The Marksman
Movie Trailer
Release Date
January 15, 2021
Genre
Action, Thriller, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Liam Neeson as Jim Hanson
- Jacob Perez as Miguel
- Katheryn Winnick as Sarah Pennington
- Teresa Ruiz as Rosa
- Juan Pablo Raba as Mauricio
- Dylan Kenin as Randall
Director
Robert Lorenz
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Trouble with the Curve (2012)
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) – as producer
- Mystic River (2003) – as producer
Producer
- Tai Duncan
- Mark Williams
- Warren Goz
- Eric Gold
- Robert Lorenz
Writer
- Chris Charles
- Danny Kravitz
- Robert Lorenz
Budget
$23 million
Production Company
- Zero Gravity Management
- Sculptor Media
- Stonehouse Motion Pictures
- Voltage Pictures
Running Time
108 minutes
Languages
English, Spanish
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Violence and action sequences
- Language
- Thematic elements involving immigration and crime
Movie Story
The Marksman is a tense action-thriller that follows the story of Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson), a former Marine turned Arizona rancher who is struggling to make ends meet after the death of his wife. Living near the U.S.-Mexico border, Jim spends his days fending off eviction and dealing with his grief. His life takes a sudden turn when he encounters Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) and her young son Miguel (Jacob Perez) fleeing from a dangerous Mexican cartel led by Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba).
Rosa and Miguel are trying to cross into the United States to escape the cartel, which has killed members of their family. Despite his initial reluctance, Jim agrees to help them after Rosa is fatally wounded in a shootout with the cartel’s enforcers. With her dying breath, Rosa begs Jim to take Miguel to safety, and he promises to fulfill her last wish.
Jim and Miguel embark on a perilous journey north, pursued relentlessly by Mauricio and his men. As they travel, Jim, who initially sees Miguel as a burden, gradually forms a bond with the boy. The film explores themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the complexities of immigration, as Jim is forced to confront his own demons and find a way to protect Miguel from the cartel.
The Marksman combines action-packed sequences with moments of emotional depth, as Jim uses his skills as a former sniper to outmaneuver the cartel while grappling with the moral implications of his actions. The film builds towards a tense and climactic showdown, where Jim must face the cartel head-on to save Miguel and deliver him to safety.
Special Effects
The special effects in The Marksman are subtle, focusing primarily on enhancing the film’s action scenes and shootouts. The effects work is grounded in realism, with a focus on practical stunts, realistic gunplay, and the gritty atmosphere of the desert landscape. The visual effects support the story’s tension and help create a believable portrayal of the dangers Jim and Miguel face on their journey.
Box Office Performance
The Marksman grossed approximately $23 million worldwide, performing reasonably well at the box office considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film benefitted from Liam Neeson’s star power and was well-received by audiences looking for a solid action-thriller. It also topped the box office for several weeks during its release, especially in the domestic market.
Filming Locations
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Cleveland, New Mexico, USA
- Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I’m the one you should be afraid of.” – Jim Hanson
- “You’re not safe here. You have to come with me.” – Jim Hanson
- “Sometimes you have to fight to survive.” – Jim Hanson
Behind-the-Scenes
The Marksman was directed by Robert Lorenz, known for his collaborations with Clint Eastwood, which is evident in the film’s gritty, character-driven approach. Liam Neeson, who has become synonymous with action roles in his later career, brought his usual gravitas to the role of Jim Hanson. The film was shot in various locations in New Mexico, which provided the rugged and desolate backdrop essential to the film’s atmosphere. The story, while fictional, touches on real-world issues such as border conflicts and the plight of immigrants, adding layers of relevance to the action.
Awards
- Nominated for the Golden Trailer Award for Best Thriller Poster
- Nominated for the BMI Film Music Award (Sean Callery)
Final Verdict
The Marksman is a solid action-thriller that blends intense action with a heartfelt story of redemption and survival. Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as a hardened man who finds a new purpose in protecting a young boy from danger. While it may not break new ground in the genre, the film offers a satisfying and emotionally resonant experience for fans of action-driven dramas. Its exploration of themes like sacrifice, duty, and the bond between unlikely companions makes it a film worth watching.
IMDb Rating
5.6/10