Ricochet

Ricochet

Year: 1991

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Russell Mulcahy

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

When a stray bullet fired by an undocumented immigrant injures a young woman on San Francisco's Pier 14, it ignites a media frenzy and intensifies political debate. Two determined public defenders find themselves navigating a chaotic situation as they work to uncover the truth and fight for justice. Their pursuit is complicated by the intense public scrutiny and pressure surrounding the case.

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Timeline & Setting – Ricochet (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ricochet (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1983

The story is set in the early 1980s, a period marked by escalating crime rates and social unrest in urban America. This timeframe reflects the struggles against systemic issues, particularly within impoverished neighborhoods. The 80s also saw the rise of new political figures aiming to tackle these pressing challenges while community dynamics began to shift.

Location

Los Angeles, Watts Towers, South Central Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry and diverse cultures. South Central Los Angeles, in particular, is characterized by its vibrant streets and community challenges. The Watts Towers are a significant landmark in the area, recognized for their unique art and symbolic connection to the community.

🏙️ City 🏰 Landmark 🌆 Neighborhood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Main Characters – Ricochet (1991)

Meet the key characters of Ricochet (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nick Styles (Denzel Washington)

Nick Styles is a determined and ambitious rookie officer who aspires to balance his career in law enforcement with personal growth. His integrity and commitment to justice become central to the plot as he faces the repercussions of his choices. Throughout the film, Nick's character evolves from a local hero to a victim of circumstance, ultimately fighting to reclaim his life and family.

👮‍♂️ Officer 📚 Law Student 💔 Family Man

Earl Talbot Blake (John Lithgow)

Earl Talbot Blake is a cunning and ruthless hitman whose actions set off a chain of violent events. His character embodies the darker aspects of crime and vengeance, seeking not only retribution against Nick but also control over his chaotic existence. Blake's strategic mind makes him a formidable adversary, contrasting sharply with Nick's pursuit of justice.

🔫 Hitman 😈 Villain 📉 Manipulator

Alice (Victoria Dillard)

Alice is Nick's supportive wife, representing the emotional backbone of his tumultuous life. Her character showcases resilience and nurturing, especially as Nick's world spirals out of control. Alice's presence symbolizes the familial bonds that tie Nick to his moral foundation, even as he faces mounting challenges.

👩‍👧‍👧 Mother ❤️ Supportive 🏠 Family

Odessa (Ice-T)

Odessa is Nick's childhood friend, whose descent into the criminal world creates a complex past for Nick. Although he represents both loyalty and betrayal, his journey ultimately leads him back to Nick as a means of redemption. Odessa's character highlights the difficult choices and societal pressures that can alter life paths.

👥 Friend ⚖️ Criminal 🔄 Redeemer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Major Themes – Ricochet (1991)

Explore the central themes of Ricochet (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice runs throughout the film as Nick Styles navigates the intricate relationship between his career in law enforcement and his quest for personal redemption. It explores the impact of public perception and the nature of heroism in a world fraught with betrayal and manipulation. In the end, Nick's fight for honesty and clarity serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of truth.

🗽 Redemption

Nick's journey symbolizes the struggle for redemption amidst overwhelming adversity. After being framed and publicly shamed, he seeks to reclaim his reputation and protect his family. This theme highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring hope for a second chance, no matter how dire the circumstances.

🔗 Friendship

The evolving friendship between Nick and Odessa reflects the complexities of loyalty and the consequences of choices. As Odessa moves further into a world of crime, their paths diverge, ultimately leading to a fragile alliance. The film examines how friendships can be tested under pressure and how shared histories can pave the way for unexpected alliances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Unlock the Full Story of Ricochet

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ricochet 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 Ricochet is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ricochet Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ricochet, 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.

Ricochet Summary

Ricochet Timeline

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

Ricochet Timeline

More About Ricochet

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ricochet: 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 Ricochet

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