"True Lies" is a 1994 American action comedy film written and directed by James Cameron.
It is based on the 1991 French film La Totale! and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker, a U.S. government agent who struggles to balance his double life as a spy with his family responsibilities. The film also features Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, Art Malik, and Tia Carrere in supporting roles.
The plot centers around Harry Tasker, who leads a secret life as a spy while his family believes he is merely a dull salesman. His life takes a chaotic turn when he discovers that his wife, Helen (played by Curtis), may be having an affair with Simon (Bill Paxton), a used car salesman who pretends to be a spy. As Harry attempts to track down nuclear weapons in the possession of terrorists, he must also confront his marital issues and save his wife when she is kidnapped.
"True Lies" was notable for being the first major production for Digital Domain, a visual effects company co-founded by Cameron, and it was one of the first films to have a budget exceeding $100 million. The film was well-received, grossing approximately $378 million worldwide, making it the third-highest-grossing film of 1994. Jamie Lee Curtis won a Golden Globe Award for her performance, and the film received several nominations, including for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards.
The film is recognized for its blend of action and comedy, as well as its memorable performances, particularly by Schwarzenegger and Curtis. It remains a significant entry in the action-comedy genre and is often cited for its entertaining mix of thrilling sequences and humor.