Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Chasing Liberty

Chasing Liberty is a film directed by . The story centers on (), the 18-year-old daughter of the (), who rebels against her constant protection by escaping during a family trip to , where she embarks on an adventurous romance with a charming stranger, Ben Calder (). Written by Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman, the screenplay explores themes of independence and young love under the constraints of high-profile family life. Released theatrically by on January 9, 2004, the film features a supporting cast including as a Secret Service agent and as the , with principal photography taking place across , including , , and , to capture the protagonist's quest for freedom. Produced on a of $23 million, Chasing Liberty earned $12.3 million at the worldwide , marking it as a commercial disappointment despite its lighthearted tone and picturesque settings. Critically, it holds a 19% approval rating on based on 115 reviews, with the consensus describing it as "Formulaic comfort food for the teen crowd."

Synopsis

Plot

, the 18-year-old daughter of U.S. President James Foster, lives a highly restricted life due to constant protection, which frustrates her desire for normal teenage experiences like dating without surveillance. During a family trip to for a G8 summit, Anna pleads with her father to allow her to attend a major as part of the city's summer festival without her security detail, and he reluctantly agrees to give her some freedom. However, President Foster secretly assigns Ben Calder, a young British agent, to shadow her discreetly while posing as an ordinary tourist. At the , Anna spots additional agents in the crowd and feels betrayed by her father's broken promise, prompting her to slip away in anger. She encounters outside and, mistaking him for a charming stranger, accepts a ride on his to escape. The two hit it off immediately and decide to embark on an impromptu backpacking adventure across , traveling by and through scenic locales. Anna revels in her newfound independence, sharing laughs and intimate moments with Ben as they explore, while he struggles internally with his and growing romantic feelings for her. Meanwhile, two other agents, Alan Weiss and Cynthia Morales, trail them covertly and unexpectedly develop their own flirtation during the pursuit. Their journey takes them to , where they share a romantic gondola ride interrupted by a chaotic chase involving local authorities mistaking them for troublemakers; to , where they attend the Love Parade; and onward to other stops filled with youthful escapades like dancing at underground parties and evading minor mishaps. Throughout, Anna opens up about her resentment toward her father's demanding presidential duties, which have strained their relationship and left her feeling like a prisoner in her own life, while Ben encourages her self-discovery without revealing his role. The romance deepens with kisses and confessions, but tensions rise as the full team, coordinated with , closes in amid fears for Anna's safety. During their travels, Anna discovers Ben's true identity as a Secret Service agent assigned to protect her. Devastated by the betrayal, she returns home upset and reunites with her parents, leading to an emotional confrontation where she expresses her pent-up frustrations. Foster acknowledges his overprotectiveness stems from and the dangers of his position, paving the way for reconciliation as he promises more trust in her maturity. The film concludes during Christmas break, when Anna's father informs her that has resigned from the Secret Service and is now in Prague. Anna travels there to reunite with him, allowing them to pursue a genuine relationship. Anna and Ben end up together, her bonds strengthened, and a sense of achieved through understanding.

