Factual error: After the scene where Frank Castle steals the bus to rescue the children, the mobsters are firing at the bus. Not one bullet pierces a hole in the bus. Who knew Public Transit was bullet proof?
The Punisher (1989)
Directed by: Mark Goldblatt
Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Louis Gossett Jr., Jeroen Krabbe, Kim Miyori
Visible crew/equipment: When The Punisher is being tortured on the 'rack', look on the floor. You can see the tape on the floor for 'blocking' the actors. Some of them actually stand where they are supposed to.
Factual error: After The Punisher rescues Tommy from his cell, they run to get Kathy. When they find her, Tommy says "Come on outside to the bus Kathy". However, there is no way for Tommy to know that The Punisher had brought the bus. (00:54:20)
Trivia: This film was not called The Punisher in several of the countries it debuted in, with examples being in Romania it was called The Avenger, in Portugal it was called Silent Fury, Mexico called it Revenge is My Name, and in Serbia being titled The Executor.
Trivia: This film got a theatrical release in 1989 in most countries except for Sweden, South Africa and the US. It wouldn't be until 1991 that it saw a VHS and laser disc release in the US for home video. Part of the reason why it didn't get a theatrical release in the US is due to Lundgren's film Red Scorpion being a box office flop, leading to producers not believing he could lead as an action star and draw in an audience.
Trivia: Director Mark Goldblatt wanted to make this movie as far removed from the comic as possible, mostly just using Frank Castle's back story and loss of his family as a way to make a gritty revenge action movie. Wanting to lean away from the aesthetics and lore of the Marvel universe for his film, he did not include Punisher's iconic skull logo on his shirt in this version of the character, believing his black spandex suit would not translate well to live action. Years later, Goldblatt has expressed regret for this decision, believing had he incorporated the Punisher skull into the character's costume and marketing, it would likely have sold many more tickets.
Lady Tanaka: Who sent you?
The Punisher: Batman.
The Punisher: Come on god, answer me. For years I'm asking why, why are the innocent dead and the guilty alive? Where is justice? Where is punishment? Or have you already answered, have you already said to the world here is justice, here is punishment, here, in me.
The Punisher: I still talk to God sometimes, I ask him if what I'm doing is right or wrong, I'm still waiting for an answer, and until I get one, I'll be waiting, watching, THE guilty will be punished.
Question: Why is Frank Castle's hideout in the sewers?
Chosen answer: Because of the stink and water, it would be impossible for police dogs to track him. The sewers are also good for quick retreat and hiding.
Answer: With how many criminals Frank has killed, many of them would definitely want revenge. By hiding in the sewers, there's less chance of him or his hideout being discovered. If Frank lived anywhere above ground, his enemies would be able to find him more quickly and kill him.