National Treasure (2004)

National Treasure (2004), an American action-adventure film from Walt Disney Pictures, tells the story of Benjamin Franklin Gates. He is an American historian and treasure hunter who was taught by his grandfather, John, about a secret clue passed down from Charles Carroll in 1832. According to the story, this clue leads to a hidden treasure in America that was left behind by the Knights Templar, Founding Fathers, and Freemasons. Despite Ben’s belief in the tale, his father Patrick remains skeptical and dismisses it as nonsense. Along with his friend Riley Poole, a computer expert, Ben leads an expedition funded by Ian Howe to search for the Charlotte – a ship lost in the Arctic. After finding a meerschaum pipe on board with engravings hinting at the next clue being on the Declaration of Independence, their adventure continues.

After Ian’s shocking revelation as a crime boss and his proposal to steal the Declaration, a physical altercation erupts among the group, leading to their separation. Ben and Riley waste no time in notifying both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Abigail Chase from the National Archives about Ian’s scheme. However, their warnings are met with skepticism. Unwilling to let the priceless document fall into the wrong hands, Ben takes it upon himself to remove it from its secure preservation room during a fancy event. With some clever maneuvering, he is able to obtain Abigail’s fingerprints and successfully acquire the Declaration. Unfortunately, his escape through the gift shop draws unwanted attention when a cashier mistakes it for a souvenir copy and charges him for it. Suspicions arise when Abigail confronts Ben about his actions and reclaims the document from him.