With the recent release of “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” countless fans of the MI series have eagerly embarked on a thrilling journey to rewatch all the Mission Impossible movies. However, if you find yourself short on time, fret not! This article will take you on a detailed revisit of the storyline and plot of the very first Mission Impossible movie.
In the high-octane realm of espionage and covert operations, where the unimaginable becomes plausible, secret agent Ethan Hunt (portrayed by Tom Cruise) embarks on a gripping journey to unravel a complex conspiracy. Read on to know the complete Mission Impossible 1 Plot. We have narrated the whole story below so beware, there are spoilers and if you haven’t yet seen the movie by any chance, you might not want to continue.
The story commences with the IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team, led by Jim Phelps (played by Jon Voight), assigned to recover the highly classified NOC (Non-Official Cover) list—a document containing the identities of undercover agents. During a mission in Prague, their operation veers off course, and they fall into a deadly ambush orchestrated by the enigmatic figure known as Job (played by Vanessa Redgrave). Tragically, the team, except for Ethan and Claire Phelps (portrayed by Emmanuelle Béart), is decimated, and the NOC list is stolen.
Back at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C., Ethan finds himself accused of being a mole responsible for the mission’s failure. Branded as a fugitive and disavowed by the agency, he sets out on a personal quest to clear his name and expose the true mole, with the ultimate goal of recovering the NOC list and uncovering the truth.
In his journey of redemption, Ethan seeks the assistance of Luther Stickell (played by Ving Rhames), a skilled hacker and former IMF agent, and Franz Krieger (portrayed by Jean Reno), a seasoned operative with a questionable past. Together, they follow a series of clues that lead them to suspect that Jim Phelps might still be alive and the mastermind behind the elaborate conspiracy.
As Ethan delves deeper into the perilous world of double-crosses and deception, he encounters a mysterious woman named Max (portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave), acting as an intermediary for international arms dealers. Max proposes a deal—Ethan can trade the NOC list for a substantial sum of money.
Navigating through a labyrinth of betrayals and shifting alliances, Ethan devises a daring plan to infiltrate Max’s heavily guarded mansion during a lavish party. Disguised as Job, he manages to access a seemingly impenetrable vault and retrieve the NOC list. However, a shocking revelation awaits him—Claire Phelps is the real Job.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Ethan discovers that Claire has been deceiving him all along, and she is the true mastermind behind the intricate conspiracy. Revealing her true colors, she attempts to eliminate Ethan and escape with the NOC list. A gripping chase ensues through the bustling streets of London, culminating in a breathtaking showdown atop a speeding bullet train.
In a nail-biting climax, Ethan thwarts Claire’s plans and exposes her treachery to Max. With the truth finally unveiled, Max, feeling betrayed, orders Claire’s demise. Amidst the chaos, Ethan ensures the NOC list remains secure and delivers it to the appropriate authorities.
In the aftermath of the explosive events, Ethan is vindicated, and his name is cleared. He chooses to continue serving the IMF, safeguarding the world from hidden threats.
As the credits start to roll, the audience is struck by a profound realization – in the realm of espionage, the line between friends and foes is a blurry one, and appearances can be incredibly deceiving.
And so, the gripping tale of “Mission: Impossible” comes to its conclusion, where the relentless pursuit of truth and justice stands as the ultimate mission for the indomitable Ethan Hunt.
A Closer Look at the Characters of Mission: Impossible 1
Ethan Hunt
- Actor: Tom Cruise
- Character: A young IMF agent who is framed for the theft of the NOC List. Hunt must clear his name and stop the real terrorist, while also dealing with the betrayal of his mentor, Jim Phelps.
- Description: Hunt is a skilled agent with a keen intellect and a strong sense of justice. He is also a capable fighter and a skilled pilot. Hunt is a complex character who is both flawed and heroic. He is a man who is constantly struggling to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
Claire
- Actor: Emmanuelle Béart
- Character: Claire Phelps, wife of IMF secretary Jim Phelps. She is killed by Krieger in the opening scene of the film. Claire’s death is a major motivating factor for Hunt throughout the film.
- Description: Claire is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. She is also a skilled agent.
