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Bullet to the Head (2013) Plot Summary & Timeline

Bullet to the Head (2013) movie poster

Bullet to the Head is a 2013 action and thriller film directed by Walter Hill, running 1 hour 32 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 508 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Bullet to the Head.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
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Bullet to the Head (2013) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 32m
Director
Walter Hill
Genres
Action, Thriller, Crime
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Bullet to the Head About?

The premise of Bullet to the Head in 319 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the humid shadows of New Orleans, a city where neon‑lit streets pulse with a restless energy, the line between lawful order and underworld ambition blurs with every passing night. The urban backdrop is drenched in a gritty, rain‑slicked aesthetic that feels both intimate and unforgiving, setting the stage for a tale that balances relentless action with a simmering, noir‑like tension. The atmosphere itself becomes a character, its sweltering heat and jazz‑laced alleys echoing the restless drive of those who call it home.

Jimmy Bobo moves through this world with the quiet confidence of a man who knows how to make the impossible happen. A veteran of the city’s hidden economies, he carries the weight of a career forged in secrecy and precision, his reputation spoken of in whispers among both criminals and those who keep watch. Bobo’s expertise lies in navigating the unseen currents that power the streets, and his demeanor suggests a seasoned professional who prefers deeds over words, letting his reputation do the talking.

Detective Taylor Kwon represents a contrasting yet complementary force. As a dedicated member of the police, his resolve is anchored in a commitment to uncover the truth beneath the surface of chaos. Kwon’s methodical approach and keen intuition make him a natural investigator, yet his world is about to collide with one that operates far beyond the gray area of the law. An unexpected partnership forces him to reconcile his sense of justice with a reality that demands unconventional alliances.

When two such disparate lives intersect, the resulting chemistry is charged with equal parts mistrust and mutual respect. Their uneasy collaboration hints at a shared quest for balance in a city where power, greed, and survival intertwine. The film promises a relentless, high‑octane ride through a world where loyalty is tested, streets whisper secrets, and the pursuit of retribution may be the only common language spoken between a hitman and a detective.

Full plot

What Happens in Bullet to the Head?

The complete story of Bullet to the Head, from the first scene to the last, in 508 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

In the bustling streets of New Orleans, the narrative kicks off with the lifeless body of a corrupt ex-cop, Hank Greely, igniting a wave of violence and betrayal. At the heart of this chaos is Jimmy Bobo, a merciless hitman, who, alongside his partner, Louis Blanchard, is implicated in Greely’s murder. Their evening of unwinding at a local bar takes a deadly turn when Blanchard becomes an unintended victim in a spray of bullets unleashed by another hitman, Keegan.

Enter Detective Taylor Kwon, a dedicated investigator on a mission to untangle the convoluted circumstances surrounding Greely’s death. Meanwhile, Keegan pays a visit to his superior, Robert Morel, alongside his lawyer, Marcus Baptiste. In a shocking revelation, Baptiste discloses that Greely had attempted to blackmail Morel, handing over incriminating evidence to local mobster Baby Jack. In a gruesome act of vengeance, Keegan takes out Baby Jack and his crew, recovering the damning file on his way out.

As Kwon digs deeper into the case, he encounters Bobo, only to be ambushed by corrupt officers acting on Morel’s orders. In a crucial moment of survival, Kwon finds himself shot, but thanks to Bobo, who intervenes dramatically, he narrowly escapes death. With Kwon’s insider knowledge, they track down Ronnie Earl, the intermediary responsible for hiring Bobo and Blanchard for Morel. A nail-biting confrontation at a Turkish bathhouse ensues, where Bobo’s relentless interrogation ends in triumph.

Tension mounts as Kwon’s actions begin to test Bobo’s trust, culminating in a shocking discovery: Kwon had intentionally tampered with Bobo’s weapon due to suspicions about their partnership. Setting aside their differences, they unite against the common threat of Morel.

Their alliance faces its biggest challenge when they kidnap Baptiste, subjecting him to an intense interrogation at Bobo’s remote boathouse. Under extreme pressure, Baptiste exposes a broad corruption scheme led by Morel, aimed at replacing affordable housing with upscale condominiums. The cold-blooded Keegan is unveiled as Morel’s enforcer, intensifying the stakes.

As the situation spirals further, Kwon finds himself left behind by Bobo, forcing him to seek help from Lieutenant Lebreton, only to uncover that this supposed ally is also under Morel’s thumb. In a breathtaking sequence, Bobo returns to save Kwon just in time.

