Clear and Present Danger

Clear and Present Danger 1994

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Clear and Present Danger (1994). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


As a United States Coast Guard ship intercepts an American yacht sailing through the Caribbean Sea, a harrowing truth starts to unfold. The owner of the vessel and his family, including businessman Peter Hardin, have met a gruesome fate at the hands of their Colombian crew. It is revealed that Hardin was engaging in money laundering for the infamous Cali Cartel, an act that incited the wrath of drug lord Ernesto Escobedo. This betrayal led to Hardin’s embezzlement of millions in drug profits, prompting Escobedo to order his assassination.

In a covert response, U.S. President Bennett, a personal friend of Hardin, authorizes National Security Advisor James Cutter to launch secret operations in Colombia with the goal of dismantling the cartel. Following Admiral James Greer’s cancer treatment, Jack Ryan is appointed as acting Deputy Director of Intelligence. In his new capacity, Ryan seeks additional funding from Congress to bolster Colombian forces combating the drug lords, assuring them that no direct American military action will take place. Yet, unbeknownst to Ryan, Cutter has an alternative agenda in mind.

Cutter forms an elite special forces unit called RECIPROCITY, which is assembled by CIA operative John Clark and supported by Robert Ritter, the CIA Deputy Director of Operations. President Bennett assigns Ryan the task of engaging the Colombian government to secure the seizure of Escobedo’s hidden assets—an astounding $650 million resting in offshore accounts. However, tensions brew when Cortez, Escobedo’s intelligence officer, covertly commands the cartel to strike Ryan’s convoy, leading to a catastrophic attack that results in numerous casualties, including the deaths of Dan Murray and FBI Director Emile Jacobs.

As situations spiral out of control, Cortez realizes that the Americans orchestrated the attack and proposes a dubious deal with Cutter: he would take down Escobedo and lead the cartel, significantly diminishing drug shipments to the U.S. and paving the way for more American-led arrests to create an appearance of success in the ongoing drug war. In exchange, he demands the dismantling of RECIPROCITY and the withdrawal of CIA support to solidify his power within the cartel. Cutter, unaware of the impending dangers, reluctantly agrees, leaving Clark’s team vulnerable to Cortez’s forces deep in the jungle.

While Cutter remains in the dark about U.S. surveillance intercepting his negotiations with Cortez, Ryan takes advantage of Ritter’s computer system to unveil incriminating evidence about Colombia’s illicit activities. However, this revelation seals Ryan’s fate; Ritter discloses that because of his funding involvement, Congress would single him out for accountability, while Ritter and Cutter had secured pre-emptive pardons from President Bennett. This shocking news comes post-Greer’s funeral, as Ryan flies to Bogota to reunite with Clark, blissfully unaware of the deceitful narrative painted by Cutter and Ritter, which casts him as a traitor to RECIPROCITY.

After realizing he had been misled by Ritter and Cutter, Ryan teams up with Clark. Together, they acquire a helicopter to reach the last known site of RECIPROCITY, where they meet sniper Chavez, who reveals that the majority of their squad has perished, leaving Captain Ramirez and one remaining member in enemy hands.

During a tense confrontation with Escobedo, Ryan exposes Cortez’s betrayal while Clark valiantly undertakes a rescue operation at a coffee facility that serves as a cover for Escobedo’s drug dealings. But as Escobedo faces Cortez, he is fatally killed by one of Cortez’s associates. Amidst this chaos, Ryan narrowly escapes with Clark and the rescued men, thanks to Chavez, who heroically eliminates Cortez, saving Ryan’s life in the process.

In the tumultuous aftermath, Ryan confronts President Bennett, refusing to partake in the cover-up of the conspiracy. He ultimately stands before the Congressional Oversight Committee, laying bare the alarming events that have transpired.

Timeline

Track the key events of Clear and Present Danger (1994) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Yacht Interception

A United States Coast Guard ship identifies and intercepts an American yacht sailing through the Caribbean Sea. Onboard is businessman Peter Hardin and his family, who soon discover they have been betrayed by their Colombian crew.

Caribbean Sea

The Gruesome Discovery

The grim fate of Peter Hardin and his family is unveiled, revealing they have been murdered by their Colombian crew. This shocking act is tied to Hardin's money laundering activities for the notorious Cali Cartel.

Escobedo's Wrath

The drug lord Ernesto Escobedo learns of Hardin's betrayal involving embezzled drug profits. In retaliation, Escobedo orders Hardin's assassination, igniting a dangerous chain of events.

