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The Evil That Men Do (1984) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Evil That Men Do (1984) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1984 · 90 min · Spanish
JustWatch #25,713 1
Directed by
J. Lee Thompson
Starring
Charles Bronson, Jorge Luke, John Glover, Joseph Maher, José Ferrer, Antoinette Bower

Two hardened hitmen find themselves responsible for protecting the daughter of a powerful cartel boss. Their dangerous mission involves navigating a violent underworld and facing considerable risk as they attempt to return her safely. The stakes are incredibly high, and failure carries devastating consequences, forcing them to confront the dark reality of their profession and the potential for lasting repercussions.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like The Evil That Men Do
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Evil That Men Do (1984)

Where can you watch The Evil That Men Do? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV and Amazon MX Player: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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5 main characters · contains spoilers

The Evil That Men Do Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Evil That Men Do (1984), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Holland

    Holland is a retired hitman drawn back into violence under dire circumstances. His deep sense of justice compels him to confront the evils inflicted by Molloch. Despite his brutal past, he shows care and protectiveness toward Rhiana and Sarah, revealing a complex character driven by love and vengeance.

    • 🔫 Skilled
    • 💔 Protector
    • 🗡️ Ruthless
  • Jorge Hidalgo

    played by Jorge Luke

    Jorge Hidalgo is a journalist whose gruesome fate ignites the fire of vengeance in Holland. His suffering serves as a catalyst for the narrative, showcasing the consequences of exposing dark truths and the very real dangers faced by those who challenge corrupt powers.

    • 📰 Journalist
    • 💔 Victim
    • 🔍 Truth-seeker
  • Rhiana

    Rhiana, Jorge's widow, embodies resilience and determination. Initially afraid of Holland's violent methods, she ultimately aligns with him to confront Molloch, demonstrating courage in the face of fear. Her maternal instincts drive her mission to protect her child, Sarah, while seeking justice for Jorge.

    • 👩‍👧 Mother
    • 💪 Resilient
    • 🛡️ Protector
  • Clement Molloch

    played by José Ferrer

    Clement Molloch, known as 'The Doctor,' is a sadistic antagonist whose cruelty is evident in his ruthless torture methods. He represents the embodiment of evil that the protagonists strive to confront. His powerful connections and violent tendencies create a formidable obstacle for Holland and his allies.

    • 😈 Villain
    • 💼 Corrupt
    • ⚔️ Sadistic
  • Max Ortiz

    played by Enrique Lucero

    Max Ortiz, a reliable ally to Holland, offers crucial support in navigating the treacherous landscape they face. His knowledge of the underworld, including connections to the cockfighting ring, positions him as a valuable asset in the pursuit of Molloch. He represents the theme of camaraderie amidst chaos.

    • 🤝 Ally
    • ⚡ Resourceful
    • 🦸‍♂️ Supportive

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:16

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Setting

Where and When Does The Evil That Men Do Take Place?

The setting of The Evil That Men Do (1984): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, utilizing modern elements like technology and current geopolitical issues. The narrative incorporates real-world elements of crime, violence, and the personal stakes of the characters, highlighting ongoing issues faced by victims of brutality and corruption.

Location

Suriname, Cayman Islands, Guatemala, Chile, Asia, Magdalena

The movie takes place in several intense and contrasting locations. Suriname serves as the backdrop for brutal confrontations and torture, while the picturesque Cayman Islands offer moments of serenity and retreat. Guatemala, with its underbelly of crime represented by cockfighting rings, adds to the danger, and the village of Magdalena becomes a vital refuge in the protagonists' quest for safety.

  • 🌴 Islands
  • 🏞️ Locations
  • 🏝️ Exotic

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:16

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3 major themes

The Evil That Men Do Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Evil That Men Do (1984) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Vengeance

    The film revolves around the theme of vengeance as Holland embarks on a relentless mission to confront Molloch after the tragic fate of Jorge Hidalgo. Driven by the desire to bring justice to Molloch’s past victims, including Jorge and Claire, the narrative showcases the lengths to which one will go for revenge, illustrating both the pain and determination involved.

  • Corruption

    Corruption serves as a sinister undercurrent throughout the movie, exemplified by the bribed US ambassador who sends hitmen after Holland and Rhiana. This theme highlights the interplay between power and morality, revealing how individuals can manipulate systems to achieve their nefarious goals, impacting innocent lives severely.

  • Family

    Family plays a pivotal role in motivating the characters’ actions, particularly Holland and Rhiana’s quest to protect Sarah. The ties of love, loss, and responsibility shape individual decisions, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds in the face of peril, as they endeavor to rescue loved ones and seek a path to safety.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:16

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Character & theme questions

The Evil That Men Do Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Evil That Men Do (1984): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is The Evil That Men Do set?

The movie takes place across multiple international locations. Suriname serves as the backdrop for brutal confrontations and torture scenes, while the Cayman Islands offer moments of serenity. Guatemala, with its dangerous underworld represented by cockfighting rings, adds to the threat level, and a small village called Magdalena becomes a vital refuge for the protagonists.

  • setting
  • locations
  • suriname
  • cayman islands
  • guatemala
Q2

What time period does The Evil That Men Do take place in?

The movie is set in a contemporary timeframe, featuring modern technology and current geopolitical issues. The narrative incorporates real-world elements of crime, violence, and the personal stakes of the characters, grounded in a present-day setting.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern era
Q3

What are the main themes of The Evil That Men Do?

