Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- gritty
- propulsive
- weekend night
- action movie night
What critics said
Critics found the film an entertaining but contrived action thriller whose practical train-top finale and committed performances outweighed thin characterization and implausible plotting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Carol Hunnicut and Robert Caulfield are pursued through a remote Canadian train, with the finale extending the danger onto the train roof.
Hunnicut secretly observes a Mafia murder, hides from authorities, and is forced into flight when the mob tracks her down.
Critics repeatedly praised the dangerous train-top finale and the visible integration of real actors into its action.
The Mafia conspiracy, witness concealment, morally pressured officials, and shadowy pursuit place the film within contemporary neo-noir crime tradition.
Films like Narrow Margin, and why
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
claustrophobic crime suspense, pursued witness, and escalating danger aboard public transportation
The Fugitive
neo-noir thriller mechanics, ordinary people trapped in criminal conspiracies, and sustained pursuit
The Lady Vanishes
train-bound suspense, mystery, and a vulnerable witness pursued by organized criminals
Runaway Train
high-concept action thriller built around criminal pursuit and practical physical danger
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Hyams
- Release Date
- 1990-09-21
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (243)
Cast
- Gene Hackman
- Anne Archer
- James B. Sikking
- Harris Yulin
- J.T. Walsh
- M. Emmet Walsh
- Susan Hogan
- Nigel Bennett
- J.A. Preston
- B.A. 'Smitty' Smith
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Narrow Margin about?
- A reluctant murder witness and a deputy district attorney race to survive a mob pursuit aboard a remote Canadian train.
- What is Narrow Margin like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Narrow Margin as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Narrow Margin violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Narrow Margin as moderate.
- What did critics think of Narrow Margin?
- Critics found the film an entertaining but contrived action thriller whose practical train-top finale and committed performances outweighed thin characterization and implausible plotting.
- Which films are like Narrow Margin?
- Films with a similar feel include The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Fugitive, The Lady Vanishes, and Runaway Train.
- How long is Narrow Margin?
- Narrow Margin runs 97 minutes.
- Where can I watch Narrow Margin?
- In United States, Narrow Margin is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube.
