Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is the fourth installment in the high-octane spy action franchise led by Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Directed by Brad Bird (in his live-action debut), the film revitalized the series with breathtaking stunts, exotic locations, and an intense plot involving nuclear war and global espionage.
Detailed Summary
The Kremlin Assignment and IMF Shutdown
The film opens with Ethan Hunt being broken out of a Russian prison by agents Jane Carter (Paula Patton) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg). They are immediately tasked with infiltrating the Kremlin to recover intelligence related to a man known only as “Cobalt.” However, the mission goes awry when a bomb detonates, destroying part of the Kremlin. The IMF (Impossible Mission Force) is blamed for the explosion, and the U.S. government enacts “Ghost Protocol” — disavowing the IMF entirely. Now, Ethan and his team must operate off-grid.
On the Trail of Cobalt: From Dubai to Mumbai
Cobalt is revealed to be Kurt Hendricks, a Swedish nuclear strategist who believes that humanity must be tested by nuclear conflict to evolve. He steals launch codes and intends to provoke a war between the U.S. and Russia.
The team tracks Hendricks through a series of globe-trotting missions: a sandstorm chase in Dubai, a tense meeting in the Burj Khalifa (including the franchise’s most iconic stunt—Tom Cruise actually climbing the tower), and finally to Mumbai, where Hendricks plans to launch a Russian nuclear missile at San Francisco.
Agent Backstories and Team Dynamics
Each member of Ethan’s team has a personal stake: Agent Carter seeks revenge for the death of a fellow agent (played briefly by Josh Holloway); Benji is new to the field and eager to prove himself; and analyst William Brandt (Jeremy Renner) harbors a secret: he was once assigned to protect Ethan’s wife Julia but believes he failed her.
These arcs add depth to the action, highlighting trust, guilt, and redemption among teammates who are literally operating with no safety net.
Movie Ending
The final act takes place in an automated parking garage in Mumbai. Hendricks attempts to launch a nuclear missile using a stolen control device. Ethan races to stop him, resulting in a brutal fight across mechanical lifts and platforms.
Hendricks, believing in his apocalyptic philosophy, jumps to his death with the launch device, initiating the missile launch. Ethan retrieves the control panel after a harrowing dive and disables the missile seconds before impact, saving San Francisco.
In the aftermath, the team is reinstated by the IMF. Brandt confesses his perceived failure in protecting Julia, but Ethan reveals the truth: Julia is alive and in hiding for her own safety. Ethan had faked her death as part of a covert operation. The film ends with Ethan watching Julia from afar, confirming she is safe, while Brandt decides to continue with the IMF. The team receives another mission, setting the stage for the franchise’s continuation.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol does not have a post-credits scene. However, the ending transitions naturally into the setup for the next film, making a teaser unnecessary.
Type of Movie
The film is a spy action thriller with strong elements of espionage, international intrigue, and high-stakes heists. It also features moments of dry humor and team camaraderie, balancing adrenaline-fueled action with character development.
Cast
- Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt
- Jeremy Renner as William Brandt
- Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn
- Paula Patton as Jane Carter
- Michael Nyqvist as Kurt Hendricks
- Léa Seydoux as Sabine Moreau
- Anil Kapoor as Brij Nath
- Tom Wilkinson (uncredited) as IMF Secretary
- Michelle Monaghan as Julia Meade (cameo)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Michael Giacchino, who blends his original compositions with Lalo Schifrin’s classic Mission: Impossible theme. The soundtrack balances suspense, action, and emotion, intensifying scenes like the Dubai tower climb and the Mumbai finale.
Filming Locations
- Dubai, UAE: The Burj Khalifa sequence is the film’s centerpiece, showcasing the world’s tallest building in a way no movie ever had before.
- Prague, Czech Republic: Stands in for parts of Moscow, especially during the Kremlin sequence.
- Vancouver, Canada: Used for multiple interior shots.
- Mumbai, India: Where the final sequence and the missile control center are based.
Each location was chosen for its architectural uniqueness and visual scale, contributing heavily to the film’s global espionage vibe.
Awards and Nominations
While not heavily recognized at major award ceremonies, the film received praise for its stunts and technical achievements:
- Critics’ Choice Award Nomination for Best Action Movie
- Multiple VES (Visual Effects Society) nominations
- A Teen Choice Award nomination for Tom Cruise
Critics praised it as a revitalization of the franchise and highlighted Brad Bird’s successful jump from animation to live-action.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Tom Cruise did the Burj Khalifa stunt himself, with no stunt double, using special rigging and gloves.
- The sandstorm chase in Dubai was real — the production used large wind machines and natural desert conditions.
- Jeremy Renner was rumored to be replacing Cruise in future films, but this was denied and never materialized.
- Brad Bird directed this film as his first live-action feature after hits like The Incredibles and Ratatouille.
- Filming the Burj Khalifa scene required the crew to remove glass panels from the actual tower to mount cameras externally.
Inspirations and References
The film is part of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, based on the 1966 television series of the same name. The Kremlin infiltration nods to classic Cold War thrillers, while the climbing sequence evokes Buster Keaton’s daring stunts—one of Brad Bird’s inspirations.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A longer conversation between Ethan and Julia was filmed but trimmed to keep her appearance more mysterious and emotionally subtle.
- An alternate take on Brandt’s confession existed where he considered quitting the IMF entirely, but it was reshot to leave the door open for his return in sequels.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the film is not based on a specific book, it draws from the long-standing Mission: Impossible franchise lore. Novelizations of the film were released but follow the movie closely with minimal divergence.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Ethan scaling the Burj Khalifa with malfunctioning gloves.
- The Kremlin explosion and Ethan’s dramatic escape through a hospital gown and back alley.
- The sandstorm chase with shifting visibility and intense hand-to-hand combat.
- The parking garage finale, with vertical platform fights and desperate last-second heroics.
Iconic Quotes
- Ethan Hunt: “Mission accomplished… if I choose to accept it.”
- Benji Dunn: “You’re not gonna make me wear a mask, are you? It makes me claustrophobic.”
- William Brandt: “You’re not just some analyst, are you?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- A Rabbit’s Foot symbol from M:I 3 is seen briefly on Ethan’s file, hinting at past missions.
- The code phrase “Ghost Protocol” is a term used by real-world intelligence agencies to describe cut-off operations.
- Brad Bird inserted a small animation-style transition during Benji’s laser wall bypass scene—his nod to his animated film roots.
Trivia
- The Burj Khalifa sequence was filmed on location at 1,700 feet above ground.
- Tom Cruise trained for months to hold his breath for underwater sequences, even though most were cut.
- The IMF Secretary was played by Tom Wilkinson, but he goes uncredited in the official cast.
- This is the first Mission: Impossible film where Ethan doesn’t use a face mask disguise successfully.
Why Watch?
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is a must-watch for fans of adrenaline-fueled action, ingenious spycraft, and real stunt work. It set a new standard for blockbuster filmmaking by combining classic espionage with jaw-dropping realism. It also reenergized the franchise, paving the way for even bigger sequels.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Incredibles (2004)
- Ratatouille (2007)
- The Iron Giant (1999)
- Tomorrowland (2015)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Skyfall (2012)
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
- Jack Reacher (2012)
- Casino Royale (2006)
- Tenet (2020)
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