Morel’s final play is to kidnap Bobo’s daughter, Lisa, bargaining for her life in exchange for the incriminating flash drive. In a furious clash, Keegan unleashes his wrath on Morel before turning his aggression toward Bobo. The ensuing confrontation is a raw display of survival instincts, concluding with Bobo delivering a fatal blow to Keegan, silencing him for good.

As Kwon retrieves the flash drive, Bobo seizes a fleeting chance to enact revenge, cleverly using the moment to harm Kwon and expose the detective’s complicity in placing the blame on him. Six weeks down the line, as their paths cross again, Kwon appears calm yet assertive, revealing that Bobo’s plan to shift blame has ultimately unraveled. Unfazed, Bobo challenges Kwon to a duel of intellect and strength—one that Kwon is eager to engage in, setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation.

Timeline

Bullet to the Head Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Discovery of Hank Greely's Body” to “Kwon’s Revelation and Bobo’s Challenge”. 6 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    Discovery of Hank Greely's Body

    The movie opens with the shocking discovery of Hank Greely's lifeless body on the streets of New Orleans. This event triggers a wave of violence and betrayal that sets the tone for the ensuing chaos.

    Where:New Orleans

  2. 2

    Hank Greely's Murder Investigation

    Jimmy Bobo, a merciless hitman, and his partner Louis Blanchard find themselves implicated in Greely's murder. Their attempts to enjoy a night out lead them deeper into danger, marking the start of their treacherous journey.

    Where:Local Bar

  3. 3

    Blanchard's Fatal Encounter

    While unwinding at the bar, the situation escalates dramatically when Louis Blanchard becomes an unintended victim in a violent shootout. This pivotal moment reveals the lethal consequences of their criminal lifestyle.

    Where:Local Bar

  4. 4

    Detective Taylor Kwon Gets Involved

    Detective Taylor Kwon is introduced as he begins investigating the tangled circumstances surrounding Greely's death. His dedication highlights the complexity of the case, which is infused with corruption and deceit.

  5. 5

    Keegan Meets with Robert Morel

    Keegan, a cold hitman, visits his superior Robert Morel along with his lawyer Marcus Baptiste. There, they unveil a shocking twist related to Greely's intentions to blackmail Morel, elevating the stakes.

    Where:Robert Morel's Office

  6. 6

    Keegan's Vengeful Execution

    In a brutal act of vengeance, Keegan eliminates Baby Jack and his crew after learning about their involvement with Greely's blackmail scheme. This act deepens the plot's corruption and violence.

  7. 7

    Ambush on Detective Kwon

    As Kwon gathers clues about the case, he encounters Bobo, but is ambushed by corrupt officers acting on orders from Morel. The tension peaks when Kwon is shot, making survival his immediate concern.

  8. 8

    Bobo Saves Kwon

    In a dramatic turn of events, Bobo intervenes to save Kwon just in time, showcasing their uneasy alliance. This moment marks the beginning of their collaboration against the pervasive corruption of Morel.

  9. 9

    Confrontation at the Turkish Bathhouse

    Kwon and Bobo's quest leads them to Ronnie Earl, the intermediary behind the hit on Greely. They confront him at a Turkish bathhouse, where Bobo's relentless questioning results in critical information.

    Where:Turkish Bathhouse

  10. 10

    Unveiling of Corruption

    Under increasing pressure during his interrogation, Marcus Baptiste reveals a widespread corruption scheme orchestrated by Morel. The plot thickens as Keegan is identified as Morel's enforcer, raising the stakes.

Show the other 5 events of Bullet to the Head
  1. 11

    Bobo’s Betrayal Detected

    Tensions rise when Kwon discovers Bobo's distrust stemming from Kwon's interference with his weapon. The two set aside differences to combat their common enemy, causing a shift in their dynamic.

  2. 12

    Kidnapping Marcus Baptiste

    In a decisive move, Bobo and Kwon kidnap Baptiste to extract more information. The interrogation at Bobo's remote boathouse exposes deeper layers of the corruption conspiracy led by Morel.

    Where:Bobo's Boathouse

  3. 13

    The Stakes Rise with Lisa's Kidnapping

    Morel escalates the conflict by kidnapping Bobo's daughter, Lisa, using her as leverage for the incriminating flash drive. This move intensifies the urgency and danger surrounding the protagonists.

