---
title: "Mercenary"
year: 1996
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/mercenary-1996"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 205414
imdb_id: "tt0119660"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 102
community_rating: 5.5
vote_count: 23
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Mercenary (1996) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/mercenary-1996

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Mercenary is a 1996 action and thriller film that centers on Jonas Ambler, a wealthy businessman who seeks retribution after his wife is killed by kidnappers. The story follows his decision to hire a mercenary to locate the perpetrators, with the added complication that Ambler insists on accompanying the mercenary on the mission. It is classified as an action, thriller, and drama production.

Culturally, the film operates within the genre of 1990s direct-to-video action cinema, emphasizing themes of justice and personal vengeance. The tone is suspenseful and driven by the central conflict between the businessman and the hired professional. The pacing is consistent with the genre, moving through a focused narrative over its one hour and forty-two minute duration.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A grieving businessman hires a professional mercenary to track down his wife's kidnappers and exact revenge."

### Why Watch
- The premise explores the unconventional dynamic between a civilian and a professional soldier.
- It delivers a focused narrative centered on a personal quest for vengeance.
- The film maintains a brisk runtime of one hour and forty-two minutes.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The narrative follows a traditional revenge-thriller structure that may feel predictable to some viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The film is an action-thriller with a serious tone and a steady pace suitable for audiences interested in suspense and vigilante themes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #revenge-thriller, #vigilante-justice, #action-drama, #high-stakes-pursuit, #partnered-mission

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, Eternal Family, Midnight Pulp, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Troma NOW, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel, ARROW | FlixHouse, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | ARROW | None | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Midnight Pulp, ARROW | Tubi TV, Plex, Cineverse | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Tubi TV | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Avi Nesher
- **Networks / Studios**: Conquistador Entertainment, Mahagonny Pictures, HBO

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Olivier Gruner** as *Capt. Karl 'Hawk' May*
- **John Ritter** as *Jonas Ambler*
- **Robert Culp** as *McClean*
- **Ed Lauter** as *Jack Cochran*
- **Michael Zelniker** as *Alan Bailey*
- **Martin Kove** as *Phoenix*
- **Lara Harris** as *Joanna Ambler*
- **Lindsey Ginter** as *Klinge*
- **Nils Allen Stewart** as *Bad Dave*
- **Duke Valenti** as *Bandit Boss*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Mercenary?
Streaming availability varies by region; please check your local digital platforms or the official TMDB page for current listings.

### Q: Is this film worth watching?
It is worth watching if you are a fan of 1990s action-thrillers that focus on revenge plots and professional-amateur team dynamics.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and forty-two minutes.

### Q: Is this a television series?
No, Mercenary is a feature-length film released in 1996.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Mercenary — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/205414)
- [Mercenary (Video 1996) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119660/fullcredits/)
- [Mercenary (1996) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/205414-mercenary/cast)
- [Mercenary - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercenary)
- [Mercenary - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercenary)

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