

Powder Keg
The Driver is drafted by the UN to rescue a wounded war photographer named Harvey Jacobs from out of hostile territory. While they are leaving Jacobs tells the Driver about the horrors he saw as a photographer, but he regrets his inability to help war victims. Jacobs answers the driver curiosity about why he is a photographer by saying how his mother taught him to see. He gives the Driver the film needed for a New York Times story and also his dog tags to give to his mother. When they reach the border, they are confronted by a guard who begins to draw arms as Jacobs begins taking pictures, trying to get himself killed. The Driver drives through a hail of gunfire to the border, but finds Jacobs killed by a bullet through the seat. The Driver arrives in America to visit Jacobs' mother and share the news of him winning the Pulitzer prize and hand over the dog tags, only to discover that she is blind.
Where to watch Powder Keg in United States
No streaming info for your region.
Click a service to open Powder Keg there. Availability last verified on July 11, 2026.
About Powder Keg
Powder Keg is a 2001 English-language action and war film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The cast is led by Clive Owen, Stellan Skarsgård, Lois Smith. It has a runtime of 0h 14m. Viewers rate it 6.9/10 across 100 ratings.
Powder Keg was produced by Anonymous Content, BMW Films, and Zeta Film and made in Germany and Mexico. It was released on June 1, 2001.
- Director
- Alejandro G. Iñárritu
- Writers
- David Carter, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Guillermo Arriaga
- Release date
- June 1, 2001
- Original language
- English
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Germany, Mexico
- Production
- Anonymous Content, BMW Films, Zeta Film
Powder Keg cast & crew
Powder Keg was directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and written by David Carter, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Guillermo Arriaga.
The cast features Clive Owen as The Driver, Stellan Skarsgård as Harvey Jacobs, Lois Smith as Mother, Javier Zaragoza as Paramilitary 1, Luis Francisco Escobedo as Paramilitary 2, and Gilberto Barraza as Paramilitary 3.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, cinematography is by Robert Richardson, and it was produced by David Fincher and Tapas Blank.
Is Powder Keg worth watching?
Powder Keg holds an audience score of 6.9/10 from 93 ratings, a solidly received action films.
At 0h 14m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy action and war, Powder Keg is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Powder Keg
Powder Keg isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
Your rating and review are saved privately in this browser — no account needed.
Cast of Powder Keg

Clive Owen
The Driver

Stellan Skarsgård
Harvey Jacobs

Lois Smith
Mother
Javier Zaragoza
Paramilitary 1
Luis Francisco Escobedo
Paramilitary 2

Gilberto Barraza
Paramilitary 3
Alfredo Escobar
Begging Man
Carlos Torres Torrija
Police 1
Arturo Godínez
Police 2

Dagoberto Gama
Police 3
Daniel Lee
Police 4
Carlos Álvarez
Police 5
More from the The Hire
Powder Keg — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Powder Keg in United States?
Powder Keg is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.
▸What language is Powder Keg in?
Powder Keg is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Spanish. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Powder Keg?
Powder Keg runs 0 hours 14 minutes (14 minutes).
▸What is Powder Keg rated?
It holds a 6.9/10 audience score from 93 ratings.

















