
The Death of Klinghoffer
Synopsis
An adaptation from the controversial John Adams opera about the true life incident that took place in the mid 80s. The liner "Achille Lauro" is on a 12-day cruise in the Mediterranean. While the ship is docked in Alexandria, a maid discovers that four of the passengers are actually members of the Palestine Liberation Organization traveling incognito. Startled by their discovery, the PLO cadre is forced to act. They take the passengers on board hostage and demand the release of 50 Palestinian activists held in Israeli jails. As Egyptian, American, Italian, and Palestinian authorities bicker over the best way to handle the situation (and who would negotiate with the terrorists), the kidnappers find themselves dealing with rebellion among their captives, and an argument between the four PLO members and Leon Klinghoffer, a Jewish-American confined to a wheelchair, eventually escalates into violence.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Death of Klinghoffer: Mrs Klinghoffer's Second Song
Type: Trailer • Published 2007-03-23
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
January 24, 2003
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Penny Woolcock
- Screenplay & Story
- Penny Woolcock
- Original Score
- John Adams
- Original Title
- The Death of Klinghoffer
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 0m
- Production Studios
- Channel 4 Television, Blast! Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Penny Woolcock
Penny Woolcock, Alice Goodman
John Adams
Graham Smith
Brand Thumim
Madonna Baptiste
Department Leadership Roster
John Adams
Original Music Composer
Penny Woolcock
Director
Alice Goodman
Writer
Brand Thumim
Editor
Claire Anderson
Costume Design
Penny Woolcock
Screenplay
Madonna Baptiste
Producer
Graham Smith
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Death of Klinghoffer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Death of Klinghoffer
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Death of Klinghoffer about?
An adaptation from the controversial John Adams opera about the true life incident that took place in the mid 80s. The liner "Achille Lauro" is on a 12-day cruise in the Mediterranean. While the ship is docked in Alexandria, a maid discovers that four of the passengers are actually members of the Palestine Liberation Organization traveling incognito. Startled by their discovery, the PLO cadre is forced to act. They take the passengers on board hostage and demand the release of 50 Palestinian activists held in Israeli jails. As Egyptian, American, Italian, and Palestinian authorities bicker over the best way to handle the situation (and who would negotiate with the terrorists), the kidnappers find themselves dealing with rebellion among their captives, and an argument between the four PLO members and Leon Klinghoffer, a Jewish-American confined to a wheelchair, eventually escalates into violence.
Who directed The Death of Klinghoffer?
The Death of Klinghoffer was directed by Penny Woolcock.
Who stars in The Death of Klinghoffer?
The principal cast of The Death of Klinghoffer includes Sanford Sylvan, Yvonne Howard, Christopher Maltman, Tom Randle, Kamel Boutros.
When was The Death of Klinghoffer released and how long is it?
The Death of Klinghoffer was released in 2003 with a total runtime of 2h 0m.
Who composed the musical score for The Death of Klinghoffer?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Death of Klinghoffer was composed by John Adams.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Death of Klinghoffer?
The Death of Klinghoffer holds official age classifications: US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).



















