Is The Foreigner Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Foreigner is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Foreigner Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The Foreigner emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, The Foreigner attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Foreigner (2017) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Foreigner Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Foreigner is a Action, Thriller, Crime film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. 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, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film 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. The 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.
The Foreigner Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 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, 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, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
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 the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
The Foreigner Box Office Collection
| 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Foreigner
- Pierce Brosnan – Liam Hennessy
- Jackie Chan – Quan Ngoc Minh
- Rory Fleck-Byrne – Sean Morrison
- Ray Fearon – Commander Richard Bromley
- Charlie Murphy – Maggie / Sara McKay
Top Highlights
Pierce BrosnanLiam Hennessy
Jackie ChanQuan Ngoc Minh
Rory Fleck-ByrneSean Morrison
Ray FearonCommander Richard Bromley
Charlie MurphyMaggie / Sara McKay
Orla BradyMary Hennessy
Michael McElhattonJim Kavanagh
Lia WilliamsKatherine Davies
Dermot CrowleyHugh McGrath
Stephen HoganChristy Murphy
Where to Watch The Foreigner Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix
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Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Foreigner is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Foreigner stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Foreigner movie hit or flop?
The Foreigner is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Action, Thriller, Crime movies.
Is The Foreigner worth watching?
Yes, The Foreigner is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Action, Thriller, Crime cinema.
Where can I watch The Foreigner online?
The Foreigner is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads depending on your region.
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How The Foreigner Compares & Where it Ranks
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.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