Cast

The principal cast of Chasing Liberty features in the lead role as , the spirited and rebellious daughter of the , known by her "Liberty," who yearns for from constant protection. portrays Ben Calder, a charming who serves as Anna's love interest and is revealed to be an undercover agent assigned to safeguard her. plays James Foster, Anna's authoritative yet caring father, whose high-profile position amplifies the challenges of her personal life. appears as Michelle Foster, providing maternal support amid the family's public duties. Jeremy Piven stars as Special Agent Alan Weiss, a dedicated operative responsible for Anna's security details, often clashing with his partner over protocol. Annabella Sciorra co-stars as Agent Cynthia Morales, Weiss's no-nonsense colleague in the , contributing to the comedic tension surrounding Anna's escapades. Stark Sands rounds out the main supporting roles as Grant Hillman, Anna's initial romantic interest and a symbol of the ordinary life she covets. Chasing Liberty marked an early major film role for Mandy Moore, building on her transition from a teen pop singer—who debuted with the 1999 single "Candy"—to a prominent actress in romantic comedies. The film also served as the Hollywood debut for Matthew Goode, launching his international career after stage work in the UK.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Chasing Liberty was written by Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman, who drew initial inspiration from the real-life experiences of Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton, particularly a widely publicized incident in which she attempted to blend in with fellow students at a Stanford University basketball game while evading Secret Service agents. The writers also incorporated elements reminiscent of the 1953 romantic comedy Roman Holiday, featuring a princess escaping her handlers for a taste of ordinary life in Europe, to infuse the story with a sense of whimsical adventure and romantic escapism. The project was developed under and Films, with key producers and Andrew A. Kosove of Alcon, alongside David Parfitt of Films. director was brought on board, marking his first collaboration with Parfitt and aligning with the film's lighthearted tone through his experience in romantic comedies. By early 2003, the script was complete enough for the film to be described as an upcoming project, reflecting a development timeline originating in the early . Mandy Moore was attached as the lead actress during this phase, selected for her established appeal to teenage audiences following her breakthrough roles in music and film. Production planning targeted a modest budget of $23 million, suitable for a mid-tier aimed at young viewers, with creative decisions emphasizing an international European setting to distinguish it from more domestically focused political satires of the era.

Filming

Principal photography for Chasing Liberty commenced in 2003 and was conducted primarily on location across to capture the film's international adventure. Shooting began in , , where key opening sequences were filmed at , the Old Town, Hradcany Castle district, and the main railway station, leveraging the city's historic architecture for authenticity. The production then moved to , Italy, for canal and piazza scenes, , Germany, featuring landmarks like the , and , , for urban street sequences. Additional UK filming occurred at Hylands House in , , which served as the exterior due to its architectural similarity to the presidential residence. Studio work, including interiors, took place at in Iver Heath, , and in . Logistical challenges arose from filming dynamic chase sequences in crowded public spaces across these cities, requiring careful coordination to manage crowds and permissions. During a chase scene, lead actress injured her toe, complicating subsequent shots that demanded running in tight footwear. A also occurred in a rooftop climbing sequence in , adding to the on-set hurdles. The production utilized practical effects for comedic elements, such as substituting for marshmallows in a scene, to maintain a spontaneous, lighthearted feel. Director emphasized a playful tone suited to the genre, drawing on his television to keep the energy upbeat during location shoots. Ashley Rowe highlighted the vibrant European settings through dynamic framing and natural lighting, enhancing the 's escapist appeal without relying heavily on enhancements. The European locales were selected to echo the script's influences from classic travel romances, providing a backdrop for the protagonists' journey.

Music

The original score for Chasing Liberty was composed by , a known for his work in soundtracks. Henson's music serves as the film's primary auditory foundation, blending orchestral elements to support the romantic comedy's energetic tone. The score received a nomination for the World Soundtrack Award for Discovery of the Year in 2004, shared with Henson's work on Les Fils du Vent. The film's soundtrack incorporates a diverse array of contemporary , and tracks to underscore key moments of , romance, and youthful . Released as an album in 2004, it features licensed songs that enhance the story's themes of and self-discovery. Notable inclusions are "American Girl" by , which opens the film with Anna dancing in her bedroom, setting a spirited tone. Similarly, "Life Will Go On" by plays during a reflective montage as Anna awakens on a rooftop after her escape, emphasizing her newfound independence. Song placements are strategically woven into the narrative for emotional impact. In the lively scene, "The Seed (2.0)" by featuring pulses through the crowd as Anna and her friend dance, heightening the excitement until she spots the pursuing agents. Romantic montages benefit from softer selections, such as "If I'm Not in Love" by , which accompanies an intimate moment between Anna and Ben, amplifying their budding connection. Upbeat tracks like "Stop the Rock" by drive chase sequences, while "Stay Away" by Rooney adds edge to transitional scenes of pursuit and evasion. Additional songs, including "Vivi Davvero" by Giorgia and "Free" by , evoke the European settings during the Love Parade in , integrating cultural vibrancy into the protagonists' journey.