The film explores three primary themes. Vengeance drives Holland's mission to confront Molloch after the death of journalist Jorge Hidalgo. Corruption serves as a sinister undercurrent, exemplified by a bribed US ambassador who sends hitmen after the protagonists. Family motivates the characters' actions, particularly Holland and Rhiana's quest to protect Sarah, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds in the face of danger.

  • themes
  • vengeance
  • corruption
  • family
  • motivation
Q4

Who is Holland in The Evil That Men Do?

Holland is a retired hitman drawn back into violence under dire circumstances. Despite his brutal past, he possesses a deep sense of justice that compels him to confront the evils inflicted by Molloch. He shows care and protectiveness toward Rhiana and Sarah, revealing a complex character driven by love and the desire for vengeance.

  • holland
  • hitman
  • protagonist
  • character
Q5

Who is Clement Molloch in The Evil That Men Do?

Clement Molloch, known as 'The Doctor,' is the film's sadistic antagonist. His cruelty is evident in his ruthless torture methods, making him the embodiment of evil that the protagonists strive to confront. Molloch possesses powerful connections and violent tendencies that create a formidable obstacle for Holland and his allies.

  • molloch
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • doctor
Q6

Who is Rhiana in The Evil That Men Do?

Rhiana is the widow of journalist Jorge Hidalgo, who ignites Holland's mission of vengeance. She embodies resilience and determination, initially fearing Holland's violent methods but ultimately aligning with him to confront Molloch. Her maternal instincts drive her mission to protect her child, Sarah, while seeking justice for her husband's death.

  • rhiana
  • wife
  • mother
  • character
Q7

Who is Sarah in The Evil That Men Do?

Sarah is Rhiana's child, the daughter of Jorge Hidalgo. She becomes the central motivation for Holland and Rhiana's dangerous mission to protect her and ensure her safety. The characters risk everything to rescue Sarah from the threats posed by Molloch and his associates.

  • sarah
  • child
  • daughter
  • protection
Q8

What does the title The Evil That Men Do mean?

The title reflects the film's exploration of the dark actions people are capable of committing. It encompasses the vengeance-driven mission of the protagonists, the brutal methods of the antagonist Molloch, and the pervasive corruption that permeates the narrative. The title suggests that the movie delves into the darker aspects of human nature and morality.

  • title meaning
  • themes
  • interpretation
Q9

Who is Max Ortiz in The Evil That Men Do?

Max Ortiz is a reliable ally to Holland who offers crucial support in navigating the dangerous landscape they face. His knowledge of the underworld, including connections to the cockfighting ring in Guatemala, positions him as a valuable asset in the pursuit of Molloch. He represents the theme of camaraderie amidst chaos.

  • max ortiz
  • ally
  • supporting character
Q10

Who is Jorge Hidalgo in The Evil That Men Do?

Jorge Hidalgo is a journalist whose gruesome fate ignites the fire of vengeance in Holland. His suffering serves as the catalyst for the entire narrative, showcasing the consequences of exposing dark truths and the very real dangers faced by those who challenge corrupt powers. His death motivates the protagonists' quest for justice.

  • jorge hidalgo
  • journalist
  • catalyst
  • death
Q11

What is the tone and style of The Evil That Men Do?

The movie features an overwhelmingly dark tone driven by the protagonist's brutal methods and the pervasive corruption he fights against. The intensity is high due to constant lethal danger, violent confrontations, and grim subject matter including torture and murder. Despite this dark journey, the ending resolves happily with the villains defeated. The pacing is fast, following a linear revenge plot.

  • tone
  • style
  • dark
  • intense
  • action

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Evil That Men Do, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Evil That Men Do tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with Protectors in a Dangerous World like The Evil That Men Do

Grizzled professionals risk everything to shield the innocent from overwhelming evil. If you liked the high-stakes protection mission in The Evil That Men Do, you'll find similar thrillers here. These movies feature skilled but world-weary bodyguards or hitmen who must safeguard an innocent from powerful criminal or political enemies, blending intense action with a heavy emotional burden.

  • protective
  • tense
  • gritty
  • brutal
  • determined
  • threatening
  • Tone: dark, tense, determined
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a linear path: a reluctant or retired expert is pulled back into their violent world for a singular protective mission. They face a series of escalating threats from a clearly defined antagonist, leading to a final, violent confrontation where their specialized skills are put to the ultimate test to ensure the safety of their charge.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their central character archetype—the morally ambiguous protector—and their shared tone of grim determination. They combine high-intensity action with the emotional weight of responsibility, creating a consistently tense and gritty atmosphere where survival is a constant struggle.

Violent Revenge Thrillers like The Evil That Men Do

A single-minded quest for retribution, meted out with extreme violence and grim resolve. Fans of the brutal revenge mission in The Evil That Men Do will enjoy these similarly themed films. Explore stories where a wronged individual embarks on a fast-paced, violent campaign against their enemies, set in gritty criminal underworlds and featuring high levels of action and tension.

  • revenge
  • violent
  • tense
  • brutal
  • gritty
  • cathartic
  • Tone: dark, brutal, gritty
  • Pacing: fast, action-packed
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is straightforward: a inciting act of violence sets the hero on a collision course with the antagonists. The story unfolds as a series of violent set pieces where the hero systematically dismantles the enemy's organization. Despite the dark journey, the narrative typically concludes with a sense of cathartic, if costly, justice.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific plot engine—revenge—and a consistent mood of grim determination. They are defined by their fast pacing, high intensity, and a tone that embraces brutality, offering a cathartic experience centered on violent justice within a corrupt world.

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Movies Like The Evil That Men Do

Similar movies to The Evil That Men Do: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

The Evil That Men Do (1984) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Evil That Men Do in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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