Former US Marine Vince Kanevski (Chris Penn) is living a life of boozing and gambling. In contrast his brother, Father Andrew Kanevski (Martin Sheen), is a catholic priest. Vince agrees to accompany his brother on a trip to Russia but when they arrive, Father Andrew is abducted. Vince is shot at and his passport is taken by former KGB agents who have kidnapped his brother believing he can help them locate $200 million worth of religious artifacts (hence the title - sacred cargo). Vince escapes to the streets of St Petersburg and is way out of his depth until he meets up with Father Stanislav (J.T Walsh), a colleague of his brother, and a journalist Sasha (Anna Karin). They agree to help him try and find his brother. The action comes thick and fast as Vince is pursued everywhere he goes. Will he find he find his brother? How many innocent people will have to die in the process?
I liked this thrilling film for many reasons. The first being that Chris is actually in a lead role for a change and he has a love interest and even a sex scene. Martin Sheen and the late J.T. Walsh are effective in their support roles and the photography is truly excellent. The film was shot in Russia and the Czech republic and has real atmosphere. There is a lot of action and an original plot. A few of the support actors aren't very good and it's annoying how Russian characters speak English to each other but overall it is a good film and a must-see for any Chris Penn fan.
