IMDb > Escape from New York (1981)
Escape from New York
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Escape from New York (1981) More at IMDbPro »

Videos (see all 6)
Escape from New York (1981) -- In 1998, when the US President crashes into Manhattan, now a giant max. security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in for a rescue.
Escape from New York (1981) -- In 1998, when the US President crashes into Manhattan, now a giant max. security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in for a rescue.
Escape from New York (1981) -- CineMagia.ro - Trailer (Flash)

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Overview

User Rating:
7.1/10   31,176 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 17% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
John Carpenter (written by) and
Nick Castle (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Escape from New York on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
10 July 1981 (USA) more
Tagline:
The world's greatest leader is a hostage in the most dangerous place on Earth. Now only the deadliest man alive can save him. more
Plot:
In 1997, when the US President crashes into Manhattan, now a giant max. security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in for a rescue. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
4 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(41 articles)
Palisades Tartan Video’s Terror Pack Vol. 1 (DVD Review)
 (From Fangoria. 16 November 2009, 3:54 AM, PST)

Junkfood Cinema: 1990: The Bronx Warriors
 (From FilmSchoolRejects. 13 November 2009, 1:39 PM, PST)

User Comments:
Terrific more (205 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
John Carpenter's Escape from New York (USA) (complete title)
more
Runtime:
99 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Metrocolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:R (Nova Scotia) | Canada:R (Manitoba) (director's cut) | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Iceland:16 | UK:15 (video rating) | UK:AA (original rating) | Germany:16 | Brazil:14 | Finland:K-15 (DVD rating) | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Australia:M | Norway:15 | Norway:16 (original rating) | Sweden:15 | USA:R | West Germany:16 (w) | Singapore:PG

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Nick Nolte and Jeff Bridges were both approached to play ""Snake" Plissken", but were uninterested. Kris Kristofferson was considered as a possible candidate for the lead also, but was not approached due to the failure of Heaven's Gate (1980). more
Goofs:
Continuity: After Snake takes off in the glider, Charles Cyphers is seen in the control room wearing a shirt and tie. In the next shot, he is wearing a suit jacket, which he then takes off. He wears the shirt and tie for the remainder of the scene. more
Quotes:
Snake Plissken: [to Maggie] You wanna see him sprayed all over that map, baby? Now where's the President? more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Everyone's Going to New York more

FAQ

What is Plisskin's reasoning for the ending of the film?
What is on the tape that the President keeps in his briefcase?
more
5 out of 6 people found the following comment useful.
Terrific, 26 February 2008
Author: Michael_Elliott from Louisville, KY

Escape from New York (1981)

**** (out of 4)

John Carpenter's cult classic is one of the greatest "B" movies ever made thanks in large part to Kurt Russell's terrific performance as the one and only Snake Plissken. Set in the future, the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) crashes inside Manhattan Island, which has been turned into a prison. The Duke of New York (Isaac Hayes) takes him hostage so the government sends in the criminal Snake Plissken (Russell) to get him out alive. It's hard to believe this film was shot for $5 million but it certainly gets every penny out of the dollar. Russell's performance is clearly the highlight of the film and he carries the movie due to the performances, which gives Snake the perfect personality of a great anti-hero. The supporting cast does a wonderful job including Lee van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Harry Dean Stanton, Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins and Charles Cyphers. The film has a great atmosphere and Carpenter's score perfectly sets the mood. Clearly one of the most fun movies of the decade.

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