Ronin (film)

Ronin is a 1998 American action thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, and Jonathan Pryce. The film is known for its complex plot, realistic car chases, and its Cold War espionage themes blended with a modern-day setting.

The title "Ronin" refers to the Japanese term for samurai without a master, masterless warriors, which mirrors the situation of the film's mercenaries, who are skilled professionals hired for a specific mission but have no allegiance to any particular country or organization.

The plot revolves around a group of these "ronin" hired to steal a mysterious briefcase in France. The contents of the briefcase are initially unknown to the team, leading to double-crosses and shifting allegiances as various interested parties seek to acquire it. These parties include the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the Russian mafia, and potentially other undisclosed entities.

The film is notable for its practical stunt work and realistic portrayal of espionage tradecraft. The car chases, particularly those filmed in Paris and Nice, are considered among the best in cinematic history, relying heavily on practical effects rather than CGI.

"Ronin" explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral ambiguities inherent in the world of covert operations. The characters are often portrayed as morally gray, driven by a combination of professional pride and personal gain. The film's ambiguous ending leaves the ultimate fate of some characters and the true purpose of the briefcase unresolved.