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Face/Off

Face/Off is a movie from 1997 directed by John Woo and starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. It was the 10th top-grossing film in 1997.


Face/Off is the story of FBI agent Sean Archer who has been obsessively pursuing mastermind criminal Castor Troy ever since Troy killed his son in a botched assassination attempt. After finally apprehending him and his brother Pollux, Castor Troy is comatose and Pollux is sent to a top secret prison. However, it is discovered that the brothers had already planted a powerful explosive in Los Angeles, California. Since Pollux is the only person who knows where the bomb is, Archer agrees to take on Castor's identity so he can interrogate Pollux Troy in order to eliminate the threat. In order to assume Castor Troy's identity, Troy's face is surgically removed and applied to Archer's body; Archer's face is kept at the doctor's secure facility.

While Archer is in prison masquerading as Castor Troy, the real Castor comes out of his coma and manages to have Archer's face attached. By abusing Archer's position, Castor is able to extract Pollux from prison and leave the real Archer trapped inside. Castor (still as Archer) publicly defuses the bomb in order to gain favor in the bureau so he can use its resources to eliminate rival criminals. At the same time, Castor moves into Archer's home and lives with his wife and troubled teenage daughter.

As Castor's plans unfold, Archer (still as Castor) escapes from prison and attempts to recruit Castor's former criminal allies so he can confront Castor and somehow get his face back. Archer connects with Castor Troy's "family" as Castor Troy is connecting with Archer's family.

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