IMDb 7.3 1998 HD

The Negotiator

The Negotiator

1998
Action Crime Drama Thriller
140 min R USA
7.105 / 10
7.3 IMDB

The police try to arrest expert hostage negotiator Danny Roman, who insists he's being framed for his partner's murder in what he believes is an elaborate conspiracy. Thinking…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director F. Gary Gray / Sharron Reynolds-Enriquez / David R. Ellis / Chitra F. Mojtabai / Barry K. Thomas
Starring
Samuel L. Jackson / Kevin Spacey / David Morse / Ron Rifkin / John Spencer / J. T. Walsh / Siobhan Fallon Hogan / Paul Giamatti

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

tense gripping conspiracy betrayal performance suspense action drama intelligent satisfying corruption compelling

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A truly absorbing thriller, 'The Negotiator' succeeds on the strength of its central performances and intelligent script. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a commanding turn as Danny Roman, a hostage negotiator turned hostage-taker, whose every action is imbued with…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 13, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While not entirely groundbreaking, 'The Negotiator' delivers a solid dose of suspense thanks to its capable leads. Samuel L. Jackson effectively portrays the wronged detective, Danny Roman, bringing gravitas to his predicament. Kevin Spacey offers a solid counterpoint,…

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 13, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'The Negotiator' is a superior example of the modern police procedural thriller. Samuel L. Jackson is at his formidable best as Danny Roman, a man cornered but never broken, his every move calculated. The film’s true strength lies…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This 1998 thriller offers a compelling premise: a hostage negotiator forced to take hostages himself to prove his innocence. Samuel L. Jackson is excellent as the embattled Danny Roman, conveying a potent blend of frustration and strategic thinking.…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Samuel L. Jackson anchors 'The Negotiator' with a performance of simmering intensity. As Danny Roman, a detective framed for murder, Jackson commands the screen, his desperation palpable yet underscored by a sharp intellect. Kevin Spacey provides a worthy…

FAQs

While 'The Negotiator' features moments of tension and action, it distinguishes itself from a typical action flick. Its strength lies in its intricate plot, character-driven drama, and psychological suspense. The film prioritises clever dialogue and strategic maneuvering over gratuitous explosions, focusing more on the intellectual battle and the protagonist's quest for justice rather than pure spectacle.