Clear and Present Danger

Clear and Present Danger

Year: 1994

Runtime: 141 min

Language: English

Director: Phillip Noyce

Budget: $62M

ActionDramaThriller

CIA Deputy Director Jack Ryan investigates the murder of a businessman, uncovering a conspiracy linked to Colombian cartels. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous world of political maneuvering and covert operations. Facing escalating threats and risking his career and personal safety, Ryan must expose the powerful forces at play and bring them to justice.

Clear and Present Danger (1994) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In a world where the line between diplomatic discourse and clandestine warfare blurs, the United States finds itself entangled in a shadowy conflict that stretches from the marble halls of Capitol Hill to the verdant hills of South America. The stakes are invisible to the public eye, yet the consequences ripple through every level of government, intelligence agencies, and the fragile societies caught in the crossfire. The film’s tone is a tightly wound political thriller, humming with the low‑key urgency of covert meetings, encrypted communications, and the ever‑present hum of surveillance that never quite lets the characters relax.

Jack Ryan steps into the spotlight as a newly appointed Deputy Director of Intelligence, a man whose reputation for analytical brilliance is matched only by his reluctant willingness to step out from behind a desk. When a prominent businessman’s murder draws the attention of the CIA, Ryan is tasked with peeling back the layers of a seemingly isolated crime that hints at a far‑reaching network of illicit activity. His methodical nature and moral compass make him both an asset and a target as he navigates a labyrinth of bureaucratic red tape and hidden agendas.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an entrenched drug trade that reaches up into the highest echelons of power. Behind closed doors, senior officials and covert operatives maneuver to shape policy, launch secret missions, and protect national interests, all while keeping the public in the dark. The atmosphere is thick with tension, as whispers of covert units and off‑the‑books operations suggest that the true battle is being fought far from the public gaze, where alliances shift as quickly as the jungle canopy.

As Ryan pursues the truth, he must balance his duty to his country with the personal risks that come with confronting forces that would rather the darkness stay untouched. The film invites the audience to wonder whether a single man, armed with conviction and intelligence, can unravel a conspiracy that threatens to swallow his career—and his life—whole, leaving the outcome as uncertain as the murky waters of the conflict itself.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:33

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Political Paranoia Thrillers like Clear and Present Danger

Intense thrillers about lone heroes uncovering systemic corruption from within.If you liked the tense, high-stakes betrayal in Clear and Present Danger, this collection features similar movies where a single hero uncovers a dangerous conspiracy from within their own organization. These stories deliver a gripping, urgent atmosphere of political intrigue and moral conflict.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a methodical investigation that escalates into a life-or-death struggle. The protagonist's initial trust in the system is shattered, forcing them to work in the shadows, unsure of who to trust. The climax often involves a pyrrhic victory where the immediate threat is stopped, but the larger, corrupt system remains largely intact.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared tone of tense paranoia, high emotional weight stemming from betrayal, and fast-paced plots centered on political conspiracies. They create a cohesive experience of isolation and moral urgency against a backdrop of powerful, unethical forces.

Movies with Bittersweet Endings like Clear and Present Danger

Stories where the hero wins the battle but the war feels lost.Fans of the poignant, complex ending of Clear and Present Danger will appreciate these films. They deliver satisfying action and resolution but leave you with a heavy, thoughtful feeling about the cost of victory and the persistence of corruption, offering a more realistic and impactful conclusion.

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Narrative Summary

These stories often follow a classic heroic arc, but subvert the typical 'happily ever after' conclusion. The protagonist pays a significant personal or moral price. While the villain may be defeated, the narrative emphasizes that the environment that created them is unchanged, leading to an ending that feels more realistic than celebratory.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional mix: the satisfaction of a hard-won climax combined with the melancholic acknowledgement of enduring problems. This creates a distinct, memorable viewing experience that prioritizes emotional resonance and thematic depth over pure escapism.

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Clear and Present Danger Summary

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Clear and Present Danger Summary

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Clear and Present Danger Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Clear and Present Danger

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Clear and Present Danger

More About Clear and Present Danger

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Discover movies like Clear and Present Danger that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.