# The Sum of All Fears

> 2002 film by Phil Alden Robinson

**Wikidata**: [Q1048846](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1048846)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sum_of_All_Fears_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-sum-of-all-fears

## Summary
*The Sum of All Fears* is a 2002 thriller film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, based on Tom Clancy's novel and part of the *Jack Ryan* film series. It stars Ben Affleck as Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst who uncovers a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear weapon in the United States. The film blends elements of action, spy, and techno-thriller genres, continuing the legacy of the franchise while introducing a new narrative arc.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered on May 29, 2002 (USA), August 8, 2002 (Germany), and May 31, 2002 (other regions).
- **Director**: Phil Alden Robinson.
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures (founded 1912).
- **Genres**: Thriller film, action film, spy film, techno-thriller.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Part of Series**: *Jack Ryan film series* (1990–2014), which includes *Clear and Present Danger* (1994) and *Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit* (2014).
- **IMDb ID**: tt0164184.
- **Budget**: $68,000,000.
- **Box Office Revenue**: $193,921,372.
- **Runtime**: 119 minutes.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q159846 (Paramount Pictures).
- **Sitelink Count**: 38 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Official Website**: [paramount.com/movies/sum-all-fears](http://www.paramount.com/movies/sum-all-fears).
- **Preceded by**: *Clear and Present Danger* (1994).
- **Followed by**: *Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit* (2014).

## FAQs
**What is *The Sum of All Fears* about?**
The film follows Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst played by Ben Affleck, as he uncovers a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear weapon in the United States. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, it combines espionage, action, and political intrigue, staying true to the *Jack Ryan* franchise's themes.

**Who directed *The Sum of All Fears*?**
Phil Alden Robinson, known for his work in both film and theater, directed the movie. He is recognized for his ability to blend suspense and technical detail in thriller films.

**What studio produced the film?**
The film was produced by **Paramount Pictures**, one of the oldest American film studios (founded in 1912), and a subsidiary of Paramount Global.

**How does *The Sum of All Fears* fit into the *Jack Ryan* film series?**
It is the fourth installment in the series, following *Clear and Present Danger* (1994) and preceding *Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit* (2014). The series is based on Tom Clancy’s fictional character Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst turned operative.

**What genres does the film belong to?**
The film is classified as a thriller, action, spy, and techno-thriller, blending high-stakes espionage with technical detail and suspense.

**When and where was the film released?**
The film had a staggered international release, debuting in the USA on May 29, 2002, Germany on August 8, 2002, and other regions on May 31, 2002.

**What was the budget and box office performance of the film?**
The film had a production budget of $68 million and grossed approximately $193.9 million worldwide.

## Why It Matters
*The Sum of All Fears* revitalized the *Jack Ryan* franchise by introducing a new narrative direction while maintaining the series' core themes of espionage and geopolitical tension. As a modern spy thriller, it reflects contemporary anxieties about terrorism and nuclear threats, resonating with audiences familiar with Tom Clancy’s works. The film also showcases Phil Alden Robinson’s versatility as a director, adding a layer of artistic depth to the action genre. Its production by major studios like Paramount underscores its significance in Hollywood’s landscape of franchise filmmaking.

## Notable For
- **Franchise Revival**: Served as the fourth installment in the *Jack Ryan* film series, reintroducing the character to a new generation.
- **Director’s Role**: Phil Alden Robinson directed the film, known for his ability to blend suspense and technical detail.
- **High-Stakes Plot**: Focused on a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear weapon in the United States, a relevant theme in modern geopolitics.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Featured Ben Affleck as Jack Ryan, alongside Morgan Freeman and James Cromwell.
- **International Release Strategy**: Premiered in multiple countries within a short span, demonstrating global appeal.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $193 million worldwide against a $68 million budget.
- **Genre Blending**: Combined elements of thriller, action, spy, and techno-thriller genres.
- **Production Collaboration**: Produced by Paramount Pictures, a major player in the film industry.

## Body
### Overview and Plot
*The Sum of All Fears* is a 2002 film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, based on the character Jack Ryan from Tom Clancy’s novels. The plot centers on Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst who uncovers a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear weapon in the United States. The film blends espionage, action, and political intrigue, staying true to the franchise’s roots while introducing new elements.

### Production and Studios
The film was produced by **Paramount Pictures**, a subsidiary of Paramount Global and one of the oldest film studios in the U.S. (founded in 1912). This highlights the film’s significance in Hollywood’s franchise-driven landscape.

### Cast and Crew
- **Director**: Phil Alden Robinson, known for his work in both film and theater.
- **Lead Actor**: Ben Affleck as Jack Ryan.
- **Supporting Cast**: Morgan Freeman as William Cabot and James Cromwell as President Fowler.

### Release and Reception
The film had a staggered international release:
- **USA**: May 29, 2002.
- **Germany**: August 8, 2002.
- **Other Regions**: May 31, 2002.

It received mixed reviews but performed well at the box office, grossing $193.9 million worldwide against a $68 million budget.

### Franchise Context
*The Sum of All Fears* is part of the *Jack Ryan film series* (1990–2014), which includes:
- *The Hunt for Red October* (1990).
- *Patriot Games* (1992).
- *Clear and Present Danger* (1994).
- *Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit* (2014).
- *Without Remorse* (2021).

The series is based on Tom Clancy’s fictional character Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst turned operative.

### Genres and Themes
The film is classified under multiple genres:
- **Thriller Film**: Evokes excitement and suspense.
- **Action Film**: Features high-energy sequences.
- **Spy Film**: Focuses on espionage and covert operations.
- **Techno-Thriller**: Incorporates technical details and modern threats.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 119 minutes.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0164184.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q159846 (Paramount Pictures).
- **Official Website**: [paramount.com/movies/sum-all-fears](http://www.paramount.com/movies/sum-all-fears).

### Legacy and Impact
The film contributed to the *Jack Ryan* franchise’s legacy by modernizing the character’s story for contemporary audiences. Its focus on terrorism and nuclear threats reflects real-world concerns, making it relevant beyond traditional spy narratives. The collaboration with Paramount also underscores the film’s role in Hollywood’s evolving production landscape.

## References

1. Swedish Film Database
2. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D05E6DF163AF932A05756C0A9649C8B63)
3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film421759.html)
4. The Movie Database
5. [Source](http://www.trovster.com/movies/language/arabic)
6. The Sum of All Fears. Rotten Tomatoes
7. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164184/releaseinfo)
8. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164184/releaseinfo/)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164184/parentalguide/#certificates)
11. Kinopoisk
12. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=268888)
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-sum-of-all-fears/)
14. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/sum-of-all-fears-the/)
15. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=34961.html)
16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
17. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/105974)
18. Online-Filmdatenbank
19. mymovies.it
20. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/D7D6-752D-64D0-92A2-8957-U)
21. Danish Film Database
22. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/94826)
23. Kanopy
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26. FilmVandaag.nl