1. Overview
"Air Force One" is a 1997 action- suspenser directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Harrison Ford as U.S. President James Marshall. The film follows an violent kidnapping script aboard the nominal aircraft, blending political drama with high- stakes action.
Released on July 25, 1997, the movie came a major box office success and remains one of the most iconic action flicks of the 1990s. The cast also includes Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy Crewson, and William H. Macy.
2. Plot Summary
The movie begins with President James Marshall, a decorated Vietnam War stager, attending a politic regale in Moscow. At the event, he delivers a speech condemning terrorism and covenanting that the U.S. will noway negotiate with terrorists. Shortly subsequently, he boards Air Force One, the sanctioned aircraft for the U.S. chairman, along with his family, staff, and Secret Service agents.
Unknown to the passengers, a group of Russian terrorists, led by Egor Korshunov( Gary Oldman), has disguised themselves as intelligencers and gained access to the aeroplane. Shortly after takeoff, the terrorists execute their plan, seizing control of the aircraft and taking everyone hostage. Their thing is to force the U.S. government to release General Ivan Radek, a ruthless oppressor locked for war crimes.
still, President Marshall, rather of escaping in an escape cover as planned, remains hidden within the aeroplane. Using his military experience, he begins a one- man resistance against the terrorists, sneaking through the aircraft, barring hitchhikers, and trying to disable the terrorists' control over the aeroplane. Meanwhile, Vice President Kathryn Bennett( Glenn Close) struggles with the extremity from Washington, dealing with political pressures and military counsels prompting different courses of action.
As the situation escalates, Korshunov threatens to execute hostages, including the First Lady( Wendy Crewson) and the President’s son. Marshall is forced to negotiate, but he also continues his covert sweats to regain the aeroplane. A series of violent action sequences unfold, including firefights, hand- to- hand combat, and daring survival pushes within the aircraft’s confined spaces.
3. Characters
President James Marshall( Harrison Ford) A war idol and devoted leader who refuses to abandon his people, fighting against the terrorists with intelligence and brute force.
Egor Korshunov( Gary Oldman) The ruthless and ideological leader of the hitchhikers, seeking to restore Radek’s power.
Vice President Kathryn Bennett( Glenn Close) A strong and determined leader who faces immense pressure while handling the extremity in Washington.
First Lady Grace Marshall( Wendy Crewson) The chairman’s woman, who remains valorous despite being taken hostage.
Alice Marshall( Liesel Matthews) The chairman’s son, a crucial hostage who's used as influence against her father.
Major Caldwell( William H. Macy) A pious Air Force officer who assists the chairman in regaining the aeroplane.
4. Conclusion
The final act of the film sees President Marshall eventually defying Korshunov in a brutal fight, climaxing in Marshall killing him by strangulation while delivering the iconic line," Get off my aeroplane!". He also regains control of the aircraft but faces another challenge — the aeroplane is damaged and fleetly losing altitude. The U.S. military intervenes, transferring a deliverance platoon to void the surviving passengers.
In a dramatic upstanding sequence, Marshall and his family are the last to be saved, but the aeroplane’s structure collapses. As Air Force One crashes into the ocean, the chairman is pulled to safety, and the film ends with the triumphant radio transmission" Liberty 24 is now Air Force One." Marshall is declared safe, motioning the successful resolution of the extremity.