"National Treasure" is an action-adventure film that delves into the world of historical mysteries and hidden treasures. Released on November 19, 2004, the movie was directed by Jon Turteltaub.
Synopsis:
Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) comes from a family of treasure hunters who have been searching for a war chest hidden by the Founding Fathers after the Revolutionary War.
The chest is believed to be hidden somewhere in the country, and its location is linked to a series of clues, the first of which is on the back of the Declaration of Independence. When Gates learns of a plot to steal the Declaration, he decides to steal it himself to protect it and to use it to find the treasure.
Along with his friend Riley and Dr. Abigail Chase from the National Archives, Gates embarks on a thrilling adventure to decipher the clues and find the hidden treasure before his former ally-turned-enemy, Ian Howe, can get to it.
Cast and Characters:
- Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates: A historian and amateur cryptologist searching for a lost treasure, following clues left by the Founding Fathers.
- Diane Kruger as Dr. Abigail Chase: A National Archives curator who becomes involved in the treasure hunt after the Declaration is stolen.
- Justin Bartha as Riley Poole: Ben's best friend and a computer expert who aids in the treasure hunt.
- Sean Bean as Ian Howe: A treasure hunter and Ben's former ally, who becomes his adversary in the race to find the treasure.
- Jon Voight as Patrick Henry Gates: Ben's skeptical father who eventually joins his son's quest.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
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Australia (AU):
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United Kingdom (GB):
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Germany (DE):
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Brazil (BR):
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Spain (ES):
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France (FR):
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Canada (CA):
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Production Details:
- Director: Jon Turteltaub
- Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer and Jon Turteltaub
- Screenplay Writers: Jim Kouf, Cormac Wibberley, and Marianne Wibberley
- Filming Locations: The movie was filmed in various locations, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Utah. One of the challenges faced during production was shooting in historic locations, ensuring that no damage was done to these sites.
- Budget and Box Office Performance: The film had a budget of approximately $100 million and grossed over $347 million worldwide.
Reception and Awards:
- Critical Reception: Critics had mixed reviews about "National Treasure." While some praised its entertainment value and engaging plot, others criticized it for its historical inaccuracies and implausible scenarios.
- Audience Reception: The movie was well-received by audiences, becoming a favorite among adventure film enthusiasts. Its success led to a sequel, "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," released in 2007.
- Awards and Nominations: The film received several award nominations, particularly for its sound editing and visual effects.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- Casting Choices: Before Nicolas Cage was cast as Benjamin Gates, several other actors were considered for the role, including Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford.
- Historical Inaccuracies: While the movie is based on historical events and figures, many liberties were taken for the sake of the plot. For instance, the idea that there's a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence is purely fictional.
- Easter Eggs: In one scene, a character mentions the "Freemasons," a real secret society that has been the subject of many conspiracy theories over the years.
- Controversies: The film faced criticism from some historians and scholars for its portrayal of historical events and its fictionalized account of the Founding Fathers' intentions.
In conclusion, "National Treasure" is a thrilling adventure film that combines history, mystery, and action. While it may take liberties with historical facts, its engaging plot and charismatic characters make it a memorable cinematic experience.