Jim Phelps
- Actor: Jon Voight
- Character: The head of the IMF and Hunt’s mentor. He is revealed to be the real terrorist in the film. Phelps is a skilled agent who is also a master of deception. He is able to manipulate Hunt and the other IMF agents into helping him steal the NOC List.
- Description: Phelps’ betrayal is a major turning point in the film. It shatters Hunt’s trust in the IMF and forces him to question everything he thought he knew. Phelps is a complex and morally ambiguous character who is both a villain and a victim.
Krieger
- Actor: Jean Reno
- Character: The film’s main antagonist. He is a former IMF agent who is working for the real terrorist. Krieger is a skilled assassin and a master of disguise. He is able to infiltrate the IMF and kill Claire.
- Description: Krieger is a ruthless and cunning villain who is driven by revenge. He is willing to kill anyone who gets in his way, including Hunt and the other IMF agents. Krieger is a formidable opponent who tests Hunt’s skills and resolve to the limit.
Luther
- Actor: Ving Rhames
- Character: A computer hacker who works for the IMF. He is a skilled hacker who is able to access and manipulate computer systems. Luther is also a skilled fighter and a loyal friend to Hunt.
- Description: Luther is a valuable asset to the IMF. He is able to provide Hunt with the information and resources he needs to complete his missions. Luther is also a loyal friend who is always willing to help Hunt.
Max
- Actor: Vanessa Redgrave
- Character: An arms dealer who works for the real terrorist. She is a ruthless businesswoman who is willing to do anything to make a profit. Max is also a skilled fighter and a formidable opponent.
- Description: Max is a dangerous adversary who tests Hunt’s skills and resolve to the limit. She is a formidable opponent who is not to be underestimated.
Kittridge
- Actor: Henry Czerny
- Character: The director of the CIA. He is initially suspicious of Hunt, but he eventually comes to believe that Hunt is innocent. Kittridge is a skilled agent who is also a fair and just man.
- Description: Kittridge is a valuable ally to Hunt. He is able to provide Hunt with the resources and support he needs to clear his name and stop the real terrorist. Kittridge is a trusted friend and advisor who is always willing to help Hunt.
Hope you’ve found all the information that you wanted about Tome Cruise’s Mission Impossible 1. Here’s the Plot of Mission Impossible 2.
More Information about Mission Impossible 1
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Assistant Director: David R. Ellis
- Visual Effects: Industrial Light & Magic
- Stunts: Gregg Smrz
- Producers: Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner, Tom Cruise Productions, and Paramount Pictures
Did Mission Impossible 1 Receive any Awards?
- Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure Film
- Saturn Award for Best Actor (Tom Cruise)
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Emmanuelle Béart)
- Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing
- BMI Film Music Award for Best Original Score (Danny Elfman)
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Mission Impossible 1
- Mission Impossible 1’s budget was $80 million, which was a very high budget for a film at the time.
- The film was shot in Prague, Czech Republic, and Washington, D.C.
- The film’s director, Brian De Palma, was a big fan of the original Mission: Impossible television series, and he wanted to stay faithful to the show’s spy thriller aesthetic.
- Tom Cruise did many of his own stunts in the film, including the famous scene where he hangs from the ceiling of the IMF headquarters.
- The film’s score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who also composed the scores for the original Mission: Impossible television series and the films Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Alien.
- The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $457 million worldwide.
- The film’s success led to the creation of a successful film franchise, which has produced seven sequels to date.
- Mission Impossible 1
- Mission Impossible 2
- Mission Impossible 3
- Ghost Protocol
- Rogue Nation
- Fallout
- Dead Reckoning: Part One
- Dead Reckoning Part Two (unreleased)
- The film’s title is a reference to the original Mission: Impossible television series, which was known for its cliffhanger endings.
- The film’s opening scene, in which Ethan Hunt infiltrates the CIA headquarters, was inspired by the opening scene of the James Bond film Goldfinger.
- The film’s villain, Max Zorin, is played by Jean Reno, who is best known for his roles in the films Léon: The Professional and The Da Vinci Code.
- The film’s soundtrack features the song “Theme from Mission: Impossible”, which was originally composed for the television series.
- The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects.
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