Mickey Rourke is John Sedley, a petty gangster whose facial deformities earned him the nickname “Johnny Handsome.” When Johnny and a friend are double-crossed during a robbery by two partners, his friend is killed and Johnny is sent to prison. There, a sympathetic surgeon makes a deal to give Johnny a new face – and a new shot at life. Once on the outside, Johnny discovers that staying straight isn’t easy. But his new look does open one door for Johnny – revenge.