Release

Distribution

Chasing Liberty was distributed in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures, which handled the film's theatrical rollout beginning with a wide release on January 9, 2004, across 2,400 theaters. The studio positioned the film as a lighthearted romantic comedy appealing to young audiences, capitalizing on lead actress Mandy Moore's established popularity from her teen pop music career and prior roles in films like A Walk to Remember. The marketing campaign emphasized the film's themes of teen romance and European adventure, with trailers showcasing Moore's character escaping protection for a spontaneous journey across , , and . These trailers, along with promotional posters featuring Moore and co-star in picturesque European settings like 's streets, were designed to attract Moore's core fanbase of teenagers and young adults. targeted this demographic through strategic advertising in youth-oriented media, building anticipation for the film's adventurous and relatable coming-of-age narrative. Internationally, oversaw distribution, with the receiving a release on February 2, , followed by staggered rollouts across , including on July 21, . Other European markets saw varying dates throughout , while the film had more limited theatrical releases in select additional territories outside and . To promote the film, the cast, including and Goode, participated in press junkets from late 2003 into early , conducting interviews with entertainment outlets to highlight the movie's fun, escapist tone. These efforts were complemented by tie-ins in teen magazines, such as features and photo spreads that aligned with the film's youthful romance appeal and Moore's star power.

Home media

The film was released on DVD in the United States by Warner Home Video on May 4, 2004, in both widescreen and full-screen editions. The widescreen edition features Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in English and French, with subtitles in English, French, and Spanish, along with closed captions. Special features include the behind-the-scenes featurette "Passport to Europe," which explores filming locations in Venice, Berlin, Prague, and London with interviews from Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode; approximately nine minutes of deleted scenes, such as extended presidential family moments and additional bar and Venice sequences; an audio commentary track by Moore and Goode; a gag reel focusing on Jeremy Piven; a full concert performance by the Roots ("The Seed"); and the theatrical trailer. No official Blu-ray edition has been released as of 2025. Digital availability includes options to rent or purchase the film on platforms such as Amazon Video, , and , with free streaming on and as of November 2025. International DVD editions offer additional subtitle options, including English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Bahasa in the Hong Kong release.

Reception

Box office

Chasing Liberty was produced on a budget of $23 million. The film grossed $12,313,323 worldwide, including $12,195,626 in the United States and Canada and $117,697 internationally. It opened in 2,400 theaters on January 9, 2004, earning $6,081,483 over the weekend and finishing in seventh place at the North American box office, behind films such as The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Big Fish, and Cheaper by the Dozen. The performance fell short of expectations for a Warner Bros. release, as the January timing placed it in a post-holiday period when audiences had limited spending after holiday shopping. Subsequent weeks saw a rapid decline, with grosses dropping 53.9% to $2,804,329 in the second weekend and 75.7% to $681,286 in the third, as theater counts were reduced significantly. Overall, the film underperformed against its , earning less than 55% of production costs theatrically and receiving minimal distribution, which limited overseas to a handful of markets.

Critical response

Chasing Liberty received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release. On , the film holds a 19% approval rating based on 115 reviews, with the site's consensus describing it as "formulaic for the teen crowd." Similarly, assigns it a score of 46 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Prominent critic awarded the film two out of four stars, praising the engaging performances of and , their on-screen chemistry, and the visually appealing European settings, while criticizing the predictable storyline and contrived plot elements. Other reviewers echoed this sentiment, noting the film's reliance on familiar tropes but highlighting Moore's charismatic presence as a redeeming factor. Audience reception has been more favorable, with a 60% approval rating on from over 50,000 user ratings, reflecting its appeal as lighthearted entertainment. Over time, the movie has garnered a nostalgic following among fans of 2000s teen romantic comedies, often cited for its escapist vibe and memorable travelogue sequences. Thematically, Chasing Liberty draws frequent comparisons to the 1953 classic , positioning itself as a modern update with a princess-like figure escaping constraints for adventure and romance in . Critics have also interpreted its portrayal of surveillance as reflecting anxieties about security versus personal freedom, though this subtext is often seen as underdeveloped. The critical response contributed to the film's underperformance at the .

