
Sudden Impact
1983, Mystery & thriller/Action, 1h 57m
37 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Sudden Impact delivers all the firepower -- and the most enduring catchphrase -- fans associate with the Dirty Harry franchise, but it's far from the best film in the series. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Sudden Impact Photos
Movie Info
Jennifer Spencer (Sondra Locke) was gang raped, but the crime went unpunished. Now she demands revenge, killing off the men that attacked her years before. The murders attract the attention of Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood), who is on a forced vacation due to his violent approach to police work. The case gets complicated when Harry develops a relationship with Jennifer, and it's up to Harry to make the right decision when Jennifer's life is threatened for a second time.
Cast & Crew
Clint Eastwood
Insp. 'Dirty' Harry Callahan
Insp. 'Dirty' Harry Callahan
Sondra Locke
Jennifer Spencer
Jennifer Spencer
Pat Hingle
Chief Lester Jannings
Chief Lester Jannings
Bradford Dillman
Capt. Briggs
Capt. Briggs
Paul Drake
Mick
Mick
Jack Thibeau
Kruger
Kruger
Critic Reviews for Sudden Impact
Audience Reviews for Sudden Impact
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Jan 23, 2022The bleakest of these movies but that feels appropriate given the subject matter. Also, Locke's haunting performance seriously elevates what could have easily been your basic exploitation fair.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Jul 11, 2012Eastwood takes the Direcor's chair this time for a Fourth Dirty Harry outing. Its a revenge tale of a young artist, Jennifer; hunting down the gang of rapists who raped her a few years ago, Harry steps into action getting involved with this case and realises that the young artist cannot rely on criminal justice system. I really liked this entry to the franchise, Its a lot more darker and more suspenceful than the previous film, plenty of action, drama, mystery, suspence and a touch of romance that puts Dirty Harry at the top of his game. It also includes the famous line in the entire series: "Go Ahead, Make my Day". You bet that Inspector Harry Callahan can really make my day with this film. Its the Third best in the series.Luke E Super Reviewer
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Nov 19, 2011For the fourth entry in the long running series about hard-nosed inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan, Clint Eastwood decided to take the reins this time around. And not only that, but this is also the film that gave the "Go ahead. Make my day" line, which is one of the best ever. That being said, I'm rather conflicted about this one. It is competently made, but there's really not a whole lot of in depth subtext, and there's plenty of missed opportunities to capitalize more on the fact that it's no longer the 70s, and how Harry is a relic of a bygone era. Don't get me wrong, this is addressed, but it's just not done in all that compelling or interesting way. There's less action, and more focus on psychology, which is okay, but things are more often than not a drag, and quite frankly, a bore as well. That, and some of the humor was far more groan worthy than was probably intended. Okay, so the plot: after outcries of police brutality, HArry is sent on an out of town assignment until things cool off. However, things always seem to heat up wherever Harry goes. His investigation revolves around a rape victim who, years after the event, is getting cold blooded revenge. Not only that, but Harry also has vengeful mobsters on his tale after an interrogation/intimidation of his caused a senior mafioso to keel over from a heart attack. Given this set up, you'd think this would be more slam bang, and not so contemplative. In a lot of ways, this film is like a great deal of Clint's (especially later) directorial work, namely in terms of style, themes, and execution, and, while this is a noble effort, I was let down. Like I said though, this has the great quote, and the climax is good, but everything else is a mixed bag.Chris W Super Reviewer
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Jun 14, 2011This movie did deliver the epic catchphrase, "Go ahead, make my day." Aside from that, Eastwood's directorial debut of the series turned out to be a disappointing experience.Sajin P Super Reviewer
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