Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you’re Singaporean.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? OK.
Secret ending? A mid-credits scene.
Running time: 96 minutes (~1.5 hours)
“Hitman: Agent 47” is an action film based on the Hitman series of video games. A biologically engineered assassin is caught up in a scheme that delves into the process that create him in the first place. It stars Rupert Friend (Agent 47), Hannah Ware (Katie van Dees), Zachary Quinto (John Smith), Ciaran Hinds (Dr Litvenko), and Thomas Kretschmann (Le Clerq), with a cameo by our very own Janice Koh. It is rated NC-16.
We’re all watching “Hitman: Agent 47” for one reason – because Singapore is in it. While the Hitman video game series is a commercial success, it’s definitely not a household name with the likes of say, Silent Hill or Call of Duty. It’s also fun to see Singapore depicted as a modern country of glass and metal rather than the sometimes anachronistic sweltering Asian country, and to have our key monuments on display on the big screen. Makes you want to visit Gardens by the Bay if you haven’t already!
Highlights
Singapore
This is the highlight for any Singaporean watching the movie. Being Singaporean and knowing the context behind the film, we’re immediately sensitive to any hints dropped about the plot leading to Singapore. After all, how many times do you hear orchids being referenced in movies – any movies? If it weren’t our national flower, most of us probably wouldn’t be that familiar with orchids.
And then there are the numerous shots of Singapore’s skyline, the view of the Marina Bay area, and the Shenton Way fights complete with shots of road names that we’ve gone down at least a dozen times. To see Singapore involved in a plan of international proportions is just awesome on the silver screen.
Great action
The action scenes are well choreographed and fluid, with perfect timing and synchronisation. Though some of the stunts might be ludicrously brutal at times, it does show us the skill and competency of the protagonists, building on their credentials as the deadliest and most effective assassins in the world. This lends weight to the plot, because the skill level between the main characters and the mooks they fight is a huge gulf that cannot be explained by any amount of training.
Syndicate International’s lair is amazing
It looks like the headquarters of Apple – if Apple were an evil terrorist organisation. Sleek white interiors with technologically advanced screens, and a mysterious hierarchy that speaks of layers of conspiracy, Syndicate International comes across as a truly massive organisation that poses a serious global threat. While their sinister plans might not be the most original in the grand scheme of things, it’s their image that makes their goal such an impressive and dangerous one.
Letdowns
Over the top effects
The CGI is good, no doubt about that, and the realisation of those effects is excellent. It’s just that when it comes down to the concept, the effects are somewhat cartoony in nature. Then again, given the origin of this film as a video game, it’s not surprising since that’s where most of the inspiration comes from. Too many fine mists of blood though, and not enough grit to accompany the otherwise flawless effects.
Flat plot
The plot feels formulaic and tired, as if it were adhering to strict rules about when certain events should occur. The action is good, but it is so methodically paced that it feels mechanical in nature. There are twists and turns in the plot, but again, it feels manufactured rather than organic. Perhaps it’s the general direction of the film itself, but the story itself felt very conventional.
Regardless, you’re watching “Hitman: Agent 47” to see Singapore, and it delivers on that front. As a video game movie, it’s well executed and polished, although the story could do with some more work.
“Hitman: Agent 47” opens in cinemas 20 August, 2015 (Thursday).
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