Red Heat, released in theaters on June 17, 1988, is a lean, mean, and highly entertaining buddy-cop film that capitalizes on the cultural zeitgeist of the Cold War, pitting a stoic Soviet detective against a wisecracking American cop. The movie delivers a compelling blend of action, cultural clashes, and dry humor.
The story opens in Moscow, introducing Captain Ivan Danko (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a hardened, by-the-book Soviet police officer. He’s tasked with extraditing Viktor Rostavili (Ed O’Ross), a ruthless Georgian drug lord and murderer, back to the USSR from the United States.
However, during the exchange in Chicago, Viktor escapes, leaving Danko stranded and forced to partner with Art Ridzik (Jim Belushi), a street-smart, unconventional Chicago detective. The unlikely duo, with vastly different methodologies and cultural perspectives, must put aside their ideological differences and navigate the dangerous underworld of drug trafficking to recapture Viktor, all while dealing with the skepticism of their respective superiors and the challenges of communicating across the language barrier.
Schwarzenegger delivers a remarkably restrained and stoic performance as Danko, effectively portraying the character’s discipline and rigid adherence to protocol. His deadpan delivery and reactions to American culture provide much of the film’s dry humor.
Belushi is the perfect foil as Ridzik, bringing his signature comedic energy, improvisation, and a cynical charm that contrasts brilliantly with Schwarzenegger’s straight man. Their “odd couple” dynamic is the undeniable highlight of the film, generating genuine laughs amidst the action.
Peter Boyle provides solid support as Danko’s contact in the U.S. consulate.
O’Ross is menacing as the elusive Viktor.
Gina Gershon, Laurence Fishburne, Brion James, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Brent Jennings and Peter Jason fill out the supporting cast.
Director Walter Hill, a master of the action genre, crafts a film that is both visually gritty and relentlessly paced. He utilizes a stark, almost desaturated color palette for the Moscow scenes, contrasting it with the grimy realism of Chicago. The action sequences are brutal, efficient, and well-choreographed, emphasizing practical effects and raw physicality.
The screenplay, by Harry Kleiner and Walter Hill, plays effectively on the cultural misunderstandings and Cold War stereotypes for comedic effect, while still delivering a compelling and dangerous criminal chase. The film’s sense of urgency and its focus on the evolving relationship between the two leads are central to its appeal.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Red Heat (Photo/Tri-Star Pictures)
Reception for Red Heat
Red Heat grossed $8.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, ahead of Big ($6.6 million) and The Great Outdoors ($6.1 million).
The film would gross $34.9 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Red Heat is a robust and entertaining action-thriller that benefits immensely from the unlikely but potent chemistry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Belushi. It’s a film that successfully blends explosive action with sharp comedic interplay and a fascinating Cold War backdrop. For fans of classic 80s buddy-cop films and those who enjoy seeing two very different worlds collide, Red Heat is a compelling and satisfying watch.
