What: Ronin
Director: John Frankenheimer
Stars: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, and Jonathan Pryce
Year: 1998
Product Placement: 1998 Audi S8
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SUMMARY
Ronin is a 1998 American neo-noir action thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer and written by J.D. Zeik and David Mamet. The film stars Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, and Jonathan Pryce, and follows a team of former intelligence operatives hired to recover a mysterious briefcase amidst shifting loyalties and double crosses in post-Cold War Europe. Ronin is widely praised for its realistic car chase sequences filmed on location in France without the use of special effects, and has achieved lasting recognition among enthusiasts for its automotive action.
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AUTOMOTIVE ELEMENTS
Ronin is particularly noted for its extensive use of real vehicles in high-intensity chase scenes that wind through the streets and tunnels of Nice and Paris. Director John Frankenheimer employed professional drivers and shot the sequences at true highway speeds up to approximately 100 mph, emphasizing authentic driving dynamics and vehicular interaction as a core part of the film’s tone.
In total, approximately 80 automobiles were destroyed during production to achieve the visceral realism of the chases.
AUDI S8
The most celebrated automotive star of Ronin is the Audi S8 (D2, type 4D), chosen as the primary vehicle of the protagonists during several key chase sequences. The S8’s presence in the film played a significant role in elevating its visibility and performance reputation among enthusiasts and the broader motoring public.
The Audi is introduced into the storyline in a particularly cool way by Larry, the team’s skilled driver (played by Skipp Sudduth). At 12:30 into the movie, Deirdre (played Natascha McElhone) inquires of him “Larry, Can you Tell Vincent what it is you need”?
Larry responds, “Something very fast. Audi S8. Something that can shove a little bit. I’m also gonna need a nitrous system.”
The S8 ends up being used both as a pursuit vehicle and as a tactical tool in the mercenary team’s attempts to intercept a Citroën XM carrying the coveted briefcase. The film’s depiction of the S8 blends its luxury saloon character with surprisingly agile handling, a performance that has contributed to the model’s cult status among fans of cinema and performance automobiles alike.
Other Notable Cars
In addition to the Audi S8, Ronin features a diverse array of European vehicles deployed in both chase and background roles:
- Citroën XM – A French executive hatchback that serves as the briefcase sellers’ vehicle and participates in several chase moments. IMCDb.org
- Peugeot 406 – Another French sedan involved in tactical pursuit scenes. IMCDb.org
- BMW 535i and other BMW models – Including multiple 5-Series variants used in chase scenes and as part of the cinematic traffic mix. IMCDb.org
- Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 – Driven by one of the protagonists, adding to the film’s rich tapestry of high-end European luxury cars. Wikipedia
LEGACY & INFLUENCE
Ronin is widely regarded as a benchmark for live-action car chase filmmaking. Automotive commentators and critics alike have noted its influence on subsequent action cinema and its enduring appeal among car enthusiasts, who often rank its pursuit sequences among the genre’s best. The inclusion of European performance and luxury cars — particularly the Audi S8 — helped cement the film’s reputation as a classic intersection of automotive culture and action storytelling.
REFERENCES
- Ronin (film), IMDb – General information and cast. IMDb
- Ronin (film) entry, Wikipedia – Production and acclaim notes. Wikipedia
- Trivia: Automobile destruction during filming, IMDb Trivia. IMDb
- The [myriad] cinematic cars of “Ronin” (1998), Motoring Con Brio – Commentary on vehicles’ roles and appeal. Motoring Con Brio
- Audi S8 article, Wikipedia – Technical details on the S8. Wikipedia
- How ‘Ronin’ Put the Audi S8 on the Map, AudiWorld – Automotive community perspective on the S8’s impact. AudiWorld
- IMCDB vehicle list for Ronin – Catalog of vehicles featured. IMCDb.org
- Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 reference – Details on its role in the film. Wikipedia
- Ronin Will Thrill You like No Car Film Can, Petrolicious
PHOTO GALLERY
