The Foreigner
Performance & Direction: The Foreigner Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Foreigner (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. 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 The Foreigner features a noteworthy lineup led by Pierce Brosnan . Supported by the likes of Jackie Chan and Rory Fleck-Byrne , 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: The Foreigner
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The Foreigner is a Action, Thriller, Crime film directed by Martin Campbell. 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 Pierce Brosnan.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Martin Campbell establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Quan is a humble London businessman whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love – his teenage daughter – dies in an Irish Republican Army car bombing. His relentless search to find the terrorists leads to a cat-and-mouse conflict with a British government official whose own past may hold the clues to the identities of the elusive killers. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Pierce Brosnan, 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: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Pierce Brosnan's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: The Foreigner
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Martin Campbell, The Foreigner resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Pierce Brosnan, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Foreigner reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Foreigner Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Foreigner incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, thriller, crime film directed by Martin Campbell, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Pierce Brosnan's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Foreigner adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Foreigner?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Pierce Brosnan or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: The Foreigner
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $145.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Foreigner Budget
The estimated production budget for The Foreigner is $35.0M. 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: The Foreigner
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Foreigner Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Foreigner Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about The Foreigner age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Foreigner is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Foreigner is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Foreigner worth watching?
The Foreigner is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Foreigner parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Foreigner identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Foreigner?
The total duration of The Foreigner is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Foreigner
Jackie Chan just keeps fuckin' bringing it doesn't he? The serious tone of _The Foreigner_ fits him well, but the role he plays seems oddly shoehorned in. I understand that the movie is in actual fact based on a novel called _The Chinaman_, which I assume unfolds more or less as the film does. But the Troubles-themed Political Drama makes up most of the runtime in _The Foreigner_, and the Action/Revenge Thriller element seems almost like at some point in pre-production the crew went "Holy shit, did you know we can put Jackie Chan in this? Quickly! Write him a role!". Although I'm sure that it's not the case, that is how it feels, and while the Action/Revenge Thriller element is the best part of the movie, its failure to mesh with the piece at large does bring it all down a bit. Still a worthwhile watch if you're a fan of the Chan. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
The Foreigner (2017) is an intense mix of action and political thriller, with Jackie Chan stepping into a more serious and dramatic role than usual. The plot follows a grieving father seeking justice, but instead of the straightforward revenge story you might expect, it leans into a complex web of political intrigue. This shift adds depth but also slows the pacing at times, making it feel like two different movies competing for attention. The directing by Martin Campbell is solid, keeping the tension high, but the balance between action and drama doesn’t always hit perfectly. The cinematography is grounded, with a darker, more realistic tone that fits the story well, though it lacks any particularly standout visual moments. Jackie Chan delivers one of his best dramatic performances, showing vulnerability alongside his usual action skills, while Pierce Brosnan gives a strong performance as a conflicted political figure. The action sequences are brutal and effective, favoring realism over flashy choreography, which works for the film’s tone. The script is decent, though some parts feel underdeveloped, especially when juggling the personal and political elements. The score does its job without being particularly memorable, keeping the tension in check. Overall, The Foreigner is a well-made thriller with great performances and solid action, but it might leave you wanting a bit more from its story.
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.
