Hard to Kill

Hard to Kill

Year: 1990

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Bruce Malmuth

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

Awakening from a coma, detective Mason Storm discovers his life irrevocably changed: his wife is dead, and his career is over. With the aid of nurse Andy Stewart, he begins a difficult recovery while seeking vengeance against the corrupt officials and a powerful politician responsible for his downfall. As he investigates, Storm’s quest for justice escalates, promising a dangerous and violent confrontation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Hard to Kill (1990)

Trace every key event in Hard to Kill (1990) 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

Mason's Investigation

In 1983, Los Angeles police detective Mason Storm is actively investigating a significant mob meeting at a pier. Armed with his video camera, he captures crucial evidence of corruption, including a shadowy figure asserting political backing.

1983 Los Angeles Pier
2

The Robbery Incident

While stopping at a store, Mason encounters a violent robbery where a clerk is shot. Displaying courage, he intervenes to prevent further bloodshed, showcasing his determination to protect the innocent.

Convenience Store
3

Home Celebration

Excited to celebrate with his wife Felicia and their son, Mason heads home after the store incident. However, his happiness is short-lived as he stashes the incriminating tape away in a hidden spot for safekeeping.

Mason's Home
4

The Assassination Attempt

Chaos erupts in Mason's home when a hit squad of corrupt policemen arrives, targeting him. They brutally murder Felicia, leaving Mason critically injured while young Sonny manages to find a hiding spot.

Mason's Home
5

Mason Declared Dead

At the hospital, doctors declare Mason dead, but unbeknownst to everyone, he is in a coma. Lt. O'Malley learns of this and is instructed to protect Mason's identity due to the ongoing threat against him.

Hospital
6

The Conspiracy Unfolds

Senator Vernon Trent, who has become more powerful over the past seven years, is revealed to be involved in the conspiracy against Mason. This connection deepens the intrigue surrounding Mason's apparent death.

Seven years later
7

Mason Awakens

Mason miraculously awakens from his coma, discovering his weakened condition and the ongoing threats to his life. With the help of nurse Andy, he escapes from the hospital to protect himself.

Hospital
8

Recovery in Seclusion

Mason and Andy retreat to a secluded mountain home to help him recuperate. Utilizing acupuncture and meditation, Mason works to regain his strength while feeling the weight of unfinished business.

Mountain Home
9

Vow of Revenge

While recovering, Mason sees a campaign ad for Senator Trent and recognizes his voice. Fueled by anger, he vows to take revenge, declaring that he will take Trent to the blood bank.

10

Reuniting with O'Malley

After regaining some strength, Mason meets with Lt. O'Malley, who informs him that his son Sonny is alive and well. O'Malley has been safeguarding Sonny to ensure his safety from the corrupt officers.

11

Retrieving Evidence

Mason prepares for his confrontation with Senator Trent by returning to his former home. Disguised as real estate agents, he retrieves the long-buried video camera containing vital evidence against Trent.

Mason's Former Home
12

O'Malley's Fate

In a tragic turn, Mason learns that O'Malley has been shot while handing the incriminating tape to Andy for safekeeping. The weight of betrayal and the urgency of the situation fuel Mason's drive for revenge.

13

Confrontation with Corruption

Mason finally locates his son and confronts the corrupt officers responsible for their pain. The series of intense confrontations leads him closer to Senator Trent, as Mason eliminates those standing in his way.

14

Final Showdown

As Mason infiltrates Senator Trent's mansion, he carefully dispatches Trent's guards, leading to a fierce confrontation with Jack Axel. This explosive showdown culminates in Axel's violent demise, marking a turning point for Mason.

Senator Trent's Mansion
15

Justice is Served

With Trent in his sights, Mason holds him at gunpoint as police arrive. Instead of arresting Mason, they take Senator Trent into custody, bringing justice to the forefront and allowing Mason to reunite with his son and Andy.

Senator Trent's Mansion

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 11:26

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Righteous Revenge Movies Like Hard to Kill

Betrayed heroes rise from tragedy to deliver brutal, cathartic vengeance.Explore action thrillers and dramas about characters pushed to the edge by tragic betrayal. If you liked Hard to Kill, you'll enjoy these movies where a broken hero methodically rebuilds their strength and seeks brutal, cathartic vengeance against a corrupt system.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a devastating act of betrayal, such as the murder of a loved one, which shatters the protagonist's world. After a period of vulnerability (like a coma or imprisonment), they begin a grueling physical and mental recovery, often aided by an ally. The plot then follows their meticulous, step-by-step plan to dismantle the organization or individuals responsible, leading to a final, high-stakes confrontation that delivers clear justice.

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Movies in this thread share a core emotional arc: a heavy, traumatic loss ignites a righteous fury that fuels the entire story. They blend high-intensity action with a deeply personal, emotional drive, creating a tense and gritty experience that builds toward a hopeful and cathartic conclusion. The focus is on the methodical, almost ritualistic, nature of the revenge journey.

Corrupt System Thrillers Similar to Hard to Kill

A lone hero uncovers a deep conspiracy and takes on powerful, untouchable enemies.Discover gripping thrillers where a lone fighter takes on a powerful and corrupt establishment. If you enjoyed the conspiracy and political scandal in Hard to Kill, these movies deliver tense action and high stakes as a single hero battles against a seemingly invincible enemy.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around the discovery of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power. The protagonist is framed, hunted, or nearly killed to silence them, forcing them to become a fugitive. Relying on their wits and combat prowess as a 'one-man army,' they gather evidence and pick off the conspirators one by one, leading to a final confrontation that exposes the entire corrupt network.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the core conflict of an individual versus an institutional evil. They generate tension through constant suspense and life-or-death stakes, as the hero can trust no one. The pacing is fast, driven by chase sequences and violent set-pieces, and the tone is consistently tense and paranoid, focusing on the thrill of seeing a powerful, unjust system get its comeuppance.

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Hard to Kill Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hard to Kill, 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.

Hard to Kill Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hard to Kill

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Hard to Kill

Hard to Kill Spoiler-Free Summary

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Hard to Kill Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hard to Kill

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