Raw Deal
Performance & Direction: Raw Deal Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Raw Deal (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Raw Deal features a noteworthy lineup led by Arnold Schwarzenegger . Supported by the likes of Kathryn Harrold and Sam Wanamaker , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Raw Deal
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, Raw Deal is a Action, Crime, Thriller film directed by John Irvin. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, John Irvin establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Mark Kaminsky is kicked out of the FBI for his rough treatment of a suspect. He winds up as the sheriff of a small town in North Carolina. FBI Chief Harry Shannon, whose son has been killed by a mobster named Patrovina, enlists Kaminsky in a personal vendetta with a promise of reinstatement into the FBI if Patrovina is taken down. To accomplish this, he must go undercover and join Patrovina's gang. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Arnold Schwarzenegger, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Raw Deal
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Irvin, Raw Deal attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Arnold Schwarzenegger, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Raw Deal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Raw Deal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Raw Deal incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, thriller film directed by John Irvin, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Arnold Schwarzenegger's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Raw Deal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Raw Deal?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Raw Deal
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $8.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $16.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Raw Deal Budget
The estimated production budget for Raw Deal is $8.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Raw Deal
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Where to Watch Raw Deal Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoRaw Deal Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about Raw Deal age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Raw Deal is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Raw Deal is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raw Deal worth watching?
Raw Deal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Raw Deal parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Raw Deal identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Raw Deal?
The total duration of Raw Deal is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.
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Critic Reviews for Raw Deal
Because of you a lot of people are dead. And now it's your turn. Raw Deal is directed by John Irvin and written by Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Donati, Gary DeVore and Norman Wexler. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kathryn Harrold, Sam Wanamaker, Paul Shenar, Robert Davi and Ed Lauter. A former FBI agent turned small-town sheriff agrees to help the FBI chief infiltrate the Chicago mafia when the FBI chief's son is killed by them. Something of a forgotten Schwarzenegger vehicle, it's for sure one of his lesser lights from his 80s output, but there's enough brawn and bonkers machismo to make it a fun time viewing. Arnie has been scripted with some trade mark phrases and director John Irvin (Hamburger Hill) stages some exciting action set-pieces. In support it's unsurprising to find Davi yet again oozes vile scumbag charisma. There really isn't much to it, it's all very much dressage for Arnie to do his thang, so any expectation of credibility is preposterous in the extreme. So really just suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride. 6/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
