moviefreak

Even though Nicolas Cage is the main character in the movie and it’s directed by the Pang brothers (directors of The Eye) and it’s set in Bangkok, it fails to make me feel there’s anything special with it. The theme is not new and there are no surprising elements in it. From the action point of view, it’s fine, but I’ve seen movies with better action scenes. So for that I’ll only give this movie a 6 stars out of 10. Sorry, this movie just fails to wow me!

Note: Remember that this movie is rated R for violence, language and some sexuality.

The Story:

Joe (Nicolas Cage) is a hitman. He comes to Bangkok to finish 4 missions (read: kill 4 people). The rules that he has to obey to become a good hitman are these:

1. Don’t ask questions.

2. Don’t take any interest in people outside of work.

3. Erase every trace.

4. Know when to get out.

In Bangkok, he tries to find someone whom he can pay to do the dirty work (get the guns, photos of the targets, etc.) and that person is Kong (Shahkrit Yamnarm). One time Kong is supposed to get a suitcase for Joe, but a gang of people to whom Kong owes some money finds him and they attack him and try to get the suitcase. The suitcase is broken, so Kong realizes what Joe’s occupation really is. Then he asks Joe to teach him to become like him.

Thus Joe breaks the 2nd rule. He teaches Joe to defend himself and how to use a gun. In between his missions, Joe meets a mute girl named Fon (Charlie Yeung) and falls in love with her. They date for a few times, but then one time something happens. What is that something? I’m not going to tell you!

Anyway, before receiving the fourth mission, they see a politician on TV and Kong mentions to Joe that all Thai people love that politician since he defends the poor. Then Joe receives the photos of the target, which is the same politician. Joe starts questioning his way of life. Were all the targets he killed really bad people? Should he kill the politician now?

Meanwhile, the guy who orders the killings, Surat (Nirattisai Kaljaruek) has orderes his men to catch Kong and kill Joe since they’re afraid that if something happens, they will connect Kong and Joe to him.

Will Surat be able to catch Kong and kill Joe? Will Joe give up his way of life and be happy with Fon?

Here’s the movie trailer: