The Punisher (1989 film)
1989 film directed by Mark Goldblatt / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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 | |
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Directed by | Mark Goldblatt |
Written by | Boaz Yakin |
Based on | |
Produced by | Robert Mark Kamen |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Ian Baker |
Edited by |
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Music by | Dennis Dreith |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Live Entertainment (North America) New World International (International) |
Release dates |
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Running time | 89 minutes[1] |
Countries |
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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 as New World Pictures had financial issues. While it received a theatrical run internationally, it was released on Home Video in the United States, grossing $30 Million. Changes to the character's origin and the elimination of the signature skull logo troubled fans of the comic book upon its release and they were dismissive. Initial reviews found it to be a trashy comic book film. The film has developed a cult following and some consider it the comic's best adaptation. The film was re-evaluated with a much more positive outlook citing Lundgren's solid performance as a ghostly, soul depraved vigilante and the first rate supporting cast.