Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones rank among Hollywood most iconic actors starring in some of cinema's most memorable and gripping films across genres. But did you know these two legends have also shared the screen in one thriller? Yes, Ford and Jones collaborated in The Fugitive (1993) movie highlighting their incredible chemistry and talent. The Fugitive is a 1993 American action thriller based on the 1960s TV series. Let's explore this movie closely and see why they remain so special.
Harrison Ford And Tommy Lee Jones - The Fugitive (1993)
- Lead Actors: Harrison Ford (Dr. Richard Kimble), Tommy Lee Jones (Deputy US Marshal Samuel Gerard)
- Supporting Artists Sela Ward (Helen Kimble), Joe Pantoliano (Cosmo Renfro), Andreas Katsulas (Sykes), Jeroen Krabbé (Dr. Charles Nichols)
- Director: Andrew Davis
- Release Date: August 6, 1993
- Run Time: 130 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Revenue: $368.9 million
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical release
The Storyline
The plot focuses on Dr. Richard Kimble (Ford) who is a vascular surgeon unfairly convicted of killing his wife Helen (Ward). He gets away after a bus accident and searches for the real killer who is a one-armed man named Sykes (Katsulas). Sykes is recruited by Kimble co-worker Dr. Charles Nichols (Krabbé) to hide a pharmaceutical scheme. Kimble is chased by US Marshals led by Samuel Gerard (Jones) who is set on arresting him and bringing him to justice.
Main Cast
Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones give tremendous performances as the hero and villain respectively. Ford plays Kimble as an intelligent, resourceful and sympathetic man utilizing his medical knowledge to avoid capture and prove his innocence while also displaying his grief for his wife and reconnecting with loved ones. Jones depicts Gerard as a tireless, witty and professional lawman who respects Kimble but does not let emotions impede his duty showcasing his charm interacting with others. Ford and Jones have electric chemistry in their thrilling cat-and-mouse game.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast adds quality and realism. Sela Ward has a brief but powerful role as the loving Helen whose murder starts events. Joe Pantoliano, Andreas Katsulas and Jeroen Krabbé play key roles as Cosmo Renfro, Sykes and Dr. Nichols. Pantoliano assists and entertains as Gerard's partner, Katsulas is the merciless killer who murdered Helen and tries again and Krabbé is the conspiracy mastermind who betrays Kimble and covers his tracks.
Movie Standout Moments
- The Fugitive has many memorable scenes displaying the filmmakers and actors skills
- The opening showing Kimble arrest, trial and death sentence for his wife murder
- The bus-train crash allowing Kimble escape
- Kimble disguising himself as a doctor in the hospital and stealing an ambulance
- Kimble jumping into water at the dam to dodge Gerard shots
- Kimble blending into a parade crowd and meeting his friend Dr. Anne Eastman (Julianne Moore)
- Kimble confronting Dr. Nichols at a conference exposing his scheme
- The finale with Gerard letting Kimble go after he is cleared
Director
Andrew Davis is an acclaimed American director, producer, writer and cinematographer known for realistic action films like The Fugitive. Other works include Above the Law (1988), Under Siege (1992), Chain Reaction (1996) and The Guardian (2006). Formerly a cinematographer on films like Code of Silence (1985) and The Package (1989), he is considered one of the best 1990s directors with The Fugitive his masterpiece.
Release and Revenue
Warner Bros. released The Fugitive in theaters on 6 Aug 1993. It proved a smash hit both critically and commercially remaining the #1 film in America for six weeks straight and amassing close to $370 million globally against its $44 million budget. An estimated 44 million tickets were purchased domestically and it ranked as 1993's third highest grossing film with $183.9 million. It followed only Jurassic Park ($357 million) and Mrs. Doubtfire ($219.2 million) in US grosses. It took sixth place for 1993 with $185 million trailing Jurassic Park, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Firm, Sleepless in Seattle and Schindler’s List in global earnings worldwide. The Fugitive demonstrated a clear box office winner.
Fan Reactions
The Fugitive earned widespread fan and critic admiration as a thriller par excellence. It boasts a 7.8/10 on IMDb, 96% Rotten Tomatoes approval and 87/100 on Metacritic. Many deem it one of the finest films of 1993 and one of the greatest chase thrillers ever with a devoted following who cherish its excellence and entertainment value. The movie has also influenced countless titles featuring similar motifs.
Awards and Honors
The Fugitive scored seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing and Best Supporting Actor for Tommy Lee Jones who won the Oscar. Other honors include the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor (Jones), MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo (Ford and Jones) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Screenplay.
Where to Watch
The Fugitive can be seen today on:
- DVD and Blu-ray
- Digital rental/purchase via Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, etc.
- Streaming on HBO Max
A Must-See Thriller
The Fugitive is worth watching for any fan of action-packed thrillers, chase films, Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. This classic delivers on its exciting premise through top-notch performances, direction, writing and action sequences. It will keep you glued to your seat rooting for the protagonist and his dogged pursuer alike. The Fugitive is simply great entertainment and a kind of movie you can rewatch endlessly and enjoy just as much each time.
Final Verdict
The Fugitive is an all-time classic thriller displaying Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones’ talents and Andrew Davis’ vision. It has inspired many other films and shows like U.S. Marshals (1998), The Bourne Identity (2002), Prison Break (2005-2017) and The Fugitive (2020). This is essential viewing for any movie lover. Their collaboration resulted in one of the finest films of both their careers and of the genre itself. With its seat-gripping suspense and unforgettable performances, The Fugitive rightfully endures as a sterling example of Hollywood filmmaking that will stand the test of time for movie fans.
FAQs
Q: How many movies have Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones made together?
A: So far, they have made one movie together - The Fugitive (1993).
Q: What was Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones' first movie together?
A: The Fugitive (1993) was their first movie together where they played a fugitive doctor and a US Marshal respectively.
Q: Can you list the Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones movies together?
A: The one movie that they have starred in together is The Fugitive (1993).
Q: Are Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones friends in real life?
A: Yes, they are good friends who respect and admire each other and have fun working together.
Q: Which one of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones movies together was more successful commercially?
A: The Fugitive (1993) was more successful commercially grossing $368.9 million worldwide.
Q: How is Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones on-screen chemistry?
A: They have great on-screen chemistry, creating tension, humor and drama through their interactions and dialogue.
Q: Have Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones won any joint awards?
A: No, they have not won any joint awards but they have both been nominated and won individual awards for their roles in The Fugitive (1993).
Q: Any upcoming movies with Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones together?
A: None confirmed yet.