Accolades

Chasing Liberty earned recognition primarily within youth-oriented awards, reflecting its target demographic as a . At the , the film secured four nominations, underscoring its popularity among younger viewers despite mixed . These included Choice Movie Actress – Drama/Action Adventure for Mandy Moore's portrayal of , Choice Movie Breakout Star – Male for Matthew Goode's performance as Ben Calder, Choice Movie Chemistry for the on-screen pairing of Moore and Goode, and Choice Movie – Date Movie for the film itself. The movie did not win any of these Teen Choice honors, which went to competitors like and in various categories. No major academy or guild awards were bestowed upon the production, aligning with its niche status in the rom-com genre rather than broader cinematic acclaim. The score by was nominated for Discovery of the Year at the 2004 .

References

  1. [1]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - IMDb
    Rating 6.1/10 (42,120) Chasing Liberty: Directed by Andy Cadiff. With Mandy Moore, Stark Sands, Tony Jayawardena, Jeremy Piven. Anna wants to be like other girls her age (18): ...
  2. [2]
    Chasing Liberty | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 19% (115) Anna Foster (Mandy Moore), code-named "Liberty," the daughter of the president of the United States (Mark Harmon), can't get the Secret Service off her back.
  3. [3]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses ... Mark Harmon · President James Foster · Lewis Hancock · Lewis Hancock · Press ...
  4. [4]
    Chasing Liberty - Box Office Mojo
    Release DateJan 9, 2004 - Mar 4, 2004. MPAAPG-13. Running Time1 hr 41 min. GenresComedy Romance. Widest Release2,400 theaters. IMDbPro See more details at ...
  5. [5]
    Chasing Liberty | Movies - WarnerBros.com
    Mandy Moore stars as 18-year-old Anna Foster, bright beautiful--and the only child of the President of the United States.Buy - On Disc · About · Follow
  6. [6]
    Chasing Liberty movie review & film summary (2004) - Roger Ebert
    Rating 2/4 · Review by Roger EbertJan 9, 2004 · “Chasing Liberty” is surprisingly good in areas where it doesn't need to be good at all, and pretty awful in areas where it has to succeed.
  7. [7]
    Likable 'Liberty' runs out of gas - Los Angeles Times
    Jan 9, 2004 · The infectious heroine of the appealing but long-winded “Chasing Liberty” is an 18-year-old who has everything -- looks, personality, ...Missing: plot | Show results with:plot
  8. [8]
    Chasing Liberty | Cast and Crew | Rotten Tomatoes
    Anna Foster (Mandy Moore), code-named "Liberty," the daughter of the president of the United States (Mark Harmon), can't get the Secret Service off her back.
  9. [9]
    https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/this-is-us-mandy-moore-producing-walk-of-fame-interview-1203164877/
  10. [10]
    'This Is Us' Star Mandy Moore on Why She is 'Operating at My Best ...
    Mar 25, 2019 · “This Is Us” star Mandy Moore successfully transitioned from a teenage pop star to an adult who juggles singing, acting and, soon enough, producing ...Missing: transition | Show results with:transition
  11. [11]
    Ivanka Trump and the Ways That We Imagine First Daughters
    Jan 14, 2018 · The “Chasing Liberty” screenwriters were inspired, they said, by watching Chelsea Clinton trying to ignore photographers at a Stanford ...Missing: photo | Show results with:photo
  12. [12]
    <I>Chasing Liberty</I>: Romance and eye-candy but too much Mandy
    Jan 14, 2004 · Screenwriters Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman say that they were first inspired to write Chasing Liberty after seeing Chelsea Clinton ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Chasing Liberty - Variety
    Jan 5, 2004 · When a G8 summit in Prague occasions something resembling a family vacation, Anna begs her dad to allow her, while in Europe, to attend the ...Missing: plot summary
  14. [14]
    Chasing Liberty | Trademark Films
