Entertainment Blog #163 | Mission: Impossible 1 [1996] - Watching for the First Time...

I don't like movies that have a crazy amount of action scenes because it's just action sequences. It's just a roller coaster of action and I don't get a chance to understand the story. That's what I thought of Mission Impossible movies. I tried to change my mind and I was finally able to do that with the release of the new Mission Impossible movie. So now, I'm binge-watching all.. Let's start with the first one.

"Mission: Impossible I," released in 1996, is an American action spy film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise in the lead role of Ethan Hunt. It's the first installment in the "Mission: Impossible" film series, adapted from the 1966–1973 television series of the same name. The film features a stellar cast at that time, including Jon Voight, Henry Czerny, Emmanuelle Béart, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Vanessa Redgrave.

The story begins with a mission gone terribly wrong in Prague, where veteran agent Jim Phelps (Jon Voight) and his Impossible Mission Force aka IMF team are tasked with preventing rogue agent Alexander Golitsyn from stealing the CIA NOC (Non-Official Cover) list. However, the mission ends disastrously, with the team being killed off like it was a set up, leaving Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as the only survivor.

Ethan is branded a traitor and framed for the murders of his teammates. He goes on the run and decides to uncover the truth behind the failed mission. He believes that there's a mole within the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) who planned the mission's failure.

With the help of fellow retired IMF agents and allies, including hacker Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and pilot Franz Krieger (Jean Reno), Ethan embarks on a dangerous mission to expose the real mole, clear his name, and prevent the theft of classified information. Along the way, he must navigate double-crosses, deceptions, scams, and deadly encounters.

"Mission: Impossible" offers a thrilling cinematic experience filled with suspense, action-packed sequences, and conspiracy factors. Brian De Palma's direction adds an element of tension and style to the narrative. Tom Cruise's portrayal of Ethan Hunt as a creative and determined agent resonates with audiences.

The film is remembered for its iconic set pieces, including the bold break-in at the CIA headquarters and the heart-pounding climax aboard a high-speed train. These action sequences, combined with the film's suspenseful plot, create an engaging and immersive experience. Also, the theme music of this movie is iconic..

Upon its release, "Mission: Impossible" received generally positive reviews from critics. While some found the plot complicated, many praised the film for its thrilling action sequences, Cruise's performance, and its ability to capture the spirit of the original television series.

Critics acknowledged that the film successfully adapted the spirit of the TV series into a stylish action film, laying the foundation for a successful film franchise. The iconic theme music and well-executed action scenes were also widely appreciated.

"Mission: Impossible" made a significant impact at the box office. It set records during its release, becoming the first film to open in over 3,000 theaters in the United States at the time. It grossed over $457 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1996.

"Mission: Impossible" is a classic action spy thriller that introduced audiences to the high-stakes world of Ethan Hunt and the IMF. With its suspenseful plot, iconic action sequences, and Tom Cruise's iconic performance, the film remains a beloved entry in the action genre. It laid the groundwork for a successful film franchise that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling missions and impossible challenges.