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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Jackal (1997). 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.


In a vibrant and chaotic Moscow nightclub, an intense joint operation unfolds, orchestrated by the FBI alongside the MVD, aimed at apprehending Ghazzi Murad for the shocking murder of a Russian Mayor. However, Ghazzi is anything but compliant; when confronted by the tenacious FBI Deputy Director Carter Preston (Sidney Poitier), Ghazzi lunges at him wielding a knife. Just in the nick of time, MVD Major Valentina Koslova (Diane Venora) intervenes and is forced to take drastic action, resulting in Ghazzi’s death. This incident sends shockwaves through the criminal underworld, reaching Therek Murad, Ghazzi’s ruthless brother and one of Russia’s most feared crime bosses. Enraged by the loss of his sibling and the lack of collateral damage on the police side, Therek exacts his revenge with ruthless determination.

In a cold-blooded retaliation, Therek contacts a shadowy figure known only by the chilling moniker, “The Jackal” (Bruce Willis). He divulges his intention to take matters into his own hands, seeking an assassin who can effectively deliver a message to both the FBI and the United States as a whole—stay out of his way. Presenting The Jackal with a photo of his American target, Therek entices him with an eye-popping $70 million payday. However, The Jackal makes it clear that if he accepts the job, he must vanish forever, agreeing to the terms of half the payment upfront to secure his commitment. He sternly warns Therek that if any information leaks, he alone will decide the fate of the mission—but one way or another, the initial sum is his. With an unyielding sense of purpose, Therek consents to the conditions.

Fast forward two weeks, and the aftermath of Ghazzi’s demise is blood-soaked as seven MVD operatives have been ruthlessly eliminated across Russia. Intelligence soon reveals that Therek has been holed up in a secluded hotel in Porvoo, Finland with his trusted lieutenants. Their operation becomes a race against time as the MVD captures one of Therek’s henchmen during a perilous interrogation that turns deadly. In a desperate attempt to glean crucial information, the name “Jackal” emerges, igniting Preston’s intrigue and reminding him of a notorious figure believed to operate outside the law for years.

With the FBI and MVD teaming up, they deduce the high-stakes game at play, uncovering that the Jackal’s target appears to be FBI Director Donald Brown. Meanwhile, The Jackal prepares for his deadly assignment, employing elaborate measures to alter his appearance, utilizing wigs, false identities, and even elaborate disguises including a fat suit. His preparations intensify as he ventures into a bank, procuring illegal weaponry off the black market and acquiring a Polish heavy machine gun for his impending assault.

As the clock ticks, the FBI scrambles to track down a pivotal lead—Isabella Zancona ([Mathilda May]), a former Basque separatist, who holds the key to identifying The Jackal. The labyrinth of locating Isabella leads them to Declan Mulqueen ([Richard Gere]), an Irish IRA sniper trapped in a maximum-security prison, serving two life sentences. An encounter with Mulqueen reveals his deep-seated reluctance to divulge Isabella’s whereabouts, despite the alluring offer of citizenship protections from the Spanish government. Ultimately, driven by a glimmer of hope linked to The Jackal, he negotiates a deal. He ultimately agrees to assist the FBI, awaiting a golden opportunity to leave behind his tumultuous past.

The ensuing partnership between Mulqueen and the FBI reveals layers of complexity. As Mulqueen reunites with Isabella, she provides invaluable insights into the Jackal’s chilling tactics and methods—indicating he is American, highly trained in special operations, devoid of emotion, and capable of destruction on an unimaginable scale. Meanwhile, tension escalates within the confinement of the investigation as they realize that The Jackal is an unmatched adversary, equipped to handle any obstacle in his path, fueled by a vendetta of his own.

In a gripping sequence of events, The Jackal dances between identities, crafting an elaborate facade while striding towards his chilling target—the First Lady, scheduled to make an appearance at a gala for a children’s hospital. As his meticulous plans unfold, Mulqueen discovers a thread connecting to Isabella’s family, and a mole within the ranks, leading to dramatic confrontations that spiral into chaos.

Amongst the whirlwind, The Jackal shrewdly navigates through the web of the FBI’s efforts to stop him. His adversaries’ responses and movements become predictable, a fatal miscalculation as he closes in on his target. A final confrontation emerges, arrayed with stunning twists, relentless pursuits, and a heart-stopping showdown in the subway tunnels. The climactic moments culminate in shocking revelations about loyalty, sacrifice, and unresolved pasts. As the dust settles, only a small cadre remains to pay their respects to The Jackal, pondering the shadows of vengeance and the price of survival in a world painted in shades of gray.

Days later, amidst the echoes of their pasts, Preston and Mulqueen stand at The Jackal’s unmarked grave. With revelations of moving Mulqueen to a more comfortable prison setting, they part ways—leaving behind a world steeped in danger while embarking on paths forever altered by choices made in the heat of battle.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Jackal (1997) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Arrest Operation Begins

In a bustling Moscow nightclub, an operation unfolds as the FBI and MVD join forces to arrest Ghazzi Murad for the murder of a Russian Mayor. However, Ghazzi is not willing to surrender peacefully and aggressively confronts FBI Deputy Director Carter Preston with a knife.

Moscow nightclub

Ghazzi's Death

In a quick turn of events, MVD Major Valentina Koslova intervenes and fatally shoots Ghazzi Murad in self-defense. This act sets off a chain reaction in the criminal underworld, as Ghazzi's brother, Therek Murad, receives the news of his brother's death.

