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A Simple Plan Details

1998 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 1817 members

Sam Raimi breaks out of genre films with this tight, effective thriller. When two brothers, Hank (Bill Paxton) and Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and their friend Lou (Brent Briscoe), find 4.4 million dollars inside a crashed plane, they believe they've found the financial answer to all their problems. All they have to do is keep .. Read more

Starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda
Director Sam Raimi
Genres Action/Adventure, Thriller

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A Simple Plan

Sam Raimi breaks out of genre films with this tight, effective thriller. When two brothers, Hank (Bill Paxton) and Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and their friend Lou (Brent Briscoe), find 4.4 million dollars inside a crashed plane, they believe they've found the financial answer to all their problems. All they have to do is keep it a secret until the plane is discovered and any investigations are completed. This proves to be easier said than done, however, when the three men (as well as Hank's wife, Sarah, played by Bridget Fonda), each with their different reasons, begin to lose trust in the others. When an FBI agent comes to town, the tension becomes explosive resulting in deceit and, ultimately, murder. Raimi makes brilliant use of icy Minnesota locales. Thornton's performance was recognised by the Academy with a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The script, by Scott B. Smith from his own novel, was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda
Director Sam Raimi
Studio UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK
Run time DVD: 1 hr 57 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Action/Adventure, Thriller
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 07 Mar 2005
Production year: 1998
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of A Simple Plan

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  • 4 stars out of 5

    Shallow Grave meets Fargo in this thriller about the corrupting influence of greed from director Sam Raimi. Three men find a crashed plane in thick snow containing over $4 million and hesitantly decide to split the loot once they are sure they won't be suspected. Of course, everything that could go wrong, or might point the finger at their pact, does so in Raimi's grim fairy tale. Completely eschewing the frenetic approach of his Evil Dead work, Raimi comes up with a poetic suspenser that delves unassumingly into the cryptic regions of human nature. The uneasy mood is underscored by two marvellous performances from Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton (Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated for this role) as the two brothers in the pledge triangle.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • In fiction at least, no plan is ever simple, especially if crime's involved. So when the chance discovery of a wrecked... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Most helpful member's review of A Simple Plan

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  • 10 out of 10 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Simply Rent

    I've never understood how this Sam Raimi film has been overlooked. It's one of his most subtle, yet effective works to date. The story revolves simply around 3 characters who's lives are changed when they find 4 million dollars in a crashed plane. Although there is no trademark Raimi camera wizardy, the acting, pace and tension created means there is never a dull moment from start to finish.

    Definitely worth a rent, if not a buy!

      • MC from Luton
      • Posted 29 Mar 2005 20:46

  • Most recent members' review of A Simple Plan

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  • 4 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 2 stars

    A Simple Plan.

    Actors good, story line pretty average - I either wasn't watching properly or it just was gripping enough. I couldn't get into it infortunately and it didn's appeal to me to watch it again.

      • Cornetto from Lancaster
      • Posted 16 May 2007 21:34

  • News and features

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    Boogeyman

    A Simple Plan on the small screen this week

    • 28 Nov 2006

    Among the films offered by terrestrial TV channels this week is A Simple Plan, a noir-style thriller from director Sam Raimi. Showing on BBC One on Tuesday night, A Simple Plan tells the story of a downed plane, lots of cash and three family members who believe that finders should definitely be keepers. But of course, it's not that easy. And Raimi at the helm ensures a tense and gripping story, similar to that of his later effort The Gift, which stars Cate Blanchett and Katie Holmes as... Read more

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1,817 Member ratings
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  • 90
172
  • 80
405
  • 70
393
  • 60
350
  • 50
173
  • 40
101
  • 30
52
  • 20
36
  • 10
19

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      • Sam Raimi breaks out of genre films with this tight, effective thriller. When two brothers, Hank (Bill Paxton) and Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and their friend Lou (Brent Briscoe), find 4.4 million ...