National Treasure

National Treasure

Year: 2004

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

Director: Jon Turteltaub

ActionAdventureThriller

As the clock ticks down, a brilliant historian finds himself in a heart-pumping quest to unearth the elusive Templar Treasure, pursued by ruthless mercenaries who will stop at nothing to claim it.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – National Treasure (2004)
Explore the full timeline and setting of National Treasure (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present Day, 1974

The film is set in the present day, contrasted with key flashbacks to 1974 that reveal past clues about the treasure. It explores the legacy of treasure hunting through the generations, particularly highlighting the evolution from Benjamin's grandfather's hints to modern-day escapades.

Location

Arctic, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston

The movie spans multiple significant locations, including the Arctic, where a colonial ship is found encased in ice. Philadelphia serves as a critical site for uncovering clues related to Benjamin Franklin's letters and the Liberty Bell. New York City hosts the mysterious Trinity Church, while Boston is linked to the Old North Church, each playing a vital role in the treasure hunt.

🏛️ Historical ⛵ Maritime 🌍 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Main Characters – National Treasure (2004)
Meet the key characters of National Treasure (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Benjamin Franklin Gates

A passionate historian and aspiring treasure hunter, Benjamin is dedicated to uncovering the hidden national treasure entrusted to his family. He is resourceful, determined, and often faces difficult moral choices. Driven by his family's legacy, he shows resilience even in the face of doubt from others.

💡 Intelligent 🗺️ Adventurous

Riley Poole

As Benjamin's loyal and witty friend, Riley serves as the comic relief in the story while providing crucial support in their treasure hunt. He embodies the spirit of adventure and ingenuity, often coming up with outlandish ideas that help propel the plot. His enthusiasm for the quest is infectious.

😂 Humorous 🔧 Resourceful

Dr. Abigail Chase

A determined and intelligent archivist at the National Archives, Abigail becomes an unexpected ally in the treasure hunt. She is skeptical at first but grows to trust Benjamin, providing critical insights that aid in unraveling the mystery. Abigail balances a professional demeanor with a growing personal connection to Benjamin.

📜 Knowledgeable ❤️ Supportive

Patrick Henry Gates

Benjamin's father, who initially discourages his son from pursuing the family treasure-hunting legacy due to past failures. Over the course of the film, he faces his own doubts and ultimately reconciles with Benjamin's ambitions, helping to support his quest. His evolution reflects themes of belief and acceptance.

👨‍👦 Familial 🎓 Wise

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Major Themes – National Treasure (2004)
Explore the central themes of National Treasure (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Adventure

Adventure plays a central theme as Benjamin and his allies embark on a thrilling quest for national treasure. Their journey is filled with perilous situations, cryptic clues, and the pursuit of historical artifacts, capturing the essence of exploration and discovery. The excitement of uncovering buried secrets drives the narrative forward.

🔍 Legacy

The theme of legacy is woven throughout the film, showcasing the weight of familial expectations and the pursuit of a family's long-standing tradition. Benjamin grapples with his heritage and the desire to prove himself within a lineage of treasure hunters, revealing the challenges and motivations that come with legacy.

🤝 Trust

The dynamics of trust are explored through the relationships between the characters, especially between Benjamin, Riley, and Abigail. The film portrays the tension of working with others who may have ulterior motives, ultimately highlighting the importance of loyalty and camaraderie in achieving shared goals.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

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