Bulletproof

Bulletproof

Year: 1988

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Steve Carver

ActionThriller

Improbable Odds. Unstoppable Force. A group of dangerous terrorists succeeds to get hold of a tank of the army and all its crew.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Bulletproof (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bulletproof (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The narrative unfolds in the late Cold War era, marked by covert operations and multinational militarism. Advanced military hardware and CIA involvement place the story in a contemporary setting rather than a distant past. The era’s paranoia and pursuit of strategic leverage drive the plot and its urgency.

Location

Los Angeles, PLA training camp 300 miles south of the Mexican border

The story begins in gritty Los Angeles, reflecting a familiar urban backdrop. It then moves to a secret PLA camp located about 300 miles south of the Mexican border, a harsh, desert-like setting used for insurgent training. The contrast between the city and the remote border outpost underscores the film's Cold War tension and geopolitical stakes.

🏙️ Urban 🌵 Border region

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:59

Main Characters – Bulletproof (1988)

Meet the key characters of Bulletproof (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank 'Bulletproof' McBain (Gary Busey)

A Los Angeles cop and former CIA operative known for surviving gunfire and keeping a collection of failed projectiles. He carries guilt from a botched mission and seeks redemption by risking everything to rescue Shepard and retrieve the tank.

🎭 Hero 🗡️ Survivor 🧭 Investigator

Devon Shepard (Captain) (Darlanne Fluegel)

An American captain who faces hostility in captivity and challenges to her autonomy. Her composure under duress reveals a principled, steadfast leader who fights for emancipation and survival within a brutal operation.

🎖️ Leader 🧭 Resilience 🗼 Courage

Col. Kartiff (Henry Silva)

The Libyan adviser to the PLA leaders, a ruthless figure who distrusts emancipation and uses intimidation to control captives. His presence heightens the film's tension as a cold, calculating antagonist.

⚔️ Villain 🧊 Cruelty 🧰 Military

Gen. Maximiliano Brogado (René Enríquez)

A PLA general who commands the camp and directs the operation with strategic precision. He embodies authoritarian control and the enforcement of the insurgent project.

🗺️ Leader 🧭 Strategy 🧭 Power

Sgt. O'Rourke (L.Q. Jones)

Devon Shepard's ally and fellow soldier who shares the peril of the mission. His loyalty and camaraderie provide a steady counterpoint to the high-stakes negotiations and danger of captivity.

🛡️ Ally 🗡️ Loyalty 🧭 Duty

Sharkey (Danny Trejo)

A ruthless figure connected to the insurgent camp, adding streetwise grit and danger to the operation. His presence raises the stakes for Shepard and McBain as they navigate hostile forces.

🗡️ Antagonist 🧨 Tension 🧭 Intimidation

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:59

Major Themes – Bulletproof (1988)

Explore the central themes of Bulletproof (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎯 Redemption

Frank McBain seeks personal redemption after a mission failure that cost a partner's life. His solo mission to retrieve the bulletproof tank becomes a crucible for atonement, testing his skills, resolve, and willingness to confront past mistakes.

👩‍✈️ Gender & Emancipation

Captain Devon Shepard embodies resilience and independence in a male-dominated operation. The antagonists' disdain for emancipation highlights gender tensions within military power structures and the stakes of personal autonomy in extreme circumstances.

🛰️ Cold War Militarism

The plot revolves around a secret camp, a high-tech tank prototype, and the justification for a bold, covert intervention. It explores how intelligence, force, and political motives intertwine during a period of global ideological conflict.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:59

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Unlock the Full Story of Bulletproof

Don't stop at just watching — explore Bulletproof in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Bulletproof is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Bulletproof Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bulletproof, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Bulletproof Summary

Bulletproof Timeline

Track the full timeline of Bulletproof with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Bulletproof Timeline

More About Bulletproof

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More About Bulletproof