Ronin

Name: Ronin
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1998-09-25
Duration: 2 h 2 min
Rating: 7.2
Cast: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Skipp Sudduth

Anyone is an enemy for a price.

Ronin (1998)

Timing: 2:2 (122 min)

7.2/10
248 714

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7/10
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7.2/10
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Everything about the movie

Video 11

Photo 58

Actors and characters

Video for the film Ronin — Ronin (1998) Original Trailer [FHD]

2:29

Photo 58

Release date

1998-09-25

Country

United Kingdom, United States

Production

United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, FGM Entertainment, UAC

Genre

Action, Thriller, Crime

Budget

$55 000 000

Box office

$70 697 479

Website

Director

John Frankenheimer

Actors

Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Skipp Sudduth, Jonathan Pryce, Sean Bean, Michael Lonsdale, Féodor Atkine, Katarina Witt
All actors and roles (10)

Scenario

Producer

Frank Mancuso Jr., Paul Kelmenson

Camera operator

Robert Fraisse

Composer

Elia Cmiral

Artist

Michael Z. Hanan, Jean-Claude Bourdin

Audition

Amanda Mackey, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, Margot Capelier

Editing

Antony Gibbs
Whole Team (122)

Short description

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.

What's left behind the scenes

The film's director, John Frankenheimer, wanted to cast GeimonHonsu in a supporting role, who had previously appeared in Spielberg's 'Amistad,' but the producers did not like his choice. Frankenheimer also tried to recruit Alec Baldwin, but he refused to film in Europe as he did not want to be away from his family.
David Mamet served as the script doctor on the project. He significantly reworked the original screenplay, making substantial changes to the characters and dialogue. This led to disputes regarding Mamet's credit. He agreed to appear in the credits under a pseudonym, or not at all. Ultimately, J.D. Zyk and the enigmatic Richard Weiss (Mamet’s pseudonym) were listed in the credits.
J.D. Saiska's screenplay was acquired by TriStar Pictures for half a million dollars. In early 1997, it was bought out by United Artists.
The script required Sam, played by Robert De Niro, to chase Gregor, played by Stellan Skarsgård, in the amphitheater and stop near the railing. During filming, however, the stunt doubles accidentally fell over the railing. Director John Frankenheimer (1930-2002) liked the result so much that he left the take in the film.
The film's director, John Frankenheimer, wanted to cast Djimon Hounsou, who had previously worked with Spielberg on *Amistad*, in a supporting role, but the producers disapproved of his choice. Frankenheimer also tried to cast Alec Baldwin, but he refused to film in Europe, as he did not want to be away from his family.
The role of figure skater Natasha Kirillova, a two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion, was played by two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Katarina Witt.
To add realism to the final chase, 300 stunt drivers were involved in the filming.
J.D. Zeik's screenplay was purchased for half a million dollars by TriStar Pictures. In early 1997, it was re-acquired by United Artists.
Filming one of the scenes almost fell through due to five consecutive days of unsuitable weather. Eventually, the road had to be simply wetted before filming to create the impression that it had recently rained. Furthermore, French law prohibits shooting early in the morning, but the filmmakers received special permission.
The film's main musical theme is performed on the Armenian duduk.
The film's shooting period lasted from November 3, 1997, to March 3, 1998.
Figure skater Natasha Kirillova, a two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion, was played by two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Katarina Witt.
Right-hand drive cars were used in the scene where Robert De Niro and Natasha McElhone chase another vehicle, cars that also had controls in front of the passenger seat.
According to the script, Sam (played by Robert De Niro) was supposed to chase Gregor (played by Stellan Skarsgård) through the amphitheater and stop by the railing. During filming, however, the stunt doubles accidentally fell over the railing. Director John Frankenheimer (1930-2002) liked the result so much that he kept the take in the film.
To create the desired atmosphere for the film, the props department was instructed to use only props in muted tones, and extras were forbidden to wear bright clothing.
David Mamet served as the script doctor on the project. He significantly reworked the original screenplay, making major changes to the characters' personalities and dialogue. This led to disputes regarding Mamet's placement in the credits. For his part, he agreed to appear in the credits either under a pseudonym or not at all. Ultimately, the credits listed J. D. Zaike and the mysterious Richard Weiss (Mamet's pseudonym).
In the scene where Robert De Niro and Natasha McElhone chase another car, right-hand drive vehicles were used, which also featured controls in front of the passenger seat.
Eighty cars were wrecked during filming.