HANNA (2011)

Directed By: Joe Wright
Written By: Seth Lochhead & David Carr
Based on a Story by: Seth Lochhead
Cinematography By: Alwin H. Kuchler
Editor: Paul Tothill

Cast: Eric Bana, Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Olivia Williams, Tom Hollander, Jason Flemyng


This film seems more like a experiment for director Joe Wright the director. To prove to himself or challenge himself to direct a film he is not accustomed to. Luckily for him it pays off for the most part.

The film seems to go international but at times feels like it is just a bunch of set pieces strung along together. A BOURNE IDENTITY feel mixed with a more well rounded HIT GIRL from KICK-ASS. The film also includes alot of refrences to fairy tales which gives it a off kilter feel.

Most of the time the film seems to be going for more style then anything there are a few emotional moments but they feel kind of hollow. The action sequences while a bit grand at least feel a little more realistic then the ones we have seen time and again in other action films.

Cate Blanchett seems to be letting her wardrobe and make-up do the acting for her. While she is usally exceptional here it feels like she is playing Clarice Starling from SILENCE OF THE LAMBS after alot of bad years in the C.I.A. which has made her bitter and cruel. though the film hints at a more emotional center for her. it renmains only hints. Just like how the film seems to be setting up for a huge revalation at the end which never comes.

Though i do have to say the film is never boring. It is also one of the few times i have felt engaged by Eric Bana. Of course the lead Saoirse Ronan walks away with the film like a seasoned pro and capable of being a future action hero. The film is very colorful, Yet with this supposed trained killing machine the filmmakers could have come up with better and tougher villians and challenges for her to face.

The intervention of her traveling with a family and getting close to them fely a bit cloying as well as there non-chalant attitude of her traveling alone, but it set up what it was meant to emotional scenes where we really get to know hanna other then as our favorite self taught assassian.

The thing is though this film is enjoyable and tries to not make itself seem like a product. it has the distinct feeling of being one. it is a popcorn movie at it's heart. no matter the experimental tone. Which works for the film as long as you know that going in.

I don't want to sound like i disliked the film i liked it quite a bit. i just felt at some parts disillusioned from what the film was trying to present to me.

After watching this film it wouldn't surprise me if the director tried to direct a james bond film. As accomplished as he comes off here. It feels like he borrowed Tom Tyker's (RUN LOLA RUN) style. But i admire him for this film, As he has adnmitted going into this film he asked for advice on how to make the action sequences different but still riveting. it reminds me of when Ang Lee made a BMW short film mainly to learn how to direct a chase sequence before he made THE HULK. I like the fact that he seems to be challenging himself.

Though originally it was being developed by Danny Boyle (127 Hours) after he left Alfonso Cauron was circling making it, but saoirse ronan who had already signed on to star suggested Joe Wright direct it. Which might be why he was so worried about making the film. but he stepped up and was successful.

GRADE: B