    Jul 29, 2018 · The storyline was inspired by the experiences of First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, and also contains echoes of the 1953 romantic comedy Roman ...
  15. [15]
    Inside move: ABC develops 'Union' - Variety
    who co-wrote Mandy Moore's upcoming feature “Chasing Liberty” — have partnered with Touchstone TV ...
  16. [16]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Box Office Mojo
    Chasing Liberty (2004). Anna wants to be like other girls her age (18): date a guy etc. but she's the US president's daughter and always guarded.
  17. [17]
    Chasing Liberty | Czech Film Commission
    Chasing Liberty ; Production company: Alcon Entertainment, TradeMark Films Inc. ; Producer: Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, David Parfitt, Wayne Allan Rice.Missing: development history scriptwriters
  18. [18]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations · Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex, England, UK · Venice, Veneto, Italy · Berlin, Germany · London, England, UK · Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, ...Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  19. [19]
    Hollywood blockbuster which used Chelmsford's Hylands House as ...
    Sep 4, 2021 · Chelmsford's very own Hylands House was once turned into the White House for the film Chasing Liberty, starring Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode.
  20. [20]
    19 'Chasing Liberty' Revelations From Mandy Moore, Matthew ...
    Jan 9, 2019 · Mandy Moore starred in 2004's “Chasing Liberty.” Today, the iconic Andy Cadiff-directed film celebrates its 15th anniversary.Missing: trivia | Show results with:trivia<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0360139/soundtrack/
  22. [22]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Soundtracks - IMDb
    American Girl. Performed by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers · Life Will Go On. Performed by Chris Isaak · If I'm Not in Love. Performed by Faith Hill · Stop the Rock.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  23. [23]
    Awards - Chasing Liberty (2004) - IMDb
    World Soundtrack Awards (1). 5 nominations. Teen Choice Awards. Matthew Goode and Mandy Moore in Chasing Liberty (2004). 2004 Nominee Teen Choice Award. Choice ...
  24. [24]
    Chasing Liberty Soundtrack - Tunefind
    Chasing Liberty Soundtrack ; American Girl · Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, · Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers · Opening credits. Anna Foster dancing in her room at ...Missing: film | Show results with:film
  25. [25]
    Chasing Liberty Soundtrack (2004) | List of Songs | WhatSong
    American Girl · Tom Petty ; Life Will Go On · Chris Isaak ; If I'm Not in Love with You · Faith Hill ; Stop the Rock · Apollo 440 ; To Be with You · Caroline Lost.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  26. [26]
    Chasing Liberty - Publicity still of Mandy Moore & Mark Harmon
    Chasing Liberty 2004. Chasing Liberty poster. Directed by Andy Cadiff | Starring: Matthew Goode, Mandy Moore, Jeremy Piven, Miriam Margolyes.
  27. [27]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Release info - IMDb
    Release date · United States. January 7, 2004(Hollywood, California, premiere) · Canada. January 9, 2004 · United States. January 9, 2004 · Philippines. February 11 ...Missing: international Europe
  28. [28]
    Chasing Liberty - Box Office Mojo
    Release Date, Opening, Gross. Domestic, Jan 9, 2004, $6,081,483, $12,195,626. Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Market, Release Date, Opening, Gross. France, Jul ...Missing: UK | Show results with:UK
  29. [29]
    Mandy Moore rises above cute in 'Liberty' - SFGATE
    Jan 9, 2004 · Chasing Liberty: Advertisement. Article continues below this ad. Romantic comedy. Starring Mandy Moore, Matthew Goode and Mark Harmon.Missing: promotion | Show results with:promotion
  30. [30]
    Goode's acting saves 'Chasing Liberty' | | manoanow.org
    Jan 16, 2004 · As the President's daughter in the movie "Chasing Liberty", Anna Foster (Mandy Moore) has led a sheltered life dominated by conservative ...Missing: junkets | Show results with:junkets