Secret Operations Commence

In response to the crisis, U.S. President Bennett authorizes covert operations in Colombia to dismantle the Cali Cartel. National Security Advisor James Cutter is chosen to oversee these operations.

United States

Ryan's New Role

After Admiral James Greer's treatment, Jack Ryan is appointed as acting Deputy Director of Intelligence. He seeks funding from Congress for Colombian forces, insisting on the absence of direct military intervention.

United States

Formation of RECIPROCITY

Cutter establishes an elite special forces unit known as RECIPROCITY, with CIA operative John Clark leading the charge. This covert team is tasked with executing missions against the Cali Cartel.

The Seizure Mission

President Bennett tasks Ryan with negotiating the seizure of Escobedo's hidden assets, totaling $650 million. The stakes are high as Ryan navigates the complicated Colombian political landscape.

Colombia

Ambush on Ryan's Convoy

Tensions escalate when Cortez, Escobedo's intelligence officer, orchestrates an attack on Ryan's convoy. The ambush results in heavy casualties, including the deaths of key officials.

Colombia

Cortez's Proposal

In a dangerous twist, Cortez proposes a deal to Cutter to take down Escobedo while solidifying his own power within the cartel. This sets off a dangerous game of deceit and betrayal.

The Setup of RECIPROCITY

Unbeknownst to Cutter, his agreement with Cortez puts RECIPROCITY in grave danger. The elite team is left vulnerable while entrenched deep in hostile territory.

Colombia

Ryan Discovers the Truth

Utilizing Ritter's computer system, Ryan uncovers incriminating information regarding illicit Colombian activities. However, his findings put him at severe risk of being implicated in a conspiracy.

Ryan's Uncertainty

After the funeral of Admiral Greer, Ryan travels to Bogota, unaware of the betrayal by Ritter and Cutter that casts him as a traitor to his own team. He struggles to make sense of the unfolding conspiracy.

Bogota, Colombia

Reunion with Clark

Ryan joins forces with John Clark and learns of the dire situation facing RECIPROCITY. They strategize to rescue the remnants of their team who have fallen into enemy hands.

Colombia

Confrontation with Escobedo

Ryan and Clark confront Escobedo, unveiling Cortez's treachery. As they attempt to rescue the captured men, control of the situation dramatically shifts once again.

Coffee facility, Colombia

The Aftermath

In the turbulent aftermath of the chaotic events, Ryan refuses to be part of the cover-up with President Bennett. He bravely stands before the Congressional Oversight Committee, revealing the truth behind the conspiracy.

United States

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Clear and Present Danger (1994) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Peter Hardin (Harrison Ford)

Peter Hardin is a businessman entangled in money laundering for the Cali Cartel, which ultimately leads to his gruesome fate. His actions set off a chain of events that expose deep corruption within government operations and the dangers posed by drug lords.

🏢 Businessman 🔪 Betrayed

Jack Ryan (Willem Dafoe)

Jack Ryan is the acting Deputy Director of Intelligence who seeks to navigate the political landscape while maintaining integrity in the face of betrayal. His growth throughout the film showcases a dedication to justice and a refusal to be complicit in the cover-up.

🔍 Investigator 🇺🇸 Patriot

Setting

Uncover the settings of Clear and Present Danger (1994), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The events of the movie take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting issues of drug trafficking and governmental responses relevant to the late 20th century and early 21st century. This period is marked by increased U.S. involvement in Latin America and the complexities of the drug war.

Location

Caribbean Sea, Colombia

The Caribbean Sea is a vibrant region known for its beautiful landscapes, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. Colombia, located along the northern coast of South America, is renowned for its coffee production and the struggle against powerful drug cartels, particularly the Cali Cartel in this narrative.

🏝️ Caribbean 🇨🇴 Colombia

Themes

Explore the core themes of Clear and Present Danger (1994). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕵️‍♂️

Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in this film, as characters navigate a web of deception and double-crossing within both the drug world and government operations. Peter Hardin's betrayal leads to grave consequences, and the manipulation among high-ranking officials reveals the dangerous politics at play.

⚔️

Conflict

The movie highlights the violent conflict arising from drug trafficking as American and Colombian forces clash with drug lords like Ernesto Escobedo. The moral dilemmas faced by characters emphasize the personal and ethical struggles inherent in global warfare against organized crime.

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Corruption

Corruption permeates the narrative, showcasing how power can corrupt individuals and institutions alike. The decisions made by Cutter and Ritter reflect a prioritization of personal gain over the welfare of many, illustrating the stark realities of political manipulation within national security.

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