The start of the Mission Impossible series. In the first film, rookie agent Ethan Hunt gets his first secret mission.
In Mission Impossible 1, a non-official cover list (NOC list) containing the dates and aliases of all CIA agents operating in Eastern Europe is stolen. A rogue CIA agent is the thief.
The traitor from within his own ranks makes his way to Prague to steal the second half of the list of recorded real names of the agents.
In order to identify and arrest those behind this action, the American government sends agents of the so-called special unit “IMF” – Impossible Missions Force.
However, the task force, led by “Team Leader” Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), apparently fails and he and his task force die. The young agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) survives the mission as the only one.
Hunt then contacts CIA officer Kittridge and learns that the only attempt to uncover the traitor within the CIA was through the action.
Hunt now realizes that suspicion could fall on him as the sole survivor of the mission. In order to save his life, Hunt flees to the agreed meeting point of his dead team, only to meet his comrade Claire Phelps (Emmanuelle Béart), who was believed dead.
With time running out, Hunt must find the real traitor to prove his innocence. He contacts the arms dealer Max with the aim of getting on the NOC list.
Hunt is supported by former agents Luther (Ving Rhames) and ex-soldiers (Jean Reno). A cat and mouse game develops in which Hunt is not sure until the very end who is by his side.
Mission Impossible is based in part on the television series Cobra Take Over and On Secret Mission. The film grossed over $458 million worldwide at the box office on a production budget of $80 million.
Mission Impossible: Trailer
The trailer for the first Mission Impossible film shows how it all began. The young agent Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, embarks on a secret mission that will endanger his life.
Mission Impossible: Cast
Inseparably linked to his leading actor Tom Cruise, director De Palma was able to win other character actors such as Jon Voigt (The Rainmaker, Ray Donovan), Jean Reno (Leon the Professional, The Children of Paris), Kristin Scott Thomas (The Horse Whisperer, The House by the Sea) for the first part of Mission Impossible.
Mission Impossible: Awards
In Germany, the film was awarded the “Golden Screen” for its more than 3.3 million cinema-goers. “Mission Impossible” also received the rating “particularly valuable” from the “German Film Rating Office Wiesbaden”.
The world-famous “Mission Impossible Theme” was interpreted by musicians Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen of U2 and is still considered one of Hollywood’s most famous tunes.
The soundtrack also featured Irish rock band The Cranberries alongside Hollywood legend Danny Elfman (Batman Returns soundtrack composer).
The prelude to a major action franchise
Due to the star ensemble of Hollywood greats and the iconic role of Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as well as the revolutionary stunt and action sequences, the film is recommended for all action fans.
| age rating | from 12 years |
| Duration | 110 minutes |
| release | 22 May 1996 |
| budget | $80,000,000 |
| recorded | $457,731,198 |
| Post Credit Scene | ✘ |
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