Action movie enthusiasts are in for a treat tonight as one of the most acclaimed instalments in the Mission: Impossible series, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, is set to broadcast on E4. Heralded by fans as the 'best ever' film in the saga, this decade-old blockbuster continues to capture audiences with its breathtaking sequences and compelling plot.
A Decade-Old Masterpiece
First released in 2015, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is the fifth chapter in the high-octane franchise. The film sees the return of Tom Cruise as the indefatigable IMF agent Ethan Hunt. The narrative kicks into gear when the CIA disbands the IMF, forcing Hunt to operate outside the system. His mission is to prove the existence of a sinister and highly skilled clandestine organisation known as the Syndicate.
In his quest, Hunt is not alone. He is joined by his loyal IMF team and a mysterious, disavowed British agent named Ilsa Faust, played by Rebecca Ferguson. The team must race against time to stop the Syndicate from executing a series of devastating attacks aimed at establishing a new world order, all while evading pursuit by the CIA. The story builds to a climactic confrontation with the Syndicate's elusive leader, Solomon Lane, portrayed by Sean Harris.
Unforgettable Stunts and Critical Acclaim
A significant part of the film's enduring appeal lies in its jaw-dropping practical stunts, many performed by Tom Cruise himself. Audiences are treated to the now-iconic sequence where Cruise's Ethan Hunt hangs onto the side of an Airbus A400M during takeoff. The commitment to realism extended beyond Cruise, with the main cast undergoing extensive training to hold their breath for prolonged periods for a tense underwater scene.
The film's quality was reflected in its commercial and critical success. Rogue Nation was the eighth-highest-grossing film globally in 2015 and, at the time, became the second-highest-grossing entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise. The performances of Cruise, Ferguson, and Simon Pegg were singled out for particular praise.
What The Fans Say
Fan reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes echo the sentiment that this is a top-tier action film. One viewer described it as "another action-packed, thrilling good time with another great performance from Tom Cruise."
Another fan celebrated its place in the series, stating, "Amazing movie building onto the last one more than the first 3. Love the action scenes performed by Tom Cruise. Definitely one of the most notable movies in the series."
Many have called it a flawless example of the genre. "Rogue Nation is a perfect action film, blending jaw-dropping stunts with razor-sharp direction. Tom Cruise’s fearless commitment, especially in the unforgettable plane-hanging sequence, sets the tone," wrote a third.
The praise isn't reserved for stunts alone. The script and plot have also been commended for their tight construction. One person noted it was their "favorite of the franchise, with awesome stunts and sequences, and one of the tightest scripts and plots these movies have to offer." Another called it "definitely underrated," highlighting its "stunning action sequences, a well-crafted plot, a glimpse of Bond's Aston Martin and more jokes than I remembered."
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation airs on E4 tonight (Sunday, November 23) at 9pm.
