Watch Juggernaut
- PG
- 1974
- 1 hr 49 min
-
6.6 (6,432)
Juggernaut is an intense thriller of the highest order, released in 1974. Directed by Richard Lester, whose best-known works include A Hard Dayâs Night, Juggernaut stars Richard Harris as Lieutenant John McLeod, and Omar Sharif as the head of the Bomb Squad. The movie's plot revolves around a transatlantic ocean liner laden with explosive charges, which is taken hostage by a group of terrorists. The passengers and crew of the ship are held hostage for a hefty ransom, while the authorities race against time to locate the bombs and defuse them before detonation.
The movie starts with a bombastic score, introducing viewers to the opulent and lavish world of the ocean liner. As the camera pans around the ship, we get to see glimpses of the passengers' lives, their hopes, and aspirations for the future. However, this idyllic world is soon shattered when a group of terrorists, led by the charismatic Fallon, played by Anthony Hopkins, hijack the ship. The terrorists demand a ransom of five million dollars, failing which they will detonate the explosives.
The authorities on the mainland are alerted to the kidnapping, and soon the police and the bomb squad are racing against time to defuse the bombs before the terrorists activate them. Lieutenant McLeod, played by Richard Harris, is a seasoned veteran of the bomb squad, with many successful missions under his belt. However, with the clock ticking, and the stakes higher than ever, McLeod will need to push himself to the limit to defuse the bombs.
As the movie progresses, the tension mounts, and the passengers and crew of the ship are pushed to breaking point. As the terrorists make threats and the bomb squad makes dangerous attempts to dismantle the explosives, fear and uncertainty grip the passengers.
Juggernaut is a taut and claustrophobic thriller that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat throughout. The movie benefits from a solid cast, including Richard Harris, Omar Sharif, and Anthony Hopkins, who deliver performances that perfectly capture the essence of their respective roles.
Richard Harris is outstanding as Lieutenant John McLeod, and his portrayal of the tough-as-nails bomb disposal expert is both believable and compelling. Harris brings a sense of gravitas to the role, and he is equally at ease when dealing with the terrorists and helping the passengers.
Omar Sharif delivers a nuanced performance as the head of the bomb squad, and his character's vast knowledge and expertise in bomb disposal are put to the test in this movie. Sharif manages to convey the intelligence and urgency required for his character, and his performance is a standout feature of the movie.
Anthony Hopkins is no slouch either, and his portrayal of the terrorist leader Fallon is chilling and menacing. Hopkins perfectly captures the sociopathic tendencies of his character, and his performance is one of the highlights of the movie.
The movie's pacing is another notable feature, with the tension being ratcheted up with each passing scene. The script is tight, and the action never lets up, keeping the viewers hooked from start to finish.
Overall, Juggernaut is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre, and it remains one of the classics of the genre to this day. With its excellent cast, gripping storyline, and outstanding direction, Juggernaut is a movie that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats right until the very end.
Juggernaut is a 1974 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.