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The Death of Klinghoffer poster
6.2 / 10(6 votes)IMDbPG-1320032h 0mUnited Kingdom

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.

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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

Check streaming options on JustWatch

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

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

Director

Penny Woolcock

Screenplay & Story

Penny Woolcock, Alice Goodman

Original Score & Music

John Adams

Director of Photography

Graham Smith

Film Editing

Brand Thumim

Producers

Madonna Baptiste

Department Leadership Roster

John Adams

John Adams

Original Music Composer

Penny Woolcock

Penny Woolcock

Director

Alice Goodman

Alice Goodman

Writer

Brand Thumim

Editor

Claire Anderson

Costume Design

Penny Woolcock

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.

Primary: PG-13

PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.

International Certification Matrix

United States (MPAA)PG-13

Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.

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.).