Basic (2003) movie poster

Basic (2003)

"Deception is their most dangerous weapon."
ThumbScore
๐Ÿ‘ 72%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
๐ŸŽฌ 28% (RT: 21%, MC: 34) โ„น๏ธRT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
ActionDramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Where to Watch

Rent / Buy
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Director
Runtime
1h 38m
Country
United Kingdom, United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
6.4/10 (1,119 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
21%
Metacritic
34
Cast
John Travolta as DEA Agent Tom Hardy
Connie Nielsen as CPT Julie Osborne
Samuel L. Jackson as Drill Sgt. SFC Nathan West
Tim Daly as COL Bill Styles
Giovanni Ribisi as 2LT Levi Kendall
Brian Van Holt as SGT Ray Dunbar
Taye Diggs as Pike
Dash Mihok as SGT Mueller
Most people think so. 72% of audiences gave it a thumbs up based on 1,119 votes. Critics scored it lower at 28%, but audiences disagreed.
Overview
When a hurricane hits a US Army base on the edge of the Panama Canal, an elite covert operations team of US Army Rangers recruits are on a routine jungle training exercise that goes horribly awry. Only two recruits are rescued, one of which is badly injured, but both have different accounts regarding the fate of their leader, legendary and ruthless Army Ranger Drill Sergeant Nathan West, and the rest of their platoon. Tom Hardy, an ex-army Ranger turned maverick DEA agent is brought in to solve the mystery and uncover what really happened out there. Wikipedia โ†—
Fun Facts
  • It remains one of the highest-rated action films of 2003 among dedicated fans.
  • John McTiernan cited several classic action films as the primary inspiration for the visual style.
  • Many of the background extras were actually locals from the filming locations.
Audience Consensus

Basic is a 2003 action, drama, mystery film directed by John McTiernan. When a hurricane hits a US Army base on the edge of the Panama Canal, an elite covert operations team of US Army Rangers recruits are on a routine jungle training exercise that goes horribly awry. Only two recruits are rescued, one of which is badly injured, but both have different accounts regarding the fate of their leader, legendary and ruthless Army Ranger Drill Sergeant Nathan West, and the rest of their platoon.

Tom Hardy, an ex-army Ranger turned maverick DEA agent is brought in to solve the mystery and uncover what really happened out there. The film has been rated by 1,119 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a action film, Basic delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling.

The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences. Basic (2003) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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