Escape from New York

Manhattan Island, 1997. A desolate wasteland, transformed into a maximum-security prison, its towering walls a grim testament to a society consumed by fear and crime. Above, the sleek Air Force One falters, crippled by a coordinated attack, plunging the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) into the heart of the urban jungle. With national security hanging by a thread, Police Commissioner Bob Hauk (Lee Van Cleef) summons a reluctant hero, Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a hardened ex-soldier with a score to settle. Offered freedom in exchange for the President’s safe return, Snake is given an impossible ultimatum: rescue him within 24 hours or face certain death. Inside the prison, a ruthless power struggle unfolds, ruled by the iron fist of The Duke of New York (Isaac Hayes), a cunning warlord who controls the island’s most valuable resource – the President himself. Snake, aided by the resourceful Cabbie (Ernest Borgnine), must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly gangs to complete his mission, a desperate gamble in a city where escape is not an option.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

In a dystopian 1997, the island of Manhattan has become a maximum-security prison, a lawless landscape where the worst criminals are left to their own devices. When Air Force One is hijacked and the President of the United States, played by Donald Pleasence, crash-lands within the city’s walls, the government turns to a disgraced war hero, Snake Plissken portrayed by Kurt Russell, for a seemingly impossible rescue mission. Commissioner Bob Hauk, leverages Snake’s past and implants him with a device that will detonate if the President isn’t retrieved within 24 hours, forcing him into a reluctant alliance. Inside the prison, Snake encounters a motley crew of survivors, including Cabbie, a talkative taxi driver played by Ernest Borgnine, who knows the city like the back of his hand and becomes an unlikely guide. Snake’s journey leads him to confront the brutal ruler of New York, The Duke, played by Isaac Hayes, a formidable foe with a twisted sense of justice. Facing betrayal, deadly gangs, and dwindling time, Snake must navigate the treacherous urban jungle, relying on his instincts and combat skills to save the President and, ultimately, himself. The film culminates in a daring escape attempt, with Snake facing a moral dilemma that questions the very values he is forced to uphold, leaving the audience pondering the true meaning of freedom and justice in a world consumed by chaos.

Details

In John Carpenter’s dystopian vision of 1997, crime has transformed Manhattan Island into a maximum-security prison, a lawless wasteland where society’s rejects are left to fend for themselves. When Air Force One is hijacked and the President of the United States, played by Donald Pleasence, crash-lands within the city’s fortified walls, the government turns to a most unlikely hero: Snake Plissken, portrayed by Kurt Russell, a hardened ex-soldier and convicted felon. Promised a full pardon, Snake is given 24 hours by Police Commissioner Bob Hauk, played by Lee Van Cleef, to infiltrate the island, rescue the President, and retrieve a vital cassette tape containing crucial information for a global peace summit. Navigating the treacherous landscape, Snake encounters a colorful cast of characters, including Cabbie, brought to life by Ernest Borgnine, a talkative and eccentric taxi driver who becomes an unlikely ally. But Snake also has to contend with the iron fist of the self-proclaimed ruler of New York, The Duke, portrayed by Isaac Hayes, a ruthless and powerful figure who controls the prison’s resources and holds the President captive. With the clock ticking and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Snake must use all his cunning and combat skills to survive the urban jungle and complete his impossible mission. Escape from New York is a thrilling blend of science fiction and action, exploring themes of survival, government corruption, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

FAQs

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What is Escape from New York about?

In a dystopian future, Manhattan Island has been transformed into a maximum-security prison. When the President’s plane crashes there, convict Snake Plissken is sent in to rescue him.

When was Escape from New York released?

The movie was released on May 23, 1981.

Who directed Escape from New York?

John Carpenter directed the film.

Who stars as Snake Plissken in Escape from New York?

Kurt Russell plays the role of Snake Plissken.

What genres does Escape from New York belong to?

The film is classified as Science Fiction and Action.

What was the budget for Escape from New York?

The film had a budget of 6,000,000 USD.

What is the runtime of Escape from New York?

The movie has a runtime of 99 minutes.

Who are some other notable actors in the movie?

Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, and Isaac Hayes are also in the cast.

Where does Escape from New York take place?

The primary setting is the island of Manhattan, which has been converted into a prison.

Is there a collection or series associated with Escape from New York?

Yes, it’s part of the “Escape From … Collection”.

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