The Hitman's Bodyguard

The Hitman's Bodyguard 2017

Directed by

Patrick Hughes

Patrick Hughes

Made by

Lionsgate

Lionsgate

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Plot Summary


Private security expert Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), who once held a top-tier reputation as a bodyguard in the European Union while also being a former CIA officer, finds himself in a precarious situation when he is assigned to protect Takashi Kurosawa, a Japanese arms dealer. Bryce’s responsibility entails escorting Takashi and his two wives to his private airplane. Although everything seems to be going smoothly, tragedy strikes as Takashi is brutally shot through the airplane window at the last second, leaving Bryce utterly helpless to prevent the horrific event.

Fast forward two years, Bryce has seen his career take a nosedive. Now, he barely scrapes by, guarding drug-dependent corporate figures like Mr. Seifert (Richard E. Grant) in London under the motto “boring is always best.” After completing each task, he reluctantly calls upon a clean-up crew to dispose of any threats he has eliminated along the way.

Meanwhile, the ruthless dictator of Belarus, Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), is put on trial for his heinous crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. This tyrant has methodically silenced all opposition within his own country, leading to the unforgivable act of eliminating the family of Professor Asimov (Rod Hallett), who dared to criticize him in writing. With no physical evidence to pin on him and witnesses getting assassinated, the prosecution struggles to build a case against Dukhovich, who is accused of committing genocide on a grand scale.

In a shocking twist, the only hope left for the prosecution hinges on the notorious hitman Darius Kincaid (played by Samuel L. Jackson), who finds himself imprisoned but willing to testify in exchange for the release of his wife Sonia (Salma Hayek). Kincaid, a contract killer with a long rap sheet, understands the gravity of his predicament but insists on securing Sonia’s freedom above all else.

Interpol’s Assistant Director Jean Foucher (Joaquim de Almeida) and Director Renata Casoria (Tine Joustra) task Amelia Roussel (Elodie Yung), an inexperienced agent and Bryce’s former romantic interest, to oversee Kincaid’s transport. With only 27 hours to get Kincaid to The Hague, a convoy made up of a team of elite Interpol agents embarks on the journey. However, disaster strikes when the convoy is ambushed in Coventry, resulting in the deaths of everyone except for Kincaid and Roussel.

The two manage to escape and find refuge in a safe house, where Kincaid tends to his injuries. Realizing they have been betrayed from within Interpol, Roussel reaches out to Bryce, hoping for an ally. Although he holds Roussel partly responsible for the previous mishap involving Kurosawa—a situation that had left him heartbroken—Bryce ultimately decides to lend his expertise in exchange for the chance to restore his tarnished reputation.

As they navigate their distrust and personal grievances, Bryce and Kincaid form an uneasy alliance and strategize their escape to The Hague. Meanwhile, Dukhovich’s thugs are closing in, and chaos ensues when they attack the safe house. Amid all this, the tension escalates when Sonia is taken prisoner in Amsterdam, leading to an emergency response from both Roussel and Bryce as they attempt to thwart Dukhovich’s plans.

With constant twists and unforeseen challenges, Bryce and Kincaid find themselves in a relentless fight for survival as they journey toward the court proceedings in The Hague, battling enemies and their own pasts. Kincaid’s testimony unveils the dark deeds of Dukhovich, leading to an explosive courtroom showdown. Ultimately, when it seems like all hope is lost, bravery and unexpected alliances lead to a thrilling climax where loyalties are tested and justice is pursued.

In a dramatic conclusion, Bryce manages to reclaim his dignity and rekindle his romance with Roussel, while Kincaid also faces the consequences of his past but finds a way to celebrate his love with Sonia once again. As the dust settles, the narrative encapsulates themes of redemption, loyalty, and the enduring power of love in the most tumultuous circumstances.

Timeline


Michael Bryce's Reputation

Michael Bryce, a former CIA officer, is once a respected bodyguard in the European Union. His high-profile work sets the tone for a career that takes a dramatic turn from heroics to hardship.

European Union

The Assignment

Bryce is assigned to protect Takashi Kurosawa, a Japanese arms dealer, while escorting him and his two wives to a private airplane. The assignment seems routine, but underlying dangers lurk just beyond the surface.

Private Airplane

Tragedy Strikes

As they near the end of the escort, Takashi is brutally shot through the airplane window, leaving Bryce unable to prevent the horrifying event. This moment marks a significant turning point in Bryce's career and personal life.

Private Airplane

Fall from Grace

Two years later, Bryce's career has plummeted and he is now relegated to guarding low-level corporate figures like Mr. Seifert. He embraces a motto of 'boring is always best,' reflecting his disillusionment.

London

Trial of a Dictator

Vladislav Dukhovich is put on trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. His tyrannical rule and the ruthless elimination of opponents create a complex case for the prosecution.

