Lethal Weapon (1987), directed by Richard Donner, is a classic action buddy-cop film starring Mel Gibson as the reckless Martin Riggs and Danny Glover as the veteran cop Roger Murtaugh. Packed with explosive action, sharp humor, and an engaging storyline, Lethal Weapon became one of the defining action films of the 1980s and launched a legendary franchise.
Introduction: Two Opposite Cops, One Mission
The movie introduces Sergeant Roger Murtaugh, a by-the-book LAPD detective celebrating his 50th birthday. Murtaugh is a seasoned officer looking forward to a peaceful retirement.
Meanwhile, Martin Riggs, a former Navy SEAL and special forces operative, is introduced as a reckless and suicidal LAPD officer. Following the recent death of his wife, Riggs has become dangerously unpredictable, making him a walking time bomb.
Murtaugh and Riggs are assigned as partners, much to Murtaugh’s frustration. Their personalities couldn’t be more different:
- Murtaugh is cautious and prefers protocol.
- Riggs is aggressive, unhinged, and takes extreme risks.
Their mission? Investigate the apparent suicide of Amanda Hunsaker, the daughter of Murtaugh’s old friend Michael Hunsaker.
The Case: A Suicide or Murder?
Amanda Hunsaker, a high-end prostitute, is found dead after an apparent overdose and fall from a high-rise building. However, the autopsy reveals that she was poisoned before the fall, meaning this was not suicide, but murder.
The investigation leads Riggs and Murtaugh into a dangerous conspiracy involving ex-CIA operatives turned drug smugglers.
The Villain: The Shadow Company
The detectives uncover The Shadow Company, a covert ex-military mercenary unit involved in smuggling heroin into Los Angeles. The group is run by General Peter McAllister, a ruthless former military officer, and his enforcer, Mr. Joshua (Gary Busey), a cold-blooded assassin.
The deeper Riggs and Murtaugh dig, the more dangerous the case becomes.
- Riggs is targeted when McAllister’s men try to kill him, but he miraculously survives.
- Michael Hunsaker is murdered before he can reveal more details.
Riggs & Murtaugh: A Growing Partnership
Despite their initial clashes, Murtaugh begins to see Riggs as a valuable partner, and the two start forming a friendship.
- Murtaugh realizes Riggs isn’t just reckless—he’s deeply broken and suicidal.
- Riggs begins to open up, showing that he still has something to live for.
Together, they prepare to take down The Shadow Company, even if it means bending the rules.
The Kidnapping: A Personal Fight
The stakes get personal when McAllister kidnaps Murtaugh’s daughter, Rianne, using her as leverage. This forces Riggs and Murtaugh into an ambush, leading to their capture and brutal torture.
- Riggs, trained in pain tolerance, breaks free and single-handedly takes down multiple mercenaries.
- Murtaugh uses deception to gain the upper hand, helping them escape.
- They rescue Rianne and take the fight to McAllister and Joshua.
The Explosive Final Confrontation
The climax is a high-intensity showdown between Riggs and Mr. Joshua, who engages him in a brutal one-on-one street fight.
- Riggs, despite being injured, overpowers Joshua in a rain-soaked brawl.
- Joshua tries one last attack, but both Riggs and Murtaugh shoot him dead, ensuring he stays down for good.
Meanwhile, McAllister is killed in a fiery car explosion, bringing an explosive end to the Shadow Company.
Ending: A New Beginning
With the case closed, Riggs visits Murtaugh’s home for Christmas, finally accepting a family he never had. He even gives up his last bullet, symbolizing that he no longer wants to die.
Murtaugh welcomes him in, marking the start of one of cinema’s greatest buddy-cop partnerships.
Conclusion: A Classic Action Thriller
Lethal Weapon is more than just an action film—it’s a story of friendship, redemption, and loyalty. With explosive action, unforgettable characters, and sharp humor, it remains one of the most iconic buddy-cop movies of all time, setting the standard for the genre.
“I’m too old for this s***.”
This iconic line by Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) captures the essence of feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges as one ages. It reflects a universal sentiment about the weariness that comes with experience and the realization of one’s limitations.
“What did one shepherd say to the other shepherd? Let’s get the flock out of here!”
This joke by Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) exemplifies his irreverent and carefree nature. It highlights the importance of humor as a coping mechanism in stressful situations.
“We’re getting too old for this.”
A variation of Murtaugh’s famous line, this quote emphasizes the theme of aging and the inevitable passage of time, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own life stages and experiences.
“You ever met anybody you didn’t kill?”
Murtaugh’s question to Riggs underscores the theme of violence and its impact on one’s psyche. It challenges the audience to consider the consequences of a life driven by aggression.
