Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)

Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) – A Film Breakdown

Hitman: Agent 47 is a 2015 American action-thriller film directed by Aleksander Bach in his directorial debut. It serves as a reboot of the Hitman franchise, which was originally based on the Hitman video game series developed by IO Interactive. The film introduces a new incarnation of the iconic assassin Agent 47, portrayed by Rupert Friend, following in the footsteps of the 2007 Hitman movie.

Plot Overview

The story follows Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin, as he embarks on a mission to track down Katia van Dees (Hannah Ware), the daughter of the creator of the Agent program, Dr. Piotr Litvenko (Ciarán Hinds). Litvenko vanished years ago, and 47 is tasked with finding him, believing that Katia holds the key to unraveling his creator’s whereabouts.

Katia, unaware of her role in the Agent program, is hunted by both Agent 47 and a nefarious organization called Syndicate International. The film weaves a high-octane action tale as 47 and Katia must navigate a world of betrayal, intrigue, and genetically enhanced super-soldiers.

As the plot unfolds, 47 discovers that Katia is more than just a target—she’s an enhanced agent herself, possibly even more advanced than 47. Together, they must fight off Syndicate forces and uncover the truth about their origins. The climax builds to a dramatic confrontation where secrets are revealed, and the battle between the ICA and Syndicate International reaches its explosive peak.

Cast

• Rupert Friend as Agent 47 / Agent 48: The genetically engineered assassin who works for the International Contracts Agency (ICA), tasked with eliminating high-profile targets.
• Hannah Ware as Katia van Dees: Litvenko’s daughter, who is unknowingly connected to the Agent program and has heightened sensory abilities.
• Zachary Quinto as John Smith: A high-ranking operative for Syndicate International who tries to manipulate Katia.
• Ciarán Hinds as Dr. Piotr Aaron Litvenko: The scientist who created the Agent program, now in hiding from those who seek to exploit his work.
• Thomas Kretschmann as Antoine LeClerq: The villainous chairman of Syndicate International, bent on using the Agent program for his own global agenda.
• Angelababy as Diana Burnwood: Agent 47’s handler, who guides him through his dangerous missions.

Production Insights

The film was developed by 20th Century Fox, and the production process faced multiple changes. Initially, Paul Walker was cast as the titular character, but his tragic passing in 2013 led to Rupert Friend stepping into the role. Filming began in early 2014, with locations in Berlin and Singapore, adding an international flair to the action sequences.

Filming and Visual Style

Directed by Aleksander Bach, Hitman: Agent 47 presents sleek visuals and fast-paced action. The film is packed with high-speed chases, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and intense gunfights that are meant to capture the essence of the Hitman games. However, the film relies heavily on CGI and speed tricks, which has received mixed reactions from critics.

Soundtrack

The score for Hitman: Agent 47 was composed by Marco Beltrami, who also worked on several action thrillers. His music adds an intense and gripping atmosphere to the film’s action-packed sequences.

Marketing and Reception

The marketing campaign for Hitman: Agent 47 included teasing footage at major events like San Diego Comic-Con, as well as trailers that showcased the film’s action-heavy scenes. However, despite the exciting premise and talented cast, the movie didn’t fare well with critics.

Box Office

The film grossed $82 million worldwide against a $35 million budget. While it performed decently internationally, it underperformed in North America, where it grossed $22.5 million.

Critical Response

Hitman: Agent 47 received mostly negative reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a dismal approval rating of 9%, with an average rating of 3.7/10. Critics criticized the film for its lackluster plot, generic action, and overreliance on visual effects. Metacritic also gave it a score of 28/100, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews.”

While some praised the action sequences and Rupert Friend’s portrayal of Agent 47, others found the film’s approach too shallow and reliant on spectacle over substance. In a more positive review, Geek.com noted that the movie provided an entertaining enough experience but fell short of being memorable. Despite the flaws, some fans of the Hitman games might appreciate the visual style and action-packed moments.

Future of the Franchise

Given the mixed reception of Hitman: Agent 47, the future of the film franchise remains uncertain. However, the enduring popularity of the Hitman video games suggests that there could be potential for further adaptations or even a more faithful reimagining of the character.

Conclusion

Hitman: Agent 47 is a film that may satisfy fans of action thrillers but leaves much to be desired in terms of character development and storytelling. While Rupert Friend brings a solid performance as the infamous assassin, the film struggles to find its footing, offering flashy visuals but lacking in depth. For those looking for an action-packed ride without expecting too much depth, Hitman: Agent 47 might still be worth a watch.