Product Details

• Actors: Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Raul Julia, J.T. Walsh
• Directors: Robert Towne
• Writers: Robert Towne
• Producers: Thom Mount, Tom Shaw
• Format: Color, Dolby, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English, Spanish
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
• VHS Release Date: April 1, 1992
• Run Time: 115 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301370856
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,362 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

Robert Towne is one of Hollywood's most celebrated screenwriters, but because his directorial efforts have been few and far between, anticipation was high when this star-powered crime story was released in 1988. Critical reaction was decidedly mixed, but there's plenty to admire in this silky, visually seductive film about a drug dealer (Mel Gibson) whose best friend from high-school (Kurt Russell) is now working for the Los Angeles sheriff's drug detail. Their personal and professional conflicts are intensified by their love for the same woman, a waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) at the Italian restaurant they both frequent. There's a big deal going down with a drug lord (the late Raul Julia), but as it twists and turns, Towne's story is really more about personal loyalties and individual honor. And even if it doesn't quite hold together, the movie's got a fantastic look to it (courtesy of the great cinematographer Conrad Hall), and the three stars bring depth and dimension to their well-written roles. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tequila Sunrise, April 2, 2008

By 

Kelly "Reviewer for The Sinfully Sensuous" (Littleton, Colorado) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tequila Sunrise (DVD)

Mel Gibson and Kurt Russell are very good in this movie, and are very believable as lifelong friends at a crossroad. Mel is a retired drug dealer while Kurt is a cop. Not a likely duo to maintain a friendship. Michelle Pheiffer portrays the love interest of Mel, and do those two have chemistry! This is a perfect match, and they are combustible together. While this is an older film, it still has the ingredients that all great films do.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A master piece among crime movies, February 21, 2000

By 

AJ "AJ" (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tequila Sunrise [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Tequila Sunrise is an excellent crime/action movie. It has suffered a bit from bad press, which in my opinion is totally unjustified. People have said, that the actors were wasted on this kind of movie. This is nonsense! Tequila Sunrise is one of the best movies in its genre BECAUSE it was made with good, instead of the usual mediocre actors. It shows clearly, that with good acting and a somewhat complecated script a rather unasuming movie can rise to unexpacted heights. Mel Gibson and Kurt Russel are particularly well suited to their respective roles as sympathetic ex-crook and not so sympathetic police officer. Michelle Pfeiffer in a somewhat unusual role as the woman in between these two lends a depth to the part which females in this kind of story usually lack. Finally Raul Julia as a mexican dope smuggler is a very enjoyable sight. You can never really hate him even when he starts issuing execution orders. A pleausre to watch.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic. Wish more movies were of this caliber., December 2, 1999

By 

Paul Bressie (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tequila Sunrise (DVD)

First of all, leave it to Leonard Maltin to misjudge another movie. I don't know why it still surprises me sometimes.

This movie has all the style and story which makes me want to watch it again and again. Sparks really fly between Gibson and Pfieffer. The supporting cast is excellent. My favorite of whom is of course Raul Julia. Fantastic.

The story is a little confusing the first time through. But this is irrelevant on further viewings.

I highly recommend this to purchace. You will never grow tired of it.