The Punisher (1989 film)

The Punisher
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Mark Goldblatt
Written by	Boaz Yakin
Based on	Punisher by Gerry Conway Ross Andru John Romita Sr.
Produced by	Robert Mark Kamen
Starring	Dolph Lundgren Louis Gossett Jr.
Cinematography	Ian Baker
Edited by	Tim Wellburn
Music by	Dennis Dreith
Production company	New World Pictures
Distributed by	Live Entertainment (North America) New World International (International)
Release dates	October 5, 1989 (1989-10-05) (West Germany) April 25, 1991 (1991-04-25) (United States)
Running time	89 minutes[1]
Countries	United States Australia
Language	English
Budget	$9 million[2]
Box office	$30 million[2]

The Punisher is a 1989 American vigilante film action film thriller film directed by Mark Goldblatt and was based on the Marvel Comics' character of same name. It stars Dolph Lundgren, Louis Gossett, Jr., Jeroen Krabbé , Kim Miyori, Bryan Marshall, Todd Boyce, Brian Rooney, Nancy Everhard and was distributed by New World International. Former undercover police detective Frank Castle (Lundgren), presumed dead after his family's murder, becomes the elusive vigilante "The Punisher," targeting mobsters with his skull-etched throwing knives. As the mob groups weaken under his relentless attacks, the yakuza, led by Lady Tanaka (Miyori), seize the opportunity to invade their territories, threatening the Mafia by kidnapping their children. Punisher retaliates, freeing most captives, except the son of mobster Gianni Franco (Krabbé), and gets arrested. Freed by Franco, Punisher aids him in rescuing Franco's son from the yakuza.

The film had a troubled release as New World Pictures had financial issues. While it received a theatrical run internationally, it was released on Home Video in the United States, grossing $30 million. The film has since gained a cult following.