Ronin (1998)

Ronin (1998) is an action thriller directed by John Frankenheimer and features a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, and Sean Bean. The film follows a group of highly skilled mercenaries, led by Sam (Robert De Niro), who are hired to retrieve a mysterious briefcase that is coveted by several factions.

The team is assembled by a mysterious woman named Deirdre (Natascha McElhone) and includes a French operative named Vincent (Jean Reno), who has his own agenda. As the team attempts to complete their mission, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and shifting alliances. The briefcase’s true significance remains unknown, but it becomes clear that everyone involved has their own hidden motives.

Ronin is noted for its intricate plot, intense action sequences, and particularly its high-octane car chases, which are among the film’s highlights. The film’s title, “Ronin,” refers to masterless samurai in feudal Japan, symbolizing the mercenaries’ own status as men without allegiance or a cause. The movie is praised for its complex narrative, strong performances, and realistic action choreography, making it a standout entry in the action-thriller genre.