"Broken arrow" is a military term for a nuclear warhead that has been stolen -- and villainous Air Force pilot Vic Deakins (John Travolta) has done just that. In fact, he's pilfered TWO bombs, in an effort to extract a huge amount of cash from the government in exchange for their safe return. However, there's a fly in the ambitious thief's ointment: Riley Hale (Christian Slater), Vic's former co-pilot, whom Vic thought he had killed when he robbed the bombs. Helping Riley is gutsy female Park Ranger Terry Carmichael (Samantha Mathis). Together the duo uses all the artillery, ammo, vehicles, and gumption they can muster, as they risk life and limb to thwart Vic and his vile gang. Hong Kong action specialist John Woo propels the film through trains, Humvees, exploding helicopters and more.
Released theatrically in the USA February 9, 1996. The film grossed a nuclear $69.3 million domestically.
Produced in association with WCG Entertainment.
"Broken Arrow" marked the film acting debut of TV commentator and former NFL football player, Howie Long.
The movie's budget was approximately $60 million.
Color by DeLuxe; in Panavision widescreen.
Additional credit: Brian Smrz (train stunt coordinator).
Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.
Excerpt: "You show your opponent one thing, and you give them something else." -- Vic Deakins (JOHN TRAVOLTA) to Riley Hale (CHRISTIAN SLATER) in a boxing ring, before punching Riley to the floor with a surprise jab
"Would you mind not shooting at the thermonuclear weapons?" -- Vic Deakins (JOHN TRAVOLTA), to one of his henchmen
"You're out of your mind!" -- Riley Hale (CHRISTIAN SLATER), to Vic Deakins (JOHN TRAVOLTA)
"Yeah. Ain't it cool?" -- Vic Deakins, in reply
Blu-ray Disc Features:
Keep Case
Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
5.1 DTS HD Master Audio - English
Dolby Digital 5.1 - French, Spanish
Subtitles - French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Trailers - High Definition Theatrical Trailers
Interactive Features:
Pop Ups - D-Box Motion Sensor Track
Director of Photography
Peter Levy: American Director Of Photography
Production Designer
Holger Gross: Production Designer, SCARY MOVIE 4 (2006)
Screenplay Uncredited
William Wisher: Screenwriter
Costume Designer
Mary Malin: Costume Designer, BROKEN ARROW (1996)
Review 1:
"...[BROKEN ARROW] delivers the hippest action fun around....Director John Woo is in dazzling form..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.54 03/07/1996
Review 2:
"...A knockout beginning, gorgeous to the eye and a rush to the senses: very John Woo..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.39-40 04/01/1996
Review 3:
"...A long wrap-up full of moving-train mayhem culminates in the movie's most memorable shot..." -- 3 out of 4 stars
Source: USA Today
p.1D 02/09/1996
Review 4:
"...Audacious action scenes....Rewind...to savor the stunt work..." -- Rating: B+
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.120 06/28/1996
Review 5:
"A virtually nonstop actioner that's heavy on imaginative destruction..."
Source: Variety
02/12/1996
Review 6:
"...BROKEN ARROW packs an impressive wallop....[With] killer special effects..."
Source: New York Times
p.C3 02/09/1996
Review 7:
"...[Woo] is one of the most fluidly cinematic filmmakers working today, gifted with a thorough grasp of the mechanics of action..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.F1 02/09/1996