Genre: Action Spy | Directed by: Brian De Palma | Release Date:1996
In the film, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) seeks to uncover who framed him for the murders of most of his Impossible Missions Force (IMF) team.
Plot
Brian De Palma’s Mission: Impossible kick-started one of cinema’s most enduring action franchises with a tightly wound story filled with espionage, double-crosses, and iconic set pieces. The narrative follows IMF agent Ethan Hunt, whose team is betrayed during a mission in Prague, leaving him framed as a mole. As he scrambles to clear his name, Ethan recruits a ragtag group of allies—including hacker Luther Stickell and mercenary Franz Krieger—to uncover the truth and retrieve the coveted NOC list.
The story is fast-paced, balancing cloak-and-dagger intrigue with explosive action. While Ethan Hunt lacks James Bond’s wit and swagger, he compensates with raw determination, improvisation, and sheer nerve. The film positions him as a cerebral badass—constantly outsmarting enemies while surviving impossible odds.
Characterization is stronger than expected for a 90s spy blockbuster. Ethan’s journey from loyal operative to fugitive on the run adds emotional tension, while the supporting cast provides a range of personalities that enrich the narrative. Themes of trust, loyalty, and betrayal resonate throughout, culminating in a high-stakes climax aboard a speeding train that remains one of the most memorable action finales of the decade.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production
Visually, Mission: Impossible is sleek and stylish, thanks to De Palma’s keen eye for cinematic tension. The camerawork is dynamic, alternating between sweeping wide shots of European locales and tight, claustrophobic frames that heighten paranoia. The lighting and compositions emphasize suspense, particularly in the now-legendary Langley heist sequence, where Ethan dangles silently above a pressure-sensitive floor.
The action sequences are diverse and memorable—explosions, daring escapes, and a climactic helicopter-versus-train chase that remains breathtaking even by modern standards. While some CGI shows its age, the practical stunts and physicality lend the film a gritty authenticity.
Danny Elfman’s score, anchored by Lalo Schifrin’s iconic theme, gives the film gravitas and momentum. The blend of bombastic orchestration and suspenseful cues enhances both the action and quieter espionage beats. The sound design is equally strong, from the silence of the Langley break-in to the roaring chaos of the train finale.
The writing is sharp, with dialogue that snaps and adds weight to character interactions. Conversations feel purposeful, whether they’re layering exposition or subtly revealing betrayals. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, giving audiences just enough room to process twists before the next shock hits. As a whole, the film redefined what a modern spy thriller could look like in the mid-90s.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Performances
Tom Cruise cements himself as a bona fide action star with his portrayal of Ethan Hunt. While less flamboyant than Bond, Cruise brings intensity, grit, and physicality to the role, ensuring Ethan feels grounded yet capable of the impossible. His charisma shines not in one-liners but in determination and presence, making him instantly iconic.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jon Voight brings gravitas and complexity as Jim Phelps, a mentor whose betrayal still shocks on rewatch. Emmanuelle Béart is compelling as Claire, torn between loyalty and survival, while Henry Czerny is delightfully stern and bureaucratic as IMF director Eugene Kittridge. Jean Reno adds menace as the opportunistic Krieger, while Ving Rhames steals scenes as Luther Stickell—the hacker with cool confidence who would go on to become a franchise staple. Kristin Scott Thomas and Vanessa Redgrave also lend class and elegance in smaller but memorable roles, with Redgrave’s Max adding a playful sophistication to the espionage world.
De Palma’s direction brings out the best in this ensemble. He emphasizes tension, secrecy, and chemistry, allowing even minor interactions to bristle with suspicion. The result is a cast that feels fully invested, elevating the material into something more than a generic action flick. This blend of strong lead and superb supporting performances gives Mission: Impossible its staying power.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Mission: Impossible is a stylish, gripping, and fast-paced reinvention of the classic spy series. Cruise delivers a star-making turn, while De Palma injects suspense and artistry into every frame. The supporting cast is outstanding, the action set pieces remain iconic, and the film balances intelligence with spectacle. A few dated effects aside, this is one of the best spy thrillers of its era—an electrifying launch to a franchise that would only grow stronger. Mission: Impossible gets 3 out of 5.
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