Parting Shots

Parting Shots

Year: 1999

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Winner

RomanceCrimeComedyCrude humor and satireAmusing jokes and witty satire

After being told he has only three months left with cancer, failed photographer Harry Sterndale decides to settle old scores. He begins eliminating those who hurt him, hires a hitman to end his life in style, and falls for Jill. When the diagnosis proves false, Harry is pursued by the assassin he hired and questioned by police about the murders.

Parting Shots (1999) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Parting Shots (1999) 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 shadowed corridors of a city that feels both familiar and oddly detached, a once‑celebrated photographer confronts a stark, unexpected verdict: he has only months left to live. Harry Sterndale watches his world shrink, his once‑steady career now a series of missed opportunities and lingering regrets. The diagnosis forces him to confront the lingering bitterness of past betrayals, and the streets around him pulse with a blend of grim realism and a darkly witty undercurrent that suggests anything might happen when a man has nothing left to lose.

Amidst this unsettling backdrop, Harry encounters Jill, a woman whose own scars echo his own, and whose presence offers a fragile spark of connection in an otherwise bleak tableau. Their interactions unfold against a setting that balances sleek urban sophistication with a gritty, almost noir‑like atmosphere, hinting at both the allure and the danger of a relationship forged under pressure. As they navigate the city’s understated elegance and its hidden cracks, a tentative romance blooms, providing both a respite from and a reminder of the perilous choices looming ahead.

Behind the scenes, an unseen tension begins to tighten. The promise of a final, stylized exit draws a mysterious hitman into Harry’s orbit, while the ever‑watchful eyes of law enforcement linger, probing the edges of his newfound resolve. The film glides between moments of sardonic humor and stark intensity, cultivating a tone that is as much about the ticking clock of mortality as it is about the uneasy dance between desperation and desire. In this world, every glance, every whispered promise, hints at a climax that remains just out of reach, leaving the audience poised on the edge of anticipation.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:30

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Parting Shots

Don't stop at just watching — explore Parting Shots in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Parting Shots is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Parting Shots Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Parting Shots, 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.

Parting Shots Summary

Parting Shots Timeline

Track the full timeline of Parting Shots with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Parting Shots Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Parting Shots

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Parting Shots. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Parting Shots

More About Parting Shots

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Parting Shots: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Parting Shots