| The Punisher | |
|---|---|
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Punisher89poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Mark Goldblatt |
| Written by | Boaz Yakin |
| Based on | |
| Produced by | Robert Mark Kamen |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ian Baker |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by | Dennis Dreith |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Live Entertainment (North America) New World International (International) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 89 minutes[1] |
| Countries |
|
| Language | English |
| Budget | $9 million[2] |
| Box office | $30 million[2] |
The Punisher is a 1989 American vigilante action-thriller film directed by Mark Goldblatt, written by Boaz Yakin, and starring Dolph Lundgren, based on the Punisher character from Marvel Comics. It was shot in Sydney, co-starring Louis Gossett Jr, Jeroen Krabbé, Kim Miyori, Nancy Everhard, and Barry Otto.
Former undercover police detective Frank Castle (Lundgren), presumed dead after his family's murder, becomes the elusive vigilante "The Punisher," targeting mobsters with his skull-etched throwing knives. As the mob groups weaken under his relentless attacks, the yakuza, led by Lady Tanaka (Miyori), seize the opportunity to invade their territories, threatening the Mafia by kidnapping their children. Punisher retaliates, freeing most captives, except the son of mobster Gianni Franco (Krabbé), and gets arrested. Freed by Franco, Punisher aids him in rescuing Franco's son from the yakuza.
The film had a troubled release as New World Pictures had financial issues. While it received a theatrical run internationally, it was released on Home Video in the United States, grossing $30 million.
- ^ "THE PUNISHER (18) (CUT)". British Board of Film Classification. April 4, 1990. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
- ^ a b Marvel Comics into Film: Essays on Adaptations Since the 1940s. McFarland & Company. 2016. pp. 234–6. ISBN 978-0786443048.