‘One of the best films ever made’ airing on Channel 5 tonight

This Harrison Ford film, which also stars Tommy Lee Jones, is loosely inspired by the trial of Sam Sheppard and a 1960s TV series, but it’s also become a cult film favourite.

A film hailed as “one of the best films ever made” and starring Harrison Ford is on Channel 5 tonight. Based on the 1960s TV series, The Fugitive is loosely inspired by the trial of Sam Sheppard, with the film starring Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Andreas Katsulas, and Jeroen Krabbé.

The Fugitive, released in 1993, follows Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford), a respected surgeon, who is framed and convicted for murdering his wife by a mysterious one-armed man, leading to his wrongful death sentence.

During a prison bus transfer, Kimble escapes and goes on the run, determined to find the real killer and clear his name, all while being relentlessly pursued by determined U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) and his team in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.

One five-star review wrote: “A timeless classic. This film is non-stop action from the very first scene. A nightmare scenario that has you on the edge of your seat. You cannot help feeling desperately sorry for Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) as he flees not only the Chicago Police Department but also a team of inept U.S Marshals led by Tommy Lee Jones (a slick performance to say the least).

“This film is captivating with some great stunts, great twists and an ominous musical score that perfectly captures the sinister undertones of the plot.”

Another shared: “The Fugitive is a classic action mystery film that boasts a powerhouse cast. The performances between Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones are very memorable; they complimented one another so well.

“The Fugitive keeps you on your toes the entire time and has you rooting hard for the good guy to prevail in the end (to) find justice. It has a satisfying ending although it’s the journey that Harrison Ford’s character goes through that makes the film so special and re-watchable.”

A third said: “This movie is miles above the trash made today. There are current movies in the 90% (Rotten Tomatoes) range that don’t hold a candle to this film… shows how bad modem generations are at understanding what makes a great film. I am ashamed to be a human with this at 89%.”

A fourth said: “I’d go as far as to say this is Harrison Ford’s finest performance and arguably his best film. The 90’s was a good decade for action crime thrillers and The Fugitive is a masterpiece. Tommy Lee Jones performance is outstanding.”

Another five-star review raved about the film as it wrote: “I remember seeing in the theaters back in 1993 with my grandmother (who was a huge fan of the TV series). She told me a little bit about the TV show and I really enjoyed it!

“The main reason I wanted to see this movie was Harrison Ford (huge fan since I was four years old (because of Star Wars) A New Hope) This movie is awesome! Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were perfect. Tommy Lee Jones shines in this movie.

“The twist was great of the killer! Andrew Davis (the filmmaker) did a perfect job on this movie… it should have won Best Picture, but Schnilder’s List won (and well deserved). I loved the story and the ‘cat and mouse’ scenario! The bus and train scene was so cool for the VFX (visual effects) for back then. If you love a great story and action, humour, and great drama then watch this flick!”

The Fugitive airs on Channel 5 on Thursday 8 January at 10.35pm.