<span class="SFPTagline">
From SCIFIPEDIA
</span>
Face/Off is a 1997 action feature directed by John Woo. The unique storyline was written by Mike Werb and Michael Colleary and starred Nicholas Cage and John Travolta who both had the opportunity to play each others' role in the film. The combination of intriguing storyline and intense action sequences proved successful at the box office and Face/Off became one of the top ten grossing films of 1997. To date, it has earned over $245 million worldwide.
Spoiler Warning: Plot details and/or information about the ending follow. If you wish to enjoy the work first, stop reading here and return at another time.
Plot
Government agent, Sean Archer, becomes obsessed with apprehending terrorist Castor Troy who accidentally killed his son while attempting to take Archer out. Archer manages to nab Castor only to discover that he has set a bomb to go off somewhere in Los Angeles if he is not set free. Believing Castor is merely manipulating him, the two fight and Castor winds up in a coma. Unfortunately, the bomb was not a bluff. Only Castor's brother, Pollux can give them the information they need to find and disarm the bomb but he will speak only to his brother.
A government official presents Archer with an unusual opportunity. Archer is asked to assume Castor's identity in order to get information from Pollux. Archer undergoes a face transplant, taking Castor's face for his own. He then visits Pollux in prison and learns from him that the bomb is inside the L.A. convention center.
While Archer is in prison, Castor awakens from his coma and forces the doctor who operated on Archer to give him Archer's face. Castor, pretending to be Archer, visits the prison, and informs Archer that he has destroyed all information regarding the transplant and murdered the doctors. He also frees his brother and visits Archer's home.
Archer manages to escape the prison and visits a friend of Castor's hoping to get his help killing "Archer". Castor discovers his activities and has the FBI raid the house. Archer manages to save Castor's girlfriend Sasha and her son Adam from the overwhelming violence.
Castor is later called to task by FBI director, Victor Lazarro for the disastrous raid. He is shortly killed by Castor who then claims he has had a heart attack. Castor is then promoted, taking over Lazarro's position as director.
Archer returns home to find his wife and convince her to believe his story. She is finally convinced when she checks his blood type. She maintains the facade of believing Castor to be her husband and the two attend Lazarro's funeral where they come across Archer and Sasha. When a fight ensues, Sasha is killed and Castor escapes. Archer chases and the two fight. Castor vengefully begins cutting on his face to ensure Archer can never have it back. He is soon killed by Archer and despite Castor's attempts, Archer gets his face back. He and his wife, adopt Sasha and Castor's son, Adam.
Cast
External Links
2008, SCI FI. All rights reserved.
