In Richard Donner's thrilling blockbuster, two tough Los Angeles cops--suicidal Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and family man Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover)--are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case involving a massive international crime ring which has its roots in Vietnam--a place they're both all too familiar with. This film, with its fresh, energetic combination of comedy, drama, and action, managed to spurn three highly successful sequels.