---
title: "Face\/Off"
year: 1997
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/face-off-1997"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 754
imdb_id: "tt0119094"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 139
community_rating: 7.1
vote_count: 5976
content_rating: "R"
---

# Face/Off (1997) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/face-off-1997

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Face/Off is a 1997 American science fiction action thriller film directed by John Woo. The screenplay for the production was written by Mike Werb and Michael Colleary. The film features John Travolta as an FBI agent and Nicolas Cage as a criminal mastermind. The plot follows an FBI agent who undergoes an experimental facial transplant surgery to assume the identity of a terrorist in order to foil a terrorist plot. The situation becomes complicated when the criminal wakes up prematurely from the procedure and seeks revenge. The film, which has a runtime of two hours and nineteen minutes, is categorized under the genres of action, crime, and science fiction. It was released in the United States on June 27, 1997, and carries an R rating. The core narrative revolves around the premise that in order to trap a criminal, the agent must become him, leading to a conflict where the two men swap their faces and identities.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An FBI agent assumes a criminal's identity to stop a terrorist plot with dangerous consequences."

### Why Watch
- high-stakes premise
- fast-paced narrative

### Caveats & Content Note
- complex plot
- intense violence
- Tone & Suitability: This film contains intense sequences of violence and action.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, action-packed, suspenseful, dramatic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, MGM Plus, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel | YouTube Free | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: John Woo
- **Networks / Studios**: WCG Entertainment Productions, Douglas/Reuther Productions, David Permut Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **John Travolta** as *Sean Archer*
- **Nicolas Cage** as *Castor Troy*
- **Joan Allen** as *Eve Archer*
- **Alessandro Nivola** as *Pollux Troy*
- **Gina Gershon** as *Sasha Hassler*
- **Dominique Swain** as *Jamie Archer*
- **Nick Cassavetes** as *Dietrich Hassler*
- **Harve Presnell** as *Victor Lazarro*
- **Colm Feore** as *Dr. Malcolm Walsh*
- **John Carroll Lynch** as *Prison Guard Walton*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the premise of the film?
An FBI agent undergoes surgery to take on the appearance of a criminal mastermind to stop a terrorist plot.

### Q: Does the plan go as expected?
No, the plan encounters complications when the criminal wakes up and seeks revenge.

### Q: What genre is this film?
It is an action-thriller.

### Q: Is this film suitable for all audiences?
The film contains intense action and violence, making it more appropriate for mature viewers.

### Q: What is the central conflict?
The conflict arises from an FBI agent assuming a criminal's identity to foil a terrorist plot.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Face/Off — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/754)
- [Face/Off (1997) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119094/fullcredits/)
- [Face/Off - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face/Off)
- [Face/Off (1997) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/754-face-off/cast)
- [Face/Off (1997) - Full Cast and Crew | Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/face-off/4122/credits/)
- [Face/Off (1997) Full Cast & Crew - Plex](https://watch.plex.tv/movie/face-off-1997/credits)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*