Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon

Year: 1987

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Donner

ActionThrillerCrime

When straight-laced detective Roger Murtaugh is paired with loose cannon Martin Riggs, the unlikely duo embarks on a high-stakes homicide investigation. As they navigate the dark underworld of drugs and prostitution, their differing approaches lead to explosive confrontations.

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Timeline & Setting – Lethal Weapon (1987)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Lethal Weapon (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern (1980s)

Set in the modern era of the late 1980s, this time period is marked by a complex socio-political landscape, including the aftermath of the Vietnam War and rising drug-related crises. Issues of trust, loyalty, and crime are highlighted in the narrative, portraying how past conflicts shape present-day realities for characters like Riggs and Murtaugh.

Location

Los Angeles, El Mirage Lake, nightclub basement

The movie takes place primarily in Los Angeles, a bustling city known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. El Mirage Lake serves as a location for critical confrontations, showcasing the tension between law enforcement and criminal enterprises. The nightclub basement embodies the dark underbelly of the criminal activities linked to Shadow Company, where illicit exchanges and brutal confrontations transpire.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Nature 🎭 Criminal underworld

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Main Characters – Lethal Weapon (1987)
Meet the key characters of Lethal Weapon (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson)

Martin Riggs is a complex character shaped by the deep sorrow of losing his wife. As a skilled former Special Forces operative, he often balances between recklessness and heroism. His emotional struggles are palpable and evolve him, showing resilience as he learns to trust and rely on his partner, Murtaugh, as they navigate their dangerous situation.

👮‍♂️ Police 🎖️ Veteran 😔 Grief

Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover)

Roger Murtaugh is a seasoned Homicide Sergeant, whose experiences in Vietnam have made him both wise and cautious. Initially doubtful of Riggs’ motivations, he transforms into a supportive ally as they face dangerous enemies together. Murtaugh embodies the theme of resilience and the importance of family, balancing his duties as a police officer with his roles as a father and husband.

👮‍♂️ Police 🎖️ Veteran 👨‍👧‍👦 Family man

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Major Themes – Lethal Weapon (1987)
Explore the central themes of Lethal Weapon (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Friendship

The theme of friendship is central to the story as it explores the evolution of the partnership between Riggs and Murtaugh. Through shared experiences of pain and danger, they gradually move from skepticism to a deep bond of mutual respect. Their unwavering support for each other, especially in life-threatening situations, epitomizes the strength of camaraderie forged in adversity.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a driving theme that underscores the characters' motivations and struggles throughout the film. Riggs and Murtaugh are committed to uncovering the truth behind Amanda's tragic death and bringing those responsible to account. The juxtaposition of their personal experiences with the larger criminal conspiracy reflects a quest for retribution and moral rectitude amid chaos.

💔 Loss

Loss profoundly impacts the characters, particularly Riggs, whose journey begins with the heart-wrenching death of his wife. This emotional trauma propels him into reckless behavior but ultimately becomes a source of strength as he learns to cope with his grief. The tragic fate of Amanda also resonates with the theme, emphasizing the broader consequences of loss within the narrative.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

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