In Richard Donner’s thrilling blockbuster, two tough Los Angeles cops–suicidal Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and family man Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover)–are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case involving a massive international crime ring which has its roots in Vietnam–a place they’re both all too familiar with. This film, with its fresh, energetic combination of comedy, drama, and action, managed to spurn three highly successful sequels.