# The Punisher

> 2004 film directed by Jonathan Hensleigh

**Wikidata**: [Q909802](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q909802)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Punisher_(2004_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-punisher-q909802

## Summary
*The Punisher* is a 2004 action-thriller film directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, based on the Marvel Comics character Frank Castle. The film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and explores themes of vigilantism, crime, and justice. It was produced by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment, marking a collaboration between the two companies.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh
- Released on June 10, 2004 (US), April 16, 2004 (UK), and January 1, 2004 (other regions)
- Produced by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment
- Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Genre: action, thriller, crime, drama, vigilante
- Followed by *Punisher: War Zone* (2008)
- Based on the Marvel Comics character Frank Castle
- Produced in the United States

## FAQs
**What genre does *The Punisher* belong to?**
*The Punisher* is classified as an action, thriller, crime, drama, and vigilante film, reflecting its themes of justice and violence.

**Who directed *The Punisher*?**
The film was directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, who brought the story to life with his vision of the character.

**Which companies produced *The Punisher*?**
The film was produced by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment, two major players in the entertainment industry.

**What is the release date of *The Punisher*?**
*The Punisher* was released on June 10, 2004, in the United States, April 16, 2004, in the UK, and January 1, 2004, in other regions.

**What is the relationship between *The Punisher* and *Punisher: War Zone*?**
*Punisher: War Zone* (2008) is a sequel to *The Punisher* (2004), continuing the story of Frank Castle.

## Why It Matters
*The Punisher* holds significance as a key entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exploring the complex themes of vigilantism and justice. The film’s production by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment highlights the collaborative efforts between major studios. Its release dates and genre classification reflect its place in the action-thriller landscape. The film’s legacy is further cemented by its sequel, *Punisher: War Zone*, which continues the story. As a product of the United States, it contributes to the country’s rich film industry.

## Notable For
- First major Marvel Cinematic Universe film based on the *Punisher* character
- Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, who brought a unique vision to the project
- Produced by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment, showcasing their collaboration
- Released in multiple regions with distinct dates, reflecting global interest
- Followed by *Punisher: War Zone*, expanding the character’s story

## Body
### Overview
*The Punisher* is a 2004 action-thriller film directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, based on the Marvel Comics character Frank Castle. The film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and explores themes of vigilantism, crime, and justice. It was produced by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment, marking a collaboration between the two companies.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment, two major players in the entertainment industry. It was released on June 10, 2004, in the United States, April 16, 2004, in the UK, and January 1, 2004, in other regions. The film’s release dates reflect its global appeal and the strategic timing of its release.

### Genre and Themes
*The Punisher* is classified as an action, thriller, crime, drama, and vigilante film. These genres reflect the film’s exploration of themes such as justice, violence, and the consequences of vigilantism. The film’s genre classification highlights its place in the action-thriller landscape.

### Legacy and Sequels
*Punisher: War Zone* (2008) is a sequel to *The Punisher* (2004), continuing the story of Frank Castle. This relationship between the two films highlights the character’s enduring appeal and the continued exploration of his story. The sequel marks a significant step in the character’s cinematic journey.

### Production Companies
Starz Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment were instrumental in the production of *The Punisher*. Starz Entertainment, founded in 1997, is a Canadian-American entertainment company known for its diverse portfolio. Artisan Entertainment, founded in 1982, is an American movie studio with a rich history in film production. Their collaboration on *The Punisher* showcases their shared commitment to quality entertainment.

### Marvel Cinematic Universe
*The Punisher* is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a shared universe of interconnected films. This affiliation highlights the film’s place within the broader Marvel ecosystem and its contribution to the shared narrative. The film’s inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe underscores its significance in the franchise.

### Country of Origin
The film was produced in the United States, contributing to the country’s rich film industry. The United States, with its inception on July 4, 1776, and recognition of independence on May 12, 1784, has a long history of producing groundbreaking films. *The Punisher* is a testament to this legacy.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. The Punisher. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [Source](http://www.kinokalender.com/film4642_the-punisher.html)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330793/parentalguide)
6. [Source](http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=punisher.htm)
7. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0330793/)
8. Kinopoisk
9. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-punisher-1/)
10. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/109933)
13. Cineplex
14. SoundtrackCollector
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/AC1F-27EF-041D-0502-599E-G)
18. Danish Film Database
19. TheTVDB
20. Trakt.tv
21. FilmVandaag.nl