Hanna is training to be an assassin one day. Her teacher is her father, Erik, an ex-CIA operative.
Every day, the two would train. Erik taught her everything she needs to know, from speaking new languages to different combat techniques. All of this effort is to prepare her for one thing: kill Marissa Wiegler.
Marissa is a senior CIA officer who wants to capture Erik. It is unclear why she is so determined to arrest him. Although, they have a history of working together. Now, she only refers to him as a 'dangerous man' because of his knowledge about their organization's procedures and secrets.
Anyway, one night, Hanna tells Erik that she is ready to face and kill Marissa.
Erik is a little wary about this abrupt decision, but he respects Hanna's decision. So he fetches an old radio beacon to alert Marissa about his presence, and he starts packing. After giving Hanna a warning about the danger of this mission, Erik leaves.
His only instruction to the young girl is to meet him in Berlin after the job is over.
"Hanna" is a unique film that combines action and adventure with a coming-of-age story.
In this film, Hanna starts to "grow up" after leaving the secluded place she lives in for years. After deciding that she is ready to be independent and fulfill her mission, she crosses that threshold into adulthood. But like any good story, it turns out that there are plenty of things to learn about this world.
Despite Hanna's awkwardness, she meets a family that is kind to her. Even more so, she encounters little stellar things about life like music, electronics, friendship, and boys.
These all seem small in the context of living, but these are all monumental for an isolated fifteen-year-old girl. It also turns out that these are not just gratuitous moments. But pivotal events that will change how Hanna sees and feel the world. Her anchor as she discovers who she really was and as she perseveres in life.
This awareness of a girl's struggle for independence, identity, and emancipation makes Joe Wright's "Hanna" great.
The film deviates from the usual action-thriller as it gives the titular character power, authority, and reasoning over her decisions. There is a clear motivation why she wants to be free and to live an ordinary life. And it is not something that feels cheap as Wright makes sure that we also experience her simple joy.
Saoirse Ronan buoyed this film with her stellar performance. To act as Hanna, she masters the diction and accent of different countries, which is super impressive. Her calm demeanor and stoic expression add mystic and mystery to her character. If there is one thing that this movie got right, it is picking Ronan as the titular character.
Furthermore, "Hanna" is a one-of-a-kind revenge film. It is something that will stick with you for a long time after watching it. The heart-pounding action, the exhilarating soundtrack, and the cast's chemistry elevate a simple yet heartfelt story. Joe Wright made all the right calls for this movie to work.
3.5/5
