Johnny Handsome (1989)

62% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(3,476 ratings)

Small-time crook Mickey Rourke is mockingly named Johnny Handsome because of his grotesquely deformed face. While in stir on a robbery rap, Rourke is knifed by convicts in the employ of his former partner--and now bitter enemy--Lance Henriksen. While in the prison hospital, Rourke is cared for by a… More Small-time crook Mickey Rourke is mockingly named Johnny Handsome because of his grotesquely deformed face. While in stir on a robbery rap, Rourke is knifed by convicts in the employ of his former partner--and now bitter enemy--Lance Henriksen. While in the prison hospital, Rourke is cared for by a kindly doctor (Forrest Whitaker), who believes that the key to Rourke's rehabilitation might be a literal change of face. Undergoing plastic surgery, Rourke emerges as virtually unrecognizable to everyone but the audience. Paroled, Rourke seems to be willing to follow a straight and narrow path. Seems to be. Only Morgan Freeman, playing a hard-bitten law officer, sees through Rourke's "new leaf." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Walter Hill
Written By: Ken Friedman
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Sep 29, 1989 Wide
On DVD: Oct 22, 2002
Studio: Live Home Video

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The underrated, old-fashioned B-movie director Walter Hill (The Warriors) made this excellent action drama with an amazing cast.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The more ridiculous it becomes, the better looking it gets.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
A stylish and tough crime-thriller with that underlying mournfulness which characterizes Hill's best work.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Not one of Hill's better efforts.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Al S

A tough, stylish, high-energy and explosive crime-thriller. A great movie with a slam-bang finish thats knocks you out. It`s loaded with style, originality and great stars. An intense, hard-boiled and action-packed movie ride. One of Director, Walter Hill`s best films ever and one of… More
A tough, stylish, high-energy and explosive crime-thriller. A great movie with a slam-bang finish thats knocks you out. It`s loaded with style, originality and great stars. An intense, hard-boiled and action-packed movie ride. One of Director, Walter Hill`s best films ever and one of the best performances of Mickey Rourke`s career. Mickey Rourke is absolutely outstanding. Morgan Freeman is excellent. Forest Whitaker is terrific.
Phil H

Curious little crime thriller based around a disfigured criminal that has a major face lift, almost like an early version of 'Face Off' really accept a little more realistic. Its kinda unique because the film almost comes across as an endearing story of a criminal who turns… More
Curious little crime thriller based around a disfigured criminal that has a major face lift, almost like an early version of 'Face Off' really accept a little more realistic. Its kinda unique because the film almost comes across as an endearing story of a criminal who turns his life around after receiving his new face but then turns into a silly revenge thriller towards the end, I thought the endearing story might have worked better. The cast is pretty slick with Rourke as the main lead and almost a prediction of his future facial issues, Morgan Freeman looking and acting exactly the same as usual, Forest Whitaker looking really geeky with a stupid beard and Lance Henriksen looking completely hilarious in some very gay looking tight fitting 80's attire complete with a ridiculous earring. Silly title and surprisingly for a Walter Hill film not that good, the problem being its almost two different films stuck together awkwardly.
jay n

Very violent hard edged crime drama, Rourke looks like he needs a shower as always making the title an oxymoron but his performance for once is not full of conceit and the others in the cast are fine.
Christopher B

Walter Hill is the man. He kicks some more ass with this great film and Rourke is excellent. A great crime film.