The Fugitive (1993) is the gold standard of cat and mouse movies. It's constantly referred to and parodied in various forms of media. The casting to the film's tone helped make it a recent classic, so read on.
STORY: Dr. Richard Kimble is accused of murdering his wife. He must find out who the real killer is while being hunted down by a savvy US Marshall.
Add this to Harrison Ford's long list of accolades including the likes of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner. He put people in seats at theaters. The Fugitive was another way for him to showcase his acting talents pulling away from sci-fi action thrillers. You can see the emotions Ford goes through as a man who loses everything to having a glimmer of hope.
A "chase" movie is done often, but this film managed to keep it engaging and memorable. I've said this before, but this quote is so true. I was once told, "You don't have to reinvent the wheel to make it interesting." Sure, we enjoy new concepts. The Fugitive isn't a new concept, yet it is interesting.
It's not a globe hopper. It's not just a criminal on the run to evade the police. Dr. Kimble stays in the very area he escaped to solve his wife's murder. That adds a different layer. Boston provides a good setting especially it being around St. Patrick's Day. The green and jolly atmosphere provides a contrast to what's happening in the story. Of course, the most iconic scene has to be 'the sewer tunnel' between Kimble and U.S. Marshall Gerard. Even if you don't have time to watch the whole film, watch this scene below.
Speaking of the U.S. Marshall, that is Tommy Lee Jones Oscar-winning role. I'm happy he won although I'm mum on if he should have won that particular year (Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday in Tombstone). That being said, this is a great performance. It's played straightforward with authority and competence.
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