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Drama Cult Classic

A forbidden romance blazes between a delinquent and a Catholic schoolgirl in the Oregon wilds.

FIRE WITH FIRE

Two lovers. One chance. No time.

1986 · 1h 43m · PG · Drama / Romance · IMDB TMDB

A young woman from a Catholic school and a young man from a nearby prison camp fall in love and must run away together to escape the law, the church and their parents.

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Quick Answer

What is Fire with Fire about?

Fire with Fire is a 1986 American drama and romance film directed by Duncan Gibbins about a juvenile delinquent and a Catholic school student who fall in love and must escape the authorities and their guardians.

Programmer's Pick

Where else can you see a young rebel and a Catholic schoolgirl bond over Pre-Raphaelite art and underwater longing? Duncan Gibbins' melodrama leans into adolescent yearning and the kind of rule-breaking romance that only gets steamier when the nuns and wardens are watching.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set against the lush forests of Oregon, Fire with Fire follows Joe Fisk, a troubled youth from a prison camp, and Lisa Taylor, a student at a nearby Catholic girls' school. Their worlds collide by chance when Joe, on the run from his peers, encounters Lisa recreating a famous painting for a photography assignment in a secluded lake. The pair are instantly drawn to each other, but strict rules and watchful guardians keep them apart. As their connection deepens, their forbidden romance faces mounting obstacles from the authorities, the church, and their own families, pushing the young lovers to make desperate choices. This is a story of adolescent longing, rebellion, and the risks of love in a world that won’t allow it.

Details & Specs

Director
Duncan Gibbins
Writers
Bill Phillips, Warren Skaaren, Paul Boorstin, Sharon Boorstin
Release
1986
Runtime
1h 43m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama, Romance
Also Known As
Captive Hearts, Fire with Fire - Verbotene Leidenschaft, Brincando com Fogo, Fuego con fuego, 烈火情, Fire with Fire (original title)

Why This Matters

This film features early performances from Virginia Madsen and Kari Wuhrer, and includes a soundtrack by composer Howard Shore, who would go on to score numerous major films.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Duncan Gibbins Writers: Bill Phillips +3 more
Craig Sheffer Craig Sheffer Joe Fisk Virginia Madsen Virginia Madsen Lisa Taylor Jon Polito Jon Polito Boss Duchard J.J. Cohen J.J. Cohen Mapmaker (as Jeffrey Jay Cohen) Kate Reid Kate Reid Sister Victoria Jean Smart Jean Smart Sister Maria Kari Wührer Kari Wührer Gloria D. B. Sweeney D. B. Sweeney Baxter Ann Savage Ann Savage Sister Harriet William G. Schilling William G. Schilling Watley David Harris David Harris Ben Tim Russ Tim Russ Jerry Penelope Sudrow Penelope Sudrow Stephanie

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Why Cult

Pre-Raphaelite Photography

Lisa’s recreation of Millais’ Ophelia in a forest lake adds a dreamy, art-inspired layer to this forbidden love story.

Forbidden Teen Romance

The connection between a juvenile delinquent and a Catholic schoolgirl is tested by strict authorities and societal boundaries.

Oregon Forest Setting

Set amidst the natural beauty of the Oregon woods, the film’s setting amplifies both the lovers’ isolation and their sense of escape.

Runaway Lovers

When their romance is discovered, Joe and Lisa are forced to flee, raising the stakes and the pulse of this adolescent melodrama.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Fire with Fire released? +

Fire with Fire was released in 1986.

Who directed Fire with Fire? +

Fire with Fire was directed by Duncan Gibbins.

How long is Fire with Fire? +

Fire with Fire has a runtime of 103 minutes.

What genre is Fire with Fire? +

Fire with Fire is a drama and romance film.

Where can I watch Fire with Fire? +

You can watch Fire with Fire on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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