Never Say Die

Never Say Die

Year: 1988

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

ComedyAction

Investigative journalist Alf Winters (Morrison) meets his American girlfriend Melissa Jones (Eilbacher) at Auckland airport, only to watch the house they park beside explode. Unknown forces are determined to kill them, while the police are either doubtful or complicit. The duo races across New Zealand, evading stalkers in a series of car chases, plane crashes, gun battles and massive explosions.

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Timeline & Setting – Never Say Die (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Never Say Die (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

New Zealand, Waiheke Island, West Coast of the South Island, Auckland

The story unfolds across multiple New Zealand locations—from the couple's return near Auckland to a remote retreat on Waiheke Island, then across the rugged West Coast of the South Island before circling back to Auckland. The landscape shifts between suburban interiors and expansive coastlines, amplifying the sense of pursuit and danger. This setting leverages real geography to ground the high-speed chase and survival stakes in tangible places.

🌍 New Zealand setting 🗺️ Varied locations 🚗 Road movie vibe 🏔️ Coastline and rural landscapes

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:33

Main Characters – Never Say Die (1988)

Meet the key characters of Never Say Die (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alf Winters (Temuera Morrison)

Paranoid and protective, Alf escalates from suspicion to action, arming himself and constructing tripwires as he pursues a dangerous truth. His fixation on uncovering who is behind the explosion strains his relationship with Melissa and pushes him toward increasingly risky decisions.

🧠 Paranoid 🗺️ Determined 🔫 Armed

Melissa Jones (Lisa Eilbacher)

Calm and resilient, Melissa anchors the relationship amid escalating peril. She navigates fear and loyalty, seeking safety while supporting Alf’s quest for answers, even as the danger closes in.

💖 Loyal 🛡️ Protective 🌊 Resourceful

Insp. Evans (Tony Barry)

Initially skeptical of Alf, Evans embodies bureaucratic doubt as evidence accumulates. His growing suspicion eventually aligns with Alf's, revealing a deeper conspiracy behind the attack and assassination attempts.

🧭 Skeptical ⚖️ Persistent 👁️ Investigator

Hunter (Ian Richard Stewart)

A hunter drawn into the conflict, he becomes a pivotal adversary whose presence accelerates the danger. His role amplifies the stakes, culminating in a confrontation that shifts the balance of the pursuit.

🏹 Hunter 🐾 Dangerous 🔪 Tense

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:33

Major Themes – Never Say Die (1988)

Explore the central themes of Never Say Die (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Paranoia

Alf's mounting suspicion and belief that the explosion was deliberate propel the narrative, driving his actions and straining his relationship with authorities. The tension stems from a clash between rational police skepticism and Alf's obsessive need to uncover the truth.

💥 Pursuit

A relentless cross-country chase unfolds across cities, coastlines, and remote properties. Car chases, traps, and near misses escalate the danger, testing endurance and resolve for Alf and Melissa as they try to stay one step ahead.

🕶️ 007 Influence

The plot weaves in spy-film tropes and references to 007, framing the danger as a high-stakes covert operation. The narrative uses gadgetry, coded cues, and sleek adversaries to evoke a blockbuster-like sense of conspiracy and danger.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:33

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Never Say Die Summary

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Never Say Die Summary

Never Say Die Timeline

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Never Say Die Timeline

More About Never Say Die

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Never Say Die (1988) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Never Say Die (1988) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Never Say Die (1988) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow