“Cliffhanger,” released in 1993, is a gripping action thriller directed by Renny Harlin and co-written by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars alongside John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, and Janine Turner. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the film masterfully blends intense action sequences with a compelling narrative, creating a cinematic experience that has resonated with audiences for years.

The story follows Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone), a talented mountain climber and former rescue ranger haunted by the memory of a tragic accident during a rescue mission that resulted in his friend’s death. This emotional weight burdens him as he struggles with guilt and grief.

The plot kicks off when Gabe reluctantly returns to the mountains with his girlfriend, Sarah (Janine Turner), and fellow climber Hal (Michael Rooker), only to find themselves embroiled in a perilous situation with a group of ruthless criminals led by the cunning Eric Qualen (John Lithgow).

Qualen and his crew are on a mission to retrieve a stolen cache of money lost in a plane crash in the mountains.

They intend to leverage Gabe and his friends’ climbing skills to navigate the hazardous terrain and recover the cash. However, events spiral into danger as the criminals reveal their violent nature. The film expertly escalates tension as Gabe grapples with his longing for redemption while trying to protect those he cares about.