Watch Trackdown

Trackdown is an intense, heart-thumping thriller from 2001 that follows two very different men on a treacherous journey into the rugged and unforgiving Australian outback. Simon Westaway stars as Ray, a tough-as-nails ex-cop who has spent years seeking revenge against the ruthless drug lord who killed his wife and daughter. Paul Mercurio plays Frank, a mild-mannered accountant who is unwittingly pulled into Ray's vendetta when he witnesses a brutal murder committed by the same crime boss. Anja Coleby rounds out the cast as Julie, Frank's loyal girlfriend who becomes an unexpected target in the gang war that ensues.

The movie opens with a powerful montage of Ray's emotional turmoil as he recalls the devastating loss of his family. He's a broken man, haunted by the memories of his loved ones and fueled by an unyielding desire for justice. When Frank inadvertently comes across Ray's path, he is quickly drawn into a web of danger and deceit that he never could have imagined. As the two men try to outsmart their dangerous foe, they are forced to confront their own personal demons and reconcile their vastly different worldviews.

The first half of the movie is a slow burn, with tension building gradually as Ray and Frank navigate their way through the wilderness and cyber-sleuthing tactics to try and track down the drug lord. Their relationship is initially contentious, with Ray mistrusting Frank's lack of street smarts and Frank doubting Ray's sanity at times. However, as they spend more time together and face increasingly dire circumstances, they develop a begrudging respect for one another that ultimately grows into a deep bond of brotherhood.

The stunning cinematography of the outback serves as a stark contrast to the gritty urban backdrop of Ray's past life as a cop. As the two men make their way deeper into the wilderness, they come across a colorful cast of characters, from a lonesome kangaroo hunter to a group of rowdy prospectors. These encounters provide moments of levity amidst the intense drama, reminding the audience that despite the high stakes, life goes on in the outback.

As the movie progresses, the stakes get higher and the action more intense. The final act is a thrilling showdown between Ray and the drug lord, played with gusto by a menacing Sam Neill. Anja Coleby's character, Julie, comes into her own in the last stretch of the movie, proving to be more than just a damsel in distress. Her bravery and quick thinking help to turn the tide in the fierce battle between good and evil.

Overall, Trackdown is a high-stakes thriller that delivers on both suspense and heart. The richly drawn characters and stunning scenery make for an unforgettable cinematic experience, and the explosive climax will have audiences on the edge of their seats. This is not a movie to miss for fans of action and adventure.

Trackdown is a 2001 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.