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Cover of Clear and Present Danger

film

Clear and Present Danger

1994

Agent Jack Ryan becomes acting Deputy Director of Intelligence for the CIA when Admiral Greer is diagnosed with cancer. When an American businessman, and friend of the president, is murdered on his yacht, Ryan starts discovering links between the man and drug dealers. As former CIA agent John Clark is sent to Colombia to kill drug cartel kingpins in retaliation, Ryan must fight through multiple cover-ups to figure out what happened and who's responsible.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 action violence includes assassinations, ambushes, shootings, explosions, executions, deaths, and prolonged peril. The political corruption, drug trade, grief, and moral complexity suit mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Violence5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard product placement for cars and electronics in a modern setting.

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Multiple named characters and soldiers are killed in murders, ambushes and combat; Admiral Greer also dies from cancer. Death is a major part of the plot.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some brief, realistic depictions of injuries and casualties consistent with an action-thriller.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

The film reportedly includes recurring moderate profanity, but the supplied passages do not quote dialogue or establish exact frequency.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

A funeral is included, suggesting brief religious or ceremonial material rather than a prominent faith theme.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor; Ryan's relationship with his wife is background to his work.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A tense action thriller with ambushes, assassination threats, jungle combat, captivity, pursuit and characters trapped behind enemy lines.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Drug trafficking, cocaine operations and cartel activity are central, but the supplied material does not establish frequent recreational use or glamorization.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Includes shootouts, an ambush on a vehicle convoy, bombings, and air strikes.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Ryan confronts powerful officials and risks his career, while Clark and the surviving team members endure captivity and attempt a dangerous rescue.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Features tactical planning and investigative problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse cast of characters in professional and operational roles.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers substantial incidental context about intelligence agencies, congressional oversight, covert operations, Colombia, and political accountability.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Cooperation and loyalty appear in the rescue and partnership between Ryan and Clark, but empathy is secondary to the thriller's violent conflict.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes truth, accountability, opposition to government abuse, moral courage, and the dangers of secret wars and political cover-ups.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ryan ultimately rejects a cover-up and testifies, while Clark helps rescue survivors; however, protagonists operate within violent and ethically compromised systems.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Clear and Present Danger would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Clear and Present Danger, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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