  4. 14

    Final Confrontation with Keegan

    In a furious climax, Bobo and Keegan engage in an intense confrontation, culminating in Bobo delivering a fatal blow to Keegan. This moment marks a critical point in Bobo's quest for revenge.

  5. 15

    Kwon’s Revelation and Bobo’s Challenge

    Six weeks later, Kwon confronts Bobo, revealing the unraveling of Bobo's blame-shifting plan. This set the stage for a looming confrontation, establishing a thrilling anticipation for what lies ahead.

    When:Six Weeks Later

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Bullet to the Head?

3 characters, among them Jimmy Bobo (Jason Momoa), Detective Taylor Kwon and Keegan: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Jason Momoa as Jimmy Bobo (Jason Momoa) in Bullet to the Head

    Jimmy Bobo (Jason Momoa)

    Played by Jason Momoa

    Jimmy Bobo is a merciless hitman whose loyalty is tested as he navigates a world filled with treachery. Haunted by his past and driven by a fierce instinct for survival, Bobo often operates outside the law, facing moral dilemmas that challenge his code of honor. As the story unfolds, his cunning and determination shine through during confrontations with adversaries.

    • 💀 Hitman
    • ⚔️ Survival
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Antihero
  • DT

    Detective Taylor Kwon

    Detective Taylor Kwon is a dedicated investigator who seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding a high-stakes murder. His tenacity drives him to uncover the truth, even when faced with corrupt forces. As the story progresses, his relationship with Bobo evolves, leading him to question his own methods and beliefs about justice.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Detective
    • ⚖️ Justice
    • 🤔 Investigator
  • K

    Keegan

    Keegan is a cold-blooded enforcer for the corrupt Robert Morel, showcasing a brutal and ruthless personality. His actions are marked by a single-minded determination to eliminate threats, making him a significant force within the narrative. The character's aggression escalates, reflecting the underlying tensions and stakes at play.

    • 💼 Enforcer
    • 🔪 Ruthless
    • ⚔️ Antagonist
Setting

Where and When Is Bullet to the Head Set?

Bullet to the Head is set in New Orleans. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, music, and unique cuisine. The bustling streets are alive with energy, and the city is often associated with its distinctive blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences. It serves as a backdrop for intense and dramatic narratives, making it a fitting setting for tales of crime and corruption.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌆 Urban
Themes

What Are the Themes of Bullet to the Head?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Justice and Violence.

  1. 01

    Betrayal

    Betrayal is a central theme, as characters navigate a web of dishonesty and duplicity. The character dynamics showcase how trust can quickly dissolve when surrounded by corruption. In a world where alliances shift rapidly, every action carries the weight of consequence.

  2. 02

    Justice

    The struggle for justice drives the narrative forward, with opposing forces balancing the scales of morality. Detective Kwon seeks to unveil the truth amidst chaos, while Bobo grapples with his own sense of right and wrong. This theme explores the lengths to which one will go to reclaim dignity amidst overwhelming odds.

  3. 03

    Violence

    Violence permeates the story, illustrated by the brutal encounters and relentless confrontations. It serves as both a means of survival and a catalyst for change, reflecting the brutal reality of the characters’ lives in the crime-laden underbelly of New Orleans. Each act of violence shapes character motivations and drives the plot.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Bullet to the Head?

Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Ambiguous

A fast-paced and gritty action thriller that delivers constant suspense and brutal confrontations through an uneasy alliance between a ruthless hitman and a determined detective.

  • gritty
  • intense
  • vengeful
  • brutal
  • action-packed
  • suspenseful
  • unlikely partnership
  • revenge
  • corruption
  • crime investigation

Content notes: graphic violence, murder, kidnapping, corruption.

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FAQ

Bullet to the Head Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Bullet to the Head, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Bullet to the Head about?

In the humid shadows of New Orleans, a city where neon‑lit streets pulse with a restless energy, the line between lawful order and underworld ambition blurs with every passing night.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Bullet to the Head take place?

Bullet to the Head is set in New Orleans. New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, music, and unique cuisine. The bustling streets are alive with energy, and the city is often associated with its distinctive blend of French, Spanish…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Bullet to the Head?

The story follows Jimmy Bobo (Jason Momoa) (played by Jason Momoa), Detective Taylor Kwon and Keegan.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Bullet to the Head?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Betrayal, Justice and Violence.

The themes explained

Who directed Bullet to the Head?

Bullet to the Head (2013) was directed by Walter Hill and runs 1 hour 32 minutes.

Walter Hill’s films

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