast.