Kiss of Death

Kiss of Death

Year: 1995

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Barbet Schroeder

ThrillerDramaCrimeCrime

Little Junior Brown rules the streets and the criminal game, but he isn’t the only player. Ex‑con Jimmy Kilmartin wants a fresh start yet accepts a risky driving job to protect a friend threatened by Brown. When the job falls apart, Jimmy is blamed, his life unravels, and the police chase him, still after Little Junior Brown.

Kiss of Death (1995) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Kiss of Death (1995) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the restless streets of Queens, the city pulses with a gritty energy that feels both familiar and unforgiving. Shadows of past crimes linger in alleyways, and the ever‑present hum of traffic masks the quiet negotiations that keep the underworld humming. Within this concrete maze, power is measured not by wealth alone but by the ability to command respect—and fear—on every corner.

_ Jimmy Kilmartin_ returns to the neighborhood after serving time, determined to rebuild a life that once slipped through his fingers. A former inmate with a history of alcoholism, he now clings to the hope of redemption, balancing the demands of an ordinary existence with the lingering weight of his reputation. His resolve is tested when the fragile stability of his world is threatened by forces he thought he had left behind.

When a desperate request comes from a close friend, Jimmy is drawn into a risky driving job designed to shield that friend from the looming menace of Little Junior Brown, the street‑level kingpin whose influence casts a long shadow over the borough. The agreement feels like a chance to prove his loyalty while staying on the straight‑and‑narrow path he has been carving out for himself.

However, the plan quickly unravels, and the consequences ripple outward. Suddenly, Jimmy finds himself blamed for a fallout he never intended, thrust into the crosshairs of both the law and the relentless pursuit of Brown’s empire. The police close in, and the chase forces him to confront a world he hoped to escape, setting the stage for a tense struggle between survival, conscience, and the unforgiving rhythm of the city.

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 at 15:12

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Desperate Underworld Survival movies like Kiss of Death

Protagonists trapped in a criminal world with no easy way out.If you liked the gritty fight for survival in Kiss of Death, explore more movies where characters are trapped in the criminal underworld. These similar crime thrillers and dramas feature protagonists facing impossible choices, corrupt systems, and relentless threats, capturing that same desperate and tense mood.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist, often an ex-con or reluctant participant, who is pulled back into a world of organized crime. Their attempts to break free or protect loved ones are systematically thwarted, leading to a series of escalating crises where survival hinges on dangerous alliances and morally grey actions.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared mood of desperation and high-stakes tension within a criminal setting. They feature a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and a steady pacing that methodically tightens the vise around the main character, creating a cohesive experience of gritty, high-intensity survival stories.

Bittersweet Redemption stories like Kiss of Death

Characters achieve a partial victory, but it comes with profound loss.Fans of the costly resolution in Kiss of Death will appreciate these movies with bittersweet endings. Discover similar dramas and thrillers where characters pay a heavy price for their freedom or redemption, resulting in emotionally heavy conclusions that are poignant rather than purely happy or sad.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative arc involves a character seeking a fresh start or aiming to correct a past wrong. Their path is fraught with severe consequences, often including the loss of loved ones or their own innocence. The climax provides a form of resolution—perhaps safety or vengeance—but it is undercut by the immense personal cost, resulting in an emotionally complex and resonant ending.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their shared emotional journey towards a bittersweet conclusion. They balance a dark, heavy tone with a narrative structure that allows for a partial victory, creating a specific and impactful viewing experience defined by the high cost of redemption and the weight of consequences.

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Kiss of Death Summary

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Kiss of Death Summary

Kiss of Death Timeline

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Kiss of Death Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Kiss of Death

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Kiss of Death

More About Kiss of Death

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