Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger

Year: 1993

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Renny Harlin

ActionAdventureThriller

While scaling the Rocky Mountains, a former mountain rescuer is drawn into a dangerous situation when a seemingly simple rescue mission uncovers a ruthless gang of thieves. They are desperate to recover their stolen treasure, worth $100 million, and will stop at nothing to get it back. He must use all his skills to survive against the gang in the treacherous mountain terrain.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Cliffhanger (1993)

Trace every key event in Cliffhanger (1993) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Climb Begins

Rangers Gabe Walker and Jessie Deighan embark on a mission to assist their friend Hal Tucker and his girlfriend Sarah. They venture into the Colorado Rockies, unaware of the perilous challenges that lie ahead.

Colorado Rockies
2

Hal's Injury

During their climb, Hal suffers a knee injury, leaving the group stranded on a peak. The physical strain escalates the situation, forcing Gabe and Jessie to assess their options to help Hal.

Mountain Peak in Colorado
3

Tragedy Strikes

A tragic accident occurs when part of Sarah's harness breaks, leading to her horrific fall. Gabe witnesses the incident, which leaves him traumatized and deeply guilt-ridden as Hal angrily blames him for the tragedy.

Mountain Peak in Colorado
4

Eight Months Later

After eight months of devastation and guilt, Gabe returns to the ranger station to confront his past. He tries to convince Jessie to come with him, seeking redemption and a fresh start.

Eight Months After Tragedy Ranger Station
5

Urgent Call for Help

Gabe and Jessie receive an urgent call about stranded climbers, prompting Hal to join the rescue effort despite his lingering resentment towards Gabe. The atmosphere is tense as they prepare for another treacherous climb.

Ranger Station
6

The Distress Call Revelation

Upon their ascent, the team uncovers that the distress call was orchestrated by a group of ruthless international thieves. Led by the deranged Eric Qualen, they are planning to steal a fortune in freshly printed bills.

Mountain Range
7

The Heist Plan

Qualen's crew reveals their twisted plan to steal three suitcases containing over $100 million, lost in the wake of a plane crash. This revelation catapults Gabe and Hal into a life-threatening race against time.

Mountain Range
8

First confrontation

Gabe and Hal navigate dangerous confrontations with Qualen's men, increasing the stakes of their survival. They must use their wits along with beacon locators to find the scattered cash on the treacherous slopes.

Mountain Peaks
9

Avalanche and Loss

A harrowing avalanche strikes during their pursuit, resulting in the loss of one of their own. This shock intensifies the looming threat of violence from Qualen’s gang, as Gabe and Hal race against the elements.

Mountain Area
10

Outsmarting the Adversaries

As night falls, Gabe and Jessie utilize old mountaineering gear and their ingenuity to outsmart Qualen’s men. Their strategic moves show resilience even in the bitter cold and danger surrounding them.

Rocky Mountains
11

The 'Trade' Provocation

In an act of defiance, Gabe and Jessie cunningly taunt Qualen’s gang by emptying one of the suitcase's contents, leaving only a single bill. This moment becomes a significant turning point in their struggle against intimidation.

Mountain Hideout
12

Tragic Reunion

Hal reunites with friends in a desperate attempt to find safety, but he becomes a firsthand witness to Qualen’s merciless tactics. The brutal attacks heighten the narrative stakes as the threat looms ever closer.

Mountain Base
13

Harsh Decisions

Facing increasing peril, Hal and Gabe make harrowing decisions to outmaneuver Qualen and his ruthless crew. These choices push them both to their limits, emphasizing the high stakes of their rescue mission.

Rocky Mountains
14

Final Showdown

In a dramatic climax, Gabe and Hal confront Qualen with their lives hanging in the balance. They battle both physical foes and their inner demons, culminating in a fierce fight for survival atop a cliffside bridge.

Cliffside Bridge
15

Moments of Solace

After the chaos subsides and with rescue impending, Gabe, Hal, and Jessie find a moment of solace together atop the mountain. This reflective moment evokes happier memories, emphasizing their enduring bond despite the trauma they faced.

Mountain Summit

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 00:18

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Cliffhanger Summary

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Cliffhanger Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cliffhanger

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cliffhanger

More About Cliffhanger

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