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Point Break

Point Break is a 1991 American action film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by W.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Point Break is a 1991 American action film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by W. Peter Iliff. It stars Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, and Lori Petty, and follows an FBI agent who goes undercover among surfers to investigate a bank-robbing gang. The title refers to a surfing term for a wave breaking near a point of land.

Plot

The story follows an FBI investigation into a bank-robbery crew known as the Ex-Presidents. Agent Johnny Utah goes undercover in the surfing community and becomes drawn to Bodhi and his lifestyle.

Production and release

Point Break was directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by W. Peter Iliff. It premiered in the United States on July 12, 1991.

Title meaning

The film’s title refers to a surfing expression for a wave that breaks around a point of land extending from the shoreline. This links the film’s surfing setting to its central criminal investigation.

Remake

A separate film released in 2015 shares the title Point Break and was produced as a remake of the 1991 film.

Key facts

  • Point Break is a 1991 American action film directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
  • The film stars Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, and Lori Petty.
  • The plot follows an FBI agent who goes undercover among surfers to investigate a bank-robbing gang.
  • The title refers to a surfing term for a wave breaking at a point of land.
  • A 2015 film titled Point Break is a remake of the 1991 film.

Frequently asked questions

What is Point Break about?
It is about an FBI agent who goes undercover among surfers to investigate a gang of bank robbers.
Who directed Point Break?
The film was directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
Who stars in Point Break?
The film stars Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, and Lori Petty.
When was Point Break released?
It was released in the United States on July 12, 1991.
What does the title Point Break mean?
It is a surfing term for a wave that breaks at a point of land jutting out from the coastline.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Break
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, cast, plot premise, title meaning, and release date.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102685/
    Supports: Release date and genre classification for the 1991 film.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/point-break-1991
    Supports: Plot summary involving Johnny Utah, the Ex-Presidents, and the undercover surfing investigation.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2058673/
    Supports: Identification of the 2015 Point Break as a remake with a similar premise.