The Jackal (1997)

“The Jackal” (1997) is an American action-thriller film directed by Michael Caton-Jones. It is a reimagining of the 1973 film The Day of the Jackal, which itself is based on the 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth. Featuring an ensemble cast, including Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, and Sidney Poitier, the film tells the story of an ᴀssᴀssin hired to carry out a high-profile murder. With its mix of action, suspense, and intrigue, “The Jackal” is a gripping thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

The plot of “The Jackal” follows the story of a ruthless and mysterious ᴀssᴀssin, known only as “The Jackal” (played by Bruce Willis). Hired to kill a prominent American political figure, he is a professional with no loyalty or morals, capable of taking on any idenтιтy to carry out his mission. In order to capture him, the FBI enlists the help of a former IRA terrorist, Declan Mulqueen (Richard Gere), who has a personal vendetta against the Jackal. The film follows the intense cat-and-mouse chase between the two men as Mulqueen tries to stop the ᴀssᴀssin’s ᴅᴇᴀᴅly plot.

A key element of “The Jackal” is the tension and suspense that builds throughout the movie. The film’s pacing is relentless, as the plot unfolds with numerous twists and turns. The Jackal is an elusive character, always staying one step ahead of those pursuing him, which makes his capture seem nearly impossible. The tension is heightened by the fact that the ᴀssᴀssin’s plan remains shrouded in mystery for much of the film, creating a sense of anticipation as the characters race to uncover his idenтιтy and intentions.

Bruce Willis delivers a chilling performance as the cold, calculating ᴀssᴀssin. He portrays the Jackal with a quiet menace, making him a formidable and terrifying antagonist. In contrast, Richard Gere brings a sense of urgency and determination to his role as Declan Mulqueen, a man who is not only trying to stop a killer but also seeking redemption for his past actions. Sidney Poitier also provides a strong supporting performance as an FBI agent tasked with helping to stop the ᴀssᴀssination. The chemistry between the actors adds to the film’s depth and keeps the audience engaged.

Director Michael Caton-Jones effectively builds tension through the film’s atmospheric settings and action sequences. The chase scenes are fast-paced and thrilling, while the quieter moments allow the characters’ inner struggles to shine. The cinematography enhances the film’s dark, gritty tone, with the tension between the ᴀssᴀssin and the authorities growing ever more palpable. The film also makes use of several locations, adding to the sense of global urgency as the Jackal travels across different countries to carry out his mission.

In conclusion, “The Jackal” is a captivating action-thriller that successfully blends suspense, action, and character development. The film’s strong performances, particularly from Bruce Willis and Richard Gere, drive its compelling narrative, while the direction by Michael Caton-Jones ensures a relentless pace throughout. With its intricate plot, intense action scenes, and thrilling atmosphere, “The Jackal” is a memorable entry in the genre of action and suspense films. It keeps the audience guessing until the very end, making it a highly engaging cinematic experience.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain


Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0
November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.
Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0
Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0
The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.
Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”
Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.
The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.
A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0
A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0
Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”
Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0
Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0
Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.
Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.
Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum
Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum
Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.
Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.

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