Five Desperate Hours (1997): cast, story & where to watch
1997 · Film · ★ 5
Released in 1997, Five Desperate Hours is a thriller, crime and tv movie film directed by Dan Lerner, running about 90 minutes. “In seconds, their paths crossed. In hours, their lives changed.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Joseph Grange (Giancarlo Esposito), an unstable fugitive from the law, bursts into the home of suburban housewife Claire Ballard (Sharon Lawrence), and an intense hostage drama begins. Desperate to save her life, Claire initiates a dialogue with Grange as a trigger-happy SWAT team waits outside poised to storm the house. Claire, herself the product of a troubled past, begins to identify with the tormented Grange and, over five tension-filled hours, victim and captor forge an unlikely bond.
Who’s in it. Five Desperate Hours stars Sharon Lawrence as Clair Ballard, Giancarlo Esposito as Joseph Grange, Daniel Hugh Kelly as Jim Ballard and Rocky Carroll as Lt. Frank Early, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, Five Desperate Hours has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads and Shout! Factory Amazon Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Five Desperate Hours page.
If you liked it. Fans of Five Desperate Hours tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Five Desperate Hours (1997)?
- In US, Five Desperate Hours is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads and Shout! Factory Amazon Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Five Desperate Hours worth watching?
- Five Desperate Hours holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, crime and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Five Desperate Hours?
- Five Desperate Hours stars Sharon Lawrence, Giancarlo Esposito, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Rocky Carroll and Doug Abrahams.
- When was Five Desperate Hours released?
- Five Desperate Hours was released in 1997, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.