“I’m not a cop tonight, Rog. This is personal.”
This line from Riggs signifies the shift from professional duty to personal vendetta, exploring the blurred lines between justice and revenge.
“It’s just a job. It doesn’t have to be anything else.”
Riggs’ pragmatic view on their work as police officers suggests a philosophical stance on the nature of work and identity, implying that one’s job should not completely define them.
“You really wanna jump? Do you wanna? Well, that’s fine with me. Come on. I wanna do it. I wanna do it.”
This intense scene highlights Riggs’ struggle with suicidal tendencies, bringing attention to mental health issues and the importance of confronting one’s demons.
“Why don’t you save the bullet and shoot yourself? It’d be cheaper.”
This harsh suggestion from Murtaugh underscores the theme of tough love and the sometimes brutally honest ways friends can confront each other’s self-destructive behaviors.
“We do this my way.”
Riggs’ insistence on handling situations his way reflects the struggle for control and autonomy, a recurring theme in life where individuals often grapple with authority and personal freedom.
“I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid of not trying.”
This quote encapsulates the fearless mindset of Riggs and highlights a life philosophy centered on taking risks and pursuing one’s goals despite the inherent dangers.
“You don’t trust me at all, do you?”
This question underscores the theme of trust and partnership, vital elements in both personal and professional relationships, reflecting the journey of building trust over time.
“It’s just a nightmare. Don’t worry about it.”
Murtaugh’s reassurance to his family shows the human desire to protect loved ones from fear and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of offering comfort and security.
“Cops, the only place where gunplay is considered a team sport.”
This humorous observation by Riggs provides commentary on the nature of their work, highlighting the camaraderie and dangers inherent in the life of law enforcement officers.
“This is crazy, Riggs. We’re supposed to be partners.”
Murtaugh’s plea to Riggs stresses the importance of teamwork and mutual support, a lesson applicable to any collaborative endeavor in life.
“You ever go fishing? It’s a lot like that. Peaceful.”
Riggs’ metaphorical comparison of fishing to life suggests finding peace in simplicity and appreciating quiet moments, a reminder to seek tranquility amidst chaos.
“The only thing I know how to do is shoot people who need to be shot.”
This raw admission by Riggs highlights the struggle to find purpose beyond violence, encouraging viewers to reflect on their skills and how they can be redirected positively.
“You’re not gonna die. Nobody’s gonna die.”
Murtaugh’s reassurance in the face of danger speaks to the power of optimism and determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
“See, I was always good at math. Always knew I’d be a cop.”
This line reflects on how early skills and interests can shape one’s career path, encouraging viewers to recognize and cultivate their innate talents.
“Don’t do it, Riggs. There’s still something to live for.”
Murtaugh’s plea to Riggs highlights the importance of friendship and intervention in preventing self-harm, emphasizing that life has value even in its darkest moments.
“We’re partners, we’re not just friends.”
This statement underscores the strength of partnerships that go beyond friendship, emphasizing loyalty, duty, and shared purpose.
Lethal Weapon’s Original Tone
The original script by Shane Black was significantly darker and more violent, focusing heavily on Martin Riggs’ suicidal tendencies. The tone was lightened during production to appeal to a broader audience.
Iconic Improvisation
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover improvised several of their scenes together, contributing to the natural chemistry and banter between their characters, Riggs and Murtaugh.
Gary Busey’s Audition
Gary Busey was initially considered for the role of Martin Riggs, but Mel Gibson’s audition impressed the filmmakers more. Busey was then cast as the memorable villain Mr. Joshua.
Unique Casting Choice
Danny Glover was cast as Roger Murtaugh without an audition, based solely on his performance in “The Color Purple” (1985), showcasing his versatile acting skills.
Music Collaboration
The film’s score was a unique collaboration between composer Michael Kamen and jazz guitarist Eric Clapton, contributing to the movie’s distinctive musical atmosphere.
Stunt Coordination
Famed stunt coordinator Bobby Bass designed many of the film’s action sequences, ensuring that the stunts were both realistic and thrilling for audiences.
Box Office Success
“Lethal Weapon” was a major box office hit, grossing over $120 million worldwide, which was a substantial amount for an R-rated film at the time.
Director’s Vision
Director Richard Donner wanted to emphasize the theme of friendship between Riggs and Murtaugh, which became a central focus throughout the film series.
Character Development
Mel Gibson worked closely with a psychiatrist to accurately portray the psychological aspects of his character, Martin Riggs, particularly his struggle with grief and suicidal thoughts.
Iconic Line Origin
The famous line “I’m too old for this…” spoken by Murtaugh was ad-libbed by Danny Glover and became one of the film’s most memorable catchphrases.