  31. [31]
    Chasing Liberty (Widescreen Edition) - DVD Talk
    Apr 24, 2004 · Chasing Liberty is at least better than average as a DVD, offering a decent assortment of extras and a nice audio/video presentation.
  32. [32]
    Chasing Liberty DVD (Snap case) - Blu-ray.com
    Chasing Liberty DVD Release Date May 4, 2004 (Full-Screen Edition). DVD reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots. Cheap DVD movies and deals.
  33. [33]
    Chasing Liberty Blu-ray
    730-day returnsChasing Liberty Blu-ray. United States. 110. 10. 9. 2004 | 111 min | Rated PG-13 | No Release Date. Chasing Liberty (Blu-ray). Large: Front. Add to collection ...
  34. [34]
    Chasing Liberty streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
    Rating 82% (522) You can buy "Chasing Liberty" on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home as download or rent it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home online.
  35. [35]
    YESASIA: Chasing Liberty (2004) (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD
    May 12, 2004 · Release Date: 2004-05-12. Language: English. Subtitles: English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Bahasa (Indonesia). Place of Origin: United ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Box Office Mojo
    Budget$23,000,000. Earliest Release DateJanuary 9, 2004 (Domestic). MPAAPG-13. Running Time1 hr 41 min. GenresComedy Romance. IMDbPro See more details at ...Missing: earnings | Show results with:earnings
  37. [37]
    Weekend Box Office Chart for January 9, 2004 - The Numbers
    Jan 9, 2004 · Weekend Domestic Box Office Chart for the weekend of January 9, 2004.
  38. [38]
    Cracks in Hollywood's Glass-Slipper Genre - The New York Times
    Apr 26, 2004 · In the case of ''Chasing Liberty,'' girls polled by researchers said that when the movie came out in early January they had ran out of money ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  39. [39]
    Chasing Liberty: Interchangeable Fluff With First Daughter
    Rating 2.8 (4) Release Date: January 9, 2004; Domestic Distributor: Alcon (through Warner Bros); Cast: Mandy Moore, Matthew Goode, Jeremy Piven. Box Office Info: Budget: $23 ...
  40. [40]
    Chasing Liberty Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 2.3 (32) The 18-year-old daughter (Moore) of the president (Harmon) of the United States evades her Secret Service handlers (Piven, Sciorra) to begin a romantic road ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    Chasing Liberty | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rotten score. Middle school girls only need apply. Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 22, 2010.
  42. [42]
    Chasing Liberty | Audience Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    See what audiences are saying about Chasing Liberty. Read user reviews, reactions, and ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Join the conversation today.
  43. [43]
    'Chasing Liberty' proves Moore's no Hepburn - The Today Show
    Jan 7, 2004 · Mandy Moore puts on the crown in “Chasing Liberty,” and alas, it doesn't fit at all. ... Aside from Hepburn and Peck, “Roman Holiday” is ...
  44. [44]
    Chasing Liberty - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
    Rating 46% (32) 2004 - Teen Choice Award - Choice Movie - Date Movie - nominated; 2004 - Teen Choice Award - Choice Movie Actress - Drama/Action Adventure - nominated; 2004 - ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  45. [45]
    2004 Teen Choice Awards Winners - Billboard
    Aug 9, 2004 · Below is the winners list of 2004 Teen Choice Awards, handed out Aug. 8 at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles.
  46. [46]
    Chasing Liberty (2004) - Plot - IMDb
    Detailed plot summary confirming the Love Parade in Berlin, the timing of Ben's revelation during travels, Anna's return home, family reconciliation, and the Christmas break ending with Ben's resignation and reunion in Prague.