Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 4010232004352
Format: PAL
Region Code: 2
Sales Rank: 187512
Theatrical Release Date: July 29, 1998
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
Although it eventually runs out of smart ideas and resorts to a typically explosive finale, this above-average thriller rises above its formulaic limitations on the strength of powerful performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. Both play Chicago police negotiators with hotshot reputations, but when Jackson's character finds himself falsely accused of embezzling funds from a police pension fund, he's so thoroughly framed that he must take extreme measures to prove his innocence. He takes hostages in police headquarters to buy time and plan his strategy, demanding that Spacey be brought in to mediate with him as an army of cops threatens to attack, and a media circus ensues. Both negotiators know how to get into the other man's thoughts, and this intellectual showdown allows both Spacey and Jackson to ignite the screen with a burst of volatile intensity. Director F. Gary Gray is disadvantaged by an otherwise predictable screenplay, but he has a knack for building suspense and is generous to a fine supporting cast, including Paul Giamatti as one of Jackson's high-strung hostages, and the late J.T. Walsh in what would sadly be his final big-screen role. The movie should have trusted its compelling characters a little more, probing their psyches more intensely to give the suspense a deeper dramatic foundation, but it's good enough to give two great actors a chance to strut their stuff. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Loved it
I love the movie. The dvd was in great condition.
My favorite line... Crazy is on the bus
Rating: - Heavy on tension and suspense
Danny Roman(Samuel L. Jackson) is a cop working as a negotiator. When his partner gets in too deep on a money scandel, he's gun downed. Danny is set up to take the heat. In one last desperate attempt, he makes a move that can very well end his life. He requests the service of another negotiator named Chris Sabian(Kevin Spacey). Danny hopes he can reveal the identities of the real criminals.
If this isn't considered to be an excellent film, then I don't know what it is. "The Negotiator" delivers one of the best police dramas, I have ever seen. The writing is superbly done, supported by rock solid acting and good action. The characters are very believable in their roles. The tension built maintains a high tempo until the end. Samuel L. Jacksons performance is the best by a narrow margin. Kevin Spaceys role is almost every bit as captivating to me. But I won't shortchange the rest of the cast. A majority of them perform very well also. The character interactions are the finest among many attributes in this film. They made me laugh alot but the seriousness still remained. The film wasn't very predictable to me, which is always a plus and the suspense continues to build.
In short, I really don't think this is something to miss. Fans of Samuel L. Jackson may more than likely be satisfied with this. Even though his role is serious, he doesn't lose his comedic & charasmatic edge. Fans of police drama should also give this a look.
Rating: - An Intelligent, Taut Thriller
Just when you think he's cornered, he thinks of a new strategy. Samuel L. Jackson portrays Lieutenant Danny Roman, police hostage negotiator. When he's framed for a crime he didn't commit, against his fellow police officers no less, he knows that the only way out is to bring in an equally tough negotiator, Lieutenant Chris Sabian played by Kevin Spacey, who's from another precinct and who therefore could not have been contaminated by the bad elements within his own force, which buys him the necessary time to bluff and blindside while he finds the clues he needs to prove he's innocent. Chicago is taken hostage along with the few people he retains as bargaining chips, and we are taken along for the ride. This was a masterful job of film-making from beginning to end. The characters and story were flawlessly developed. We don't precisely know who's guilty or who's innocent. Roman conducts his interrogation and trial while he negotiates with the police outside, some of whom are working overtime to eliminate Roman before he figures it all out. This all occurs right under the noses of the FBI who are in way over their heads and don't have a clue who's guilty or innocent, just like the rest of us watching. Along the way, we get to witness Roman lecture his underlings about the finer points of negotiations while he himself has just become a hostage taker. "Never say no!" he barks with effective zeal. And he tests his bewildered pupils continuously, who fail continuously. Only Sabian is smart enough to understand ... Read More
Rating: - The Negotiator
Someone is embezzling money from the police department, and when Danny Roman is accused of the deed, he ends up taking several hostages within the department when things escalate and get out of hand. Danny has lost confidence in everyone in his own department, so he requests hostage negotiator Chris Sabian to help negotiate, and help prove his innocence. As the situation gets to a critical level, pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. This is a very intense emotional suspense movie. Samuel Jackson and Kevin Spacey turn in phenomenal performances. This thrill a minute film is a definite must see.
Rating:  - In any business transaction there is a process
To do well you must learn how to negotiate. As we all know we don't negotiate with hostages.
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