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Entertainment • Film

Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown is a 1997 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jackie Brown is a 1997 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It is an adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s 1992 novel Rum Punch and stars Pam Grier in the title role. The film follows a flight attendant who becomes caught between law enforcement and criminals while trying to outmaneuver both sides.

Plot

The film centers on Jackie Brown, a flight attendant who is arrested while smuggling money and then attempts to outsmart both the authorities and the criminals she works for. Her choices drive a story about deception, loyalty, and self-preservation.

Production and source material

Jackie Brown is adapted from Elmore Leonard’s 1992 novel Rum Punch. Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed the film, and it is noted for being his first feature based on existing source material.

Cast and performances

Pam Grier plays the title character, with Samuel L. Jackson as Ordell Robbie and Robert Forster as bail bondsman Max Cherry. The film is also known for supporting performances by Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and others.

Release and reception

The film was released by Miramax Films in late 1997 and was well received by critics. It became notable for giving Pam Grier and Robert Forster major career revivals, and Forster received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

Key facts

  • Jackie Brown is Quentin Tarantino’s third feature film and his first adaptation of another writer’s work.
  • The film is based on Elmore Leonard’s 1992 novel Rum Punch.
  • Pam Grier stars as Jackie Brown, a flight attendant involved in money smuggling.
  • The ensemble cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, and Michael Keaton.
  • Robert Forster earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role.
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Canadian context

Jackie Brown is widely available in Canada through theatrical, home-video, and streaming distribution over time, and it is part of the internationally recognised body of Quentin Tarantino films studied by Canadian film audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jackie Brown?
Jackie Brown is a 1997 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.
What is Jackie Brown based on?
It is based on Elmore Leonard’s 1992 novel Rum Punch.
Who plays Jackie Brown?
Pam Grier plays the title role.
When was Jackie Brown released?
It was released in the United States on December 25, 1997.
Who are the main cast members?
The main cast includes Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and Robert De Niro.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Jackie_Brown
    Supports: Film identity, director, release year, cast, source novel, and release date details.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Jackie-Brown
    Supports: Identification of the film as Tarantino’s 1997 adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel about a flight attendant involved in criminal activity.
  3. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jackie_brown
    Supports: Synopsis, director, distributor, genre, runtime, and release information.
  4. Mental Flosshttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/12-fascinating-facts-about-jackie-brown
    Supports: Notes that the film is Tarantino’s third feature and his only film not based on original material.
  5. Roger Eberthttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jackie-brown-1997
    Supports: Plot overview and characterization of Jackie Brown as a flight attendant involved in smuggling.