A New Hit from a Well-Forgotten Past Back in the 1960s, as I discovered thanks to the rise of the global internet, there was a popular TV series with a very familiar name — "Mission: Impossible". And here I thought I only knew it as an action film starring Tom Cruise. A little research showed that the show was hugely in demand until its cancellation in 1973. Reruns followed, which also proved successful, gluing viewers to their TV screens. And then, a couple of decades later, the puzzle finally came together at Paramount Pictures. The studio wanted to relaunch the project — but this time as a feature film. Director Brian De Palma took the helm, and Tom Cruise finally landed the leading role in a spy thriller. The actor had long dreamed of trying on the image of a secret agent and starring in a true blockbuster. The film delights with its story. The plot is engaging enough, and it was a joy to soak up the atmosphere of Prague in the prologue. Right there the tone for the entire future franchise is set: spy games and gadgets, a team of professionals, betrayals, chases, and puzzles. The movie takes the viewer on an unprecedented adventure where Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, investigates the reasons behind a failed Prague mission. Essentially, the film is about uncovering traitors and villains. Hunt’s troubles are compounded by the fact that he’s on the run — and trust is no longer an option. As an action movie, it’s spectacular. It has those unforgettable moments that would later become almost meme-worthy, some of the most recognizable in the genre — like when the hero breaks into a highly secure computer room and dangles from a cable inches above the floor. Even though future entries in the series would feature far more elaborate and dangerous infiltration sequences, I’d argue that this particular scene with Cruise suspended horizontally remains the most iconic. And the soundtrack ensures the movie is instantly recognizable, its music forever tied to the franchise. Tom Cruise shines. In this role, he reveals a different side of himself. The image of Ethan Hunt suits him perfectly. This film and the ones that followed show that Cruise is an excellent actor for action films and crime thrillers. Personally, I’d put the first "Mission: Impossible" closer to the latter genre. Cruise injects his character with raw tension, showing that even a seasoned pro like Hunt is still human — he thinks, analyzes, calculates. He can run out of breath, he faces real danger, and you actually worry about him. The second film presents the character quite differently, but that’s another story. Here, you believe in Cruise’s performance, and you root for Ethan Hunt. The supporting cast is also strong. Jean Reno, Jon Voight, Vanessa Redgrave, and Ving Rhames are all impressive. On the other hand, Emmanuelle Béart felt a bit flat. Her character, Claire, looked as if she was on the verge of tears in every scene, and that one emotion carried her through the entire movie. The film leaves a lasting impression. "Mission: Impossible" turned out to be a strong project. It keeps you on edge from start to finish. And that helicopter chase after the speeding train is bound to wow you with both its coolness and its implausibility. But that’s the magic of cinema: solid directing makes it work, and as a viewer, I accept it and believe in what I see. Tom Cruise became an even bigger star thanks to this project. In fact, he still stars in and produces films from this very series to this day. And the first movie is still talked about, which is yet another sign of the project’s high quality. 9 out of 10