The Day of the Jackal

The Day of the Jackal (1973)★ 8.2/10

PG · GB,FR · 143 min · May 16, 1973

  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Thriller

Directed by: Fred Zinnemann

Written by: Frederick Forsyth, Kenneth Ross

A hired killer known as The Jackal is tasked with assassinating President De Gaulle. As he plans meticulously, French police race to stop him.

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Awards · 1 wins, 10 nominations

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Reviews

JJimmy_ChenAugust 6, 2025
The film’s brilliance lies in its dual perspective—it not only details the Jackal’s methodical assassination plot, but also follows the dogged efforts of the French police to stop him. It’s an intellectual duel between predator and prey, with both sides displaying formidable cunning. Every step is executed with chilling precision, keeping the audience gripped in a state of tension.
BBerta_WoodsJuly 30, 2025
Even after more than fifty years, "The Day of the Jackal" holds up as an exceptional thriller. That said, I found the 2024 series adaptation starring Eddie Redmayne even more compelling, with a richer plot and a more enigmatic, even faintly sympathetic, portrayal of the Jackal. In contrast, the 1973 film presents him as a clinical, cold-blooded assassin whose sole mission is to kill Charles de Gaulle.
UUser-1501038359December 10, 2025
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