Cliffhanger (1993) is a high-octane action thriller directed by Renny Harlin, starring Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, and Michael Rooker. The film is known for its breathtaking mountain-climbing stunts and tense, survival-driven plot.

The movie begins with a tragic incident in which Gabe Walker (Stallone), a seasoned mountain climber and rescue ranger, is unable to save his girlfriend, Sarah (Ruthie), during a perilous mountain rescue. This failure causes Gabe to leave his job and withdraw from climbing, haunted by guilt.

The main story picks up a year later when a heist goes awry. A plane carrying a large sum of money is hijacked, and the criminals (led by Eric Qualen, played by John Lithgow) are forced to crash-land in the Rocky Mountains. The criminals, who are searching for the lost money (which was scattered across the mountains in several briefcases), take Gabe and his rescue team hostage, hoping they can help retrieve it.

Gabe must now navigate the dangerous terrain, battling both the elements and the criminals, to save his team and stop the ruthless gang from escaping with the loot.

Cliffhanger is famous for its intense action sequences, particularly the daring mountain-climbing stunts. The movie opens with a jaw-dropping rescue attempt that sets the tone for the entire film. The rugged, snow-covered peaks of the Rockies provide a stunning backdrop for a series of dangerous and suspense-filled confrontations, including cliff-side chases, hand-to-hand combat, and life-or-death situations in freezing temperatures.

The film was also notable for its practical effects, with Stallone himself performing many of his own stunts. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and high-stakes action made Cliffhanger a standout of early ’90s action cinema.

While Cliffhanger is often remembered for its thrilling action and stunning mountain vistas, it is also considered one of the defining action films of the 1990s. The movie taps into many of the typical elements of Stallone’s action heroes: physical strength, determination, and a willingness to put it all on the line for a greater cause.

Though not as iconic as some of his other films, Cliffhanger remains a fan favorite, especially for fans of high-intensity, adventure-driven thrillers. It helped cement Stallone’s status as a top-tier action star during the 1990s.