Sudden Death

Sudden Death

Year: 1995

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: English

Director: Peter Hyams

DramaThrillerCrimeActionHigh speed and special ops

During a championship hockey game, a father's daughter is seized by armed kidnappers who demand a billion dollars before the final buzzer. He launches a desperate plan, infiltrating the arena, battling the captors and racing against a timed explosive that will detonate if the game ends without his rescue.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Sudden Death (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sudden Death (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1995

The action unfolds during Game 7 of the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks. The night follows a tense, security-driven crisis inside the arena, blending family moments with a high-pressure rescue. The story centers on a birthday gift for Darren McCord's son, grounding the drama in a personal family moment amid chaos.

Location

Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Civic Arena serves as the main stage for the film's climactic events. A historic multipurpose venue in Pittsburgh, it hosts major hockey games and public crowds. In Sudden Death, the arena becomes a high-stakes battleground as hostage-takers seize a VIP suite during a Stanley Cup Finals game.

🏟️ Arena 🗺️ Pittsburgh 🏒 Hockey

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:11

Main Characters – Sudden Death (1995)

Meet the key characters of Sudden Death (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Darren McCord (Jean-Claude Van Damme)

A Pittsburgh fire marshal who becomes a one-man rescue operation during the hostage crisis. He relentlessly pursues Emily, coordinates with Secret Service, and uses his street smarts to disable bombs while battling Foss's men. His courage is fueled by love for his children and a stubborn determination to protect them at all costs.

🧯 Firefighter 👨‍👧 Family Man 🛡️ Protector

Joshua Foss (Powers Boothe)

A ruthless terrorist mastermind who orchestrates the attack and holds a chilling plan to blow up the arena. He manipulates hostages, leverages offshore funds, and taunts Darren as the clock runs out. His downfall comes as the plan collapses during a final confrontation.

🧨 Villain 💣 Mastermind 💰 Corrupt Organizer

Carla (Faith Minton)

The sole female member of the terrorists, disguised as the Iceburgh mascot. She orchestrates the assault, heightening the danger for Darren and the hostages.

🎭 Disguised Terrorist 🎯 Assassin

Tyler McCord (Ross Malinger)

Darren's young son, a spectator whose birthday trip becomes a pivotal emotional anchor for his father. He remains a reminder of what Darren fights to protect even as chaos swirls around the arena.

👦 Son 💙 Family

Emily McCord (Whittni Wright)

Darren's daughter who is kidnapped and placed in a suite with other hostages. Her kidnapping motivates Darren's every move as he navigates the dangers within the arena.

👧 Daughter 🎯 Hostage

Matthew Hallmark (Dorian Harewood)

A Secret Service agent who is revealed to be in league with Foss. He attempts to kidnap Tyler, is confronted and burned by Darren, and ultimately exposed as a traitor within the security team.

🕵️‍♂️ Secret Service 🗯️ Betrayer

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:11

Major Themes – Sudden Death (1995)

Explore the central themes of Sudden Death (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Heroism

A devoted father and public official confronts danger head-on to protect his daughter and other hostages, embodying resilience under extreme pressure.

🚨 Crisis

A coordinated terrorist plot tests security forces, revealing how individuals respond to fear, deception, and the breakdown of order inside a crowded arena.

🎭 Duty vs Family

Darren balances professional duties with his instinct to safeguard loved ones, highlighting personal sacrifice when ordinary rules give way to extraordinary circumstances.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:11

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Unlock the Full Story of Sudden Death

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

Sudden Death Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sudden Death, 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.

Sudden Death Summary

Sudden Death Timeline

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Sudden Death Timeline

Sudden Death Spoiler-Free Summary

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Sudden Death Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sudden Death

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