Moscow nightclub

Therek Murad's Revenge Plan

Overcome with rage upon learning about Ghazzi's death, Therek Murad reaches out to a notorious assassin known as 'The Jackal'. He instructs The Jackal to eliminate a high-value American target and plans to retaliate against the FBI, all while laying low.

Jackal's Preparation for Assassination

The Jackal begins meticulously preparing for the assassination by altering his appearance and procuring weapons. He employs various disguises, including wigs and fake identities, and purchases a machine gun designed for a covert hit.

Montreal, Canada

The FBI's Investigation

Meanwhile, the FBI aims to uncover The Jackal's identity. They learn that a former Basque separatist, Isabella Zancona, may be the key to locating him. This leads them to Declan Mulqueen, an Irish IRA sniper serving time in a maximum-security prison.

U.S. maximum-security prison

Mulqueen's Conditional Assistance

Declan Mulqueen reluctantly agrees to assist the FBI, but under strict conditions, including his release from prison to help locate Isabella. The FBI accepts, hoping his knowledge will help them understand how to track The Jackal.

U.S. maximum-security prison

Isabella Reveals Jackal's Nature

With Mulqueen's help, agents find Isabella, who reveals crucial insights about The Jackal. She describes him as a cold and emotionless individual with military experience, which raises alarms about the severity of the threat he poses.

Isabella's house

The Jackal's Evasive Maneuvers

The Jackal skillfully continues his assassination preparations while evading FBI surveillance. He discreetly conducts weapons tests and alters his vehicles to avoid detection, demonstrating his expertise in covert operations.

Montreal, Canada

The Assassination Attempt

As events unfold, The Jackal attempts to carry out his assassination plan during a gala event attended by high-profile individuals. However, the FBI, tipped off by Mulqueen, is on high alert and prepared to intercept him.

Children's hospital gala

Tension Peaks

A tense standoff ensues between The Jackal and the FBI as he makes a desperate escape attempt. With a hostage in place, The Jackal faces off against Declan Mulqueen while revelations about their intertwined pasts come to light.

Subway station

Isabella's Critical Intervention

In a surprising twist, Isabella resurfaces during the confrontation, revealing she has kept track of Mulqueen's actions. She takes a chance to shoot The Jackal, ultimately turning the tide in the face-off as Mulqueen aids her.

Subway tunnel

Aftermath of the Confrontation

After The Jackal is finally neutralized, both the FBI and Mulqueen grapple with the losses sustained during the hunt. The events lead to significant changes in both Mulqueen's and Preston's futures.

Subway station

Burial and Resolutions

As the dust settles, a quiet burial takes place for The Jackal, witnessed only by Preston and Mulqueen. Preston shares news of his impending return to Russia, while Mulqueen is left with the option to escape his life behind bars.

Unmarked grave

New Beginnings

With the present dangers behind them, Preston suggests an opportunity for Mulqueen to disappear, allowing him a chance at freedom. The two men part ways, leaving behind a legacy of mutual respect and a fight against greater evils.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Jackal (1997) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Carter Preston

Carter Preston is a tenacious FBI Deputy Director, committed to unraveling the intricate web of crime surrounding Ghazzi Murad's assassination. He showcases a blend of strategic thinking and relentless pursuit, embodying the steadfast determination expected from law enforcement in high-stakes situations.

👮 Law Enforcement 💼 Leadership

The Jackal

Known only as The Jackal, he is a highly skilled assassin engulfed in a world of double lives and strategic deception. His cold-blooded tactics and unyielding focus on completing his mission highlight his exceptional training and relentless hunt for vengeance, making him a formidable foe.

🔫 Assassin 😱 Antagonist

Declan Mulqueen

Declan Mulqueen is an Irish IRA sniper who operates from a maximum-security prison, initially marked by reluctance but eventually revealed to harbor a strong sense of justice. His journey from a troubled past to a crucial ally signifies personal growth and the fight for redemption.

🤐 Prisoner 🥊 Survivor

Isabella Zancona

Isabella is a former Basque separatist who becomes a pivotal figure in helping the FBI against The Jackal. Her character illustrates resilience and the weight of her past choices, embodying a blend of vulnerability and strength as she navigates her complex history.

🗝️ Key Figure 💔 Emotion

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Jackal (1997), 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 movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, showcasing the intersection of law enforcement efforts and organized crime in the late 20th to early 21st century. It depicts a world on the brink of chaos, highlighting the complex relations between nations and the sinister networks operating beneath the surface.

Location

Moscow nightclub, Porvoo, Finland

The film starts in a vibrant Moscow nightclub, known for its chaotic nightlife and as a hotbed of criminal activity. Following the intense events, the action shifts to Porvoo, Finland, a picturesque city characterized by its quaint architecture and scenic views, providing a stark contrast to the dark undertones of the plot.

🏙️ City 🌌 Nightlife

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Jackal (1997). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔫

Assassination

The central theme revolves around the perilous game of assassination and revenge, where characters navigate a treacherous landscape dictated by violence and moral ambiguity. The Jackal represents the chilling efficiency of a mercenary marked by his emotional detachment, demanding contemplation of the lengths individuals go to for vengeance.

⚖️

Justice

The interplay between justice and lawlessness is pivotal in the film. It presents a stark contrast between the relentless pursuit of justice by the FBI and MVD against the chaos brought forth by crime and retaliation, leading to moral dilemmas that challenge the notion of right and wrong.

🤝

Partnership

The unexpected partnership between the FBI and Declan Mulqueen underlines the theme of cooperation amidst desperation. As they unite against a common threat, the film explores the complexities of trust, betrayal, and how individuals from divergent backgrounds come together for shared goals.

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