Mercury Rising

A 1998 American action thriller directed by Harold Becker and based on Ryne Douglas Pearson's novel "Simple Simon." The film follows Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis), a former FBI agent who, after a failed operation resulting in a hostage's death, is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a nine-year-old autistic boy named Simon Lynch (Miko Hughes). Simon inadvertently decoded a top-secret government cipher called "Mercury," hidden within a puzzle, making him a target for high-ranking officials seeking to eliminate the security breach. Art locates Simon and, realizing the danger the boy faces, decides to protect him from National Security Agency operatives led by the ruthless Colonel Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin). As the narrative unfolds, Art and Simon encounter numerous perils, including attacks from hired assassins and betrayal from Art's former colleagues. The film delves into themes of trust, morality, and responsibility, depicting how Art, initially cynical and disillusioned, discovers renewed purpose in safeguarding an innocent child. "Mercury Rising" received mixed reviews from critics but was noted for its tense plot and compelling performances by Bruce Willis and Miko Hughes.