Watch Cold Sweat
- PG
- 1970
- 1 hr 34 min
-
5.7 (3,157)
Cold Sweat is a riveting action thriller movie that stars Charles Bronson, James Mason, and Liv Ullmann. Directed by Terence Young and released in 1970, the film is based on the novel "Ride the Nightmare" by Richard Matheson. The plot follows Joe Martin (Charles Bronson), a former member of the French Resistance who now lives a quiet life in the French countryside with his wife Fabienne (Liv Ullmann). One day, he receives a telegram from an old friend named Paul (James Mason) who asks him to come to Paris to discuss a business proposal. Despite Fabienne's objections, Joe decides to go. However, when he arrives in Paris, Paul reveals that he wants Joe to participate in a heist of a bank in Marseilles. Paul has already gathered a team of experienced criminals to carry out the operation, but he needs Joe's help to transport the loot across the border into Italy. Joe refuses to participate, but Paul kidnaps Fabienne to force him to change his mind.
Joe then embarks on a desperate race against time to save his wife and stop the heist. Joined by a young woman named Christine (Michèle Mercier) who also wants to foil the robbery, Joe travels to Marseilles and tries to outsmart Paul and his gang. However, the heist is already in progress and Joe is forced to use all his skills and knowledge from the resistance days to outmaneuver the ruthless criminals.
Cold Sweat is an intense and suspenseful movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Charles Bronson delivers a powerful performance as Joe Martin, a man who is forced to confront his past and use his experience as a fighter to protect his loved ones. He portrays Joe as a stoic and calm man who is determined to do the right thing no matter the cost. Bronson's acting is supported by the rest of the cast, particularly James Mason as the cold and calculating mastermind behind the heist and Liv Ullmann as Joe's vulnerable wife who becomes a pawn in the criminals' game.
The movie's action scenes are also impressive, with Terence Young expertly directing the chase and fight sequences. The scenes set in the narrow streets of Marseilles are particularly thrilling, as Joe and Christine try to outmaneuver the crooks while avoiding getting caught or killed. The film's soundtrack, composed by Michel Magne, adds to the tension and helps to keep the audience engaged.
However, what sets Cold Sweat apart from other action thrillers of its time is its exploration of the themes of guilt, redemption, and the scars of war. Joe's character is haunted by the memories of his past in the French Resistance and the atrocities he witnessed and committed. Despite his desire to lead a quiet life, he is forced to confront his demons again and put his skills to the test. The film also raises questions about the morality of violence and whether it is ever justified, even in the face of evil.
Overall, Cold Sweat is an excellent action thriller that still holds up well today. It is a gripping and intense movie that is not only entertaining, but also thought-provoking. If you're a fan of Charles Bronson or just love old-school action movies, then this is definitely one worth checking out.
Cold Sweat is a 1970 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.