Simon "The Saint" Templar (Val Kilmer) is a thief for hire whose latest job to steal the secret process for cold fusion puts him at odds with a traitor bent on toppling the Russian governmen... Read allSimon "The Saint" Templar (Val Kilmer) is a thief for hire whose latest job to steal the secret process for cold fusion puts him at odds with a traitor bent on toppling the Russian government, as well as the woman who holds its secret.Simon "The Saint" Templar (Val Kilmer) is a thief for hire whose latest job to steal the secret process for cold fusion puts him at odds with a traitor bent on toppling the Russian government, as well as the woman who holds its secret.
- Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations total
Valeriy Nikolaev
- Ilya Tretiak
- (as Valery Nikolaev)
Evgeniy Lazarev
- President Karpov
- (as Evgeny Lazarev)
Irina Apeksimova
- Frankie
- (as Irina Apeximova)
Lev Prygunov
- General Sklarov
- (as Lev Prigunov)
Egor Pazenko
- Scratchface
- (as Yegor Pazenko)
Adam C. Smith
- Young Simon Templar
- (as Adam Smith)
Featured reviews
As I'm not someone who is very familiar with the television show I'm guessing that it was a plus. The film was a complete entity without having to rely on the show of the same name.
The film itself was brilliant, granted as a Val Kilmer fan you could say that I might have been biased but not very often. There are a lot of his films I don't like. Anyway, it had a nice story with plenty of twists and turns. It was obvious from the moment he met Dr Russell that he would fall in love with her, although there was a bit too much kissing and sloppy stuff.
The best thing about the film I think was the many characters Val managed to do. He seems to be able to do so many, and not just in The Saint.. another one would be Tombstone. The man is a genius, in a league of his own.
Just a word of advice to anyone who's going to see it, don't go in there expecting it to be like the television show because you'll be disappointed.
The film itself was brilliant, granted as a Val Kilmer fan you could say that I might have been biased but not very often. There are a lot of his films I don't like. Anyway, it had a nice story with plenty of twists and turns. It was obvious from the moment he met Dr Russell that he would fall in love with her, although there was a bit too much kissing and sloppy stuff.
The best thing about the film I think was the many characters Val managed to do. He seems to be able to do so many, and not just in The Saint.. another one would be Tombstone. The man is a genius, in a league of his own.
Just a word of advice to anyone who's going to see it, don't go in there expecting it to be like the television show because you'll be disappointed.
If you expect 'The Saint' to resemble the TV series with Roger Moore, or going further back, the films with George Sanders or Tom Conway, you're in for a disappointment. Like 'Mission Impossible' (the movie), it bears no such resemblance to previous 'Saint' films.
On the other hand, it's an interesting espionage tale with the usual heroics and mixes of suspense and humor when Kilmer changes his identity to suit his purpose. Plenty of action thrills along the way as The Saint manages to outwit and outsmart the villains at every turn. Seems he's needed to infiltrate a top-secret organization bent on stealing a scientific formula that could change the world.
Val Kilmer makes the perfect action hero in this surprisingly entertaining movie that was not given as much hype as it deserved upon release. His performance alone is reason enough to watch this clever spy film that mixes thrills with a dash of humor.
On the other hand, it's an interesting espionage tale with the usual heroics and mixes of suspense and humor when Kilmer changes his identity to suit his purpose. Plenty of action thrills along the way as The Saint manages to outwit and outsmart the villains at every turn. Seems he's needed to infiltrate a top-secret organization bent on stealing a scientific formula that could change the world.
Val Kilmer makes the perfect action hero in this surprisingly entertaining movie that was not given as much hype as it deserved upon release. His performance alone is reason enough to watch this clever spy film that mixes thrills with a dash of humor.
Maybe my expectations were too low going in after reading a slue of terrible reviews, but I thought it was a good solid movie and very entertaining. Val Kilmer was great in his disguises and rolls. Elisabeth Shue was attractive as ever and played her part well. The movie kept on a continual pace, and kept the action and suspense throughout. There were a few things I thought were lame and it got a little unrealistic at times, but all in all it was a good solid movie. Maybe even a good action / romance date movie. If you haven't seen it (as I hadn't until today), give it a try. It has action, suspense, romance, and a little comedy thrown in for good measure. It runs in at just about 2 hours long, so long enough to get a good plot, some twists & turns and yet not bore you. There will always be people that pick plot holes in movies and just love proving that it's road kill. If you're one of those people, maybe you should stay away, but if you want a good entertaining popcorn movie it's worth a watch.
I love this movie. As a movie buff, I must admit, objectively, this is a bad movie. The writing is ridiculous, the plot is convoluted, and Val Kilmer's accents are bizarre. But I love this movie. It is that wonderful combination of danger and romance that makes for great fantasy. The chemistry between Kilmer and Shue holds this movie together. It is a delight to watch them realize that their skin deep attraction goes much deeper. If you can suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride, the Saint is a fun movie. Despite its flaws, the Saint is a guilty pleasure to indulge in when your own life is lacking in explosions, gun fights, and sudden, passionate romances.
When this movie first came out I saw it 4 times! I really loved it. Then I started reading the reviews. I couldn't believe that the critics hated it! One thing I've learned, never listen to the critics! Anyway, this movie was really great. It's not terribly deep, but it's fun. I enjoyed the story line, the effects and even (dare I say it?) the actors. I think Val Kilmer did a fine job. What do those dunder-heads Siskel and Ebert know? Let's see them try to do an accent. I laugh in their faces (not that I'm bitter or anything)! So, if you're looking for a funny, romantic, exciting, spy genre movie, try The Saint.
Did you know
- TriviaThe poetry written by Simon Templar's long-haired artist character, Thomas Moore, was actually written by Val Kilmer.
- GoofsWhen Dr. Russell is shown the sketches of Simon's saint alter-egos, the nerdy reporter is in the pack. At the end she is surprised to find out he was the nerd, and the detective from Scotland Yard sitting next to Simon does not recognize him in his nerd persona.
- Quotes
Emma Russell: Who are you?
Simon Templar: Nobody has a clue. Least of all me.
- Alternate versionsUK versions are cut by the BBFC with a minor edit to a shot in a nightclub where Tretiak is seen to visibly snort a line of cocaine on a mirror.
- ConnectionsEdited into Cold Fusion: Fire from Water (1998)
- SoundtracksDead Man Walking
by David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels
Performed by David Bowie
Courtesy of Jones Music/Virgin Records America Inc./BMG Music
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $68,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $61,363,304
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $16,278,873
- Apr 6, 1997
- Gross worldwide
- $118,063,304
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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