International Criminal Court

The Crucial Testimony

Hitman Darius Kincaid offers to testify against Dukhovich to secure the release of his wife, Sonia. This unexpected twist provides the prosecution with a potential breakthrough in the tightly contested trial.

Prison

Kincaid’s Transport

Asimov’s hope for justice depends on successfully transporting Kincaid to The Hague within a tight deadline. Amelia Roussel, a young agent, is tasked with this critical operation, setting the stage for unfolding chaos.

Convoy to The Hague

Ambush in Coventry

The convoy carrying Kincaid is ambushed in Coventry, resulting in heavy casualties. Only Kincaid and Amelia Roussel manage to survive, highlighting the dangers that lurk as they pursue justice.

Coventry

Betrayal From Within

After the ambush, Roussel realizes that they have been betrayed from within Interpol. She turns to Bryce for help, setting the stage for an uneasy partnership fueled by past grievances and mutual distrust.

The Unlikely Alliance

Bryce reluctantly teams up with Kincaid as they plan their escape to The Hague. Despite their antagonistic history, they must work together to navigate the oppressive forces aiming to silence Kincaid’s testimony.

Safe House

Sonia’s Capture

While Bryce and Kincaid strategize their next move, Dukhovich's henchmen capture Sonia in Amsterdam. This immediate threat propels both Roussel and Bryce into action, emphasizing the stakes at play.

Amsterdam

Journey to The Hague

As they move closer to The Hague, Bryce and Kincaid face a barrage of attacks from Dukhovich's men. Their friendship is tested, yet they draw strength from their shared goal of justice.

Various Locations

Courtroom Showdown

The climax reaches a boiling point as Kincaid’s testimony unveils Dukhovich’s dark deeds in the courtroom. The stakes are high as loyalty and betrayal play out in front of authorities.

The Hague

Redemption and Love

In the end, Bryce finds an opportunity to reclaim his reputation and rekindle his romance with Roussel. While Kincaid faces his past, he also discovers a path to celebrate love with Sonia.

Themes of Loyalty

The narrative concludes with a reflection on redemption, loyalty, and the power of love amidst chaos. The characters emerge transformed, having faced their challenges head-on.

Characters


Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds)

Michael Bryce is a former top-tier bodyguard whose life spirals into chaos following a tragic failure on his watch. Burdened by guilt and a tarnished reputation, he embodies resilience and complexity as he navigates personal and professional challenges. His character evolves from a disillusioned protector to a determined hero willing to fight for redemption.

🛡️ Bodyguard 🔄 Redemption

Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson)

Darius Kincaid is a notorious hitman with a complicated past who, despite his criminal ways, possesses deep love for his wife. His character is multifaceted, revealing his vulnerabilities as he grapples with moral dilemmas. Through his alliance with Bryce, Kincaid showcases a blend of tough exterior and emotional depth, driven by intense loyalty and love.

🔫 Hitman ❤️ Love

Amelia Roussel (Elodie Yung)

Amelia Roussel is an inexperienced Interpol agent and the former romantic interest of Bryce. Her character demonstrates determination and growth as she confronts the dangers of her assignment. Though burdened by past mistakes, she strives to prove herself and safeguard Kincaid, embodying resilience and bravery.

👮‍♀️ Agent 🔄 Redemption

Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman)

Vladislav Dukhovich is a ruthless dictator facing serious war crimes charges, embodying unchecked power and cruelty. His character represents the dark side of ambition and corruption, serving as the primary antagonist. Despite his intelligence and manipulative tactics, his downfall is inevitable, illustrating the consequences of tyranny.

👿 Dictator ⚖️ Justice

Setting


Time period

The events of the film unfold in contemporary times, portraying current political and legal issues such as international courts and modern crime syndicates. The timeline jumps between past and present, reflecting on Michael Bryce's previous prestigious position as a bodyguard and his subsequent fall from grace.

Location

London, The Hague, Amsterdam, Belarus, Coventry

The movie takes place across several locations: London, known for its bustling urban landscape and significant political arenas; The Hague, recognized as the international city of peace and justice, home to the International Criminal Court; and Amsterdam, famous for its picturesque canals and rich cultural history. Additionally, the story touches on Belarus, a country marked by political turmoil under a ruthless dictator, and Coventry, which becomes a site of ambush during a tense confrontation.

🌍 Locations 🏛️ Europe

Themes


🔄

Redemption

Redemption is a central theme as Michael Bryce seeks to restore his tarnished reputation after a catastrophic failure. His journey alongside Darius Kincaid, a hitman striving to free his wife, highlights the struggle for forgiveness and second chances. Their evolving partnership and the reclamation of their lives culminate in moments of personal and relational redemption.

🤝

Loyalty

Loyalty stands out significantly in the film, particularly in the relationships formed between characters facing adversity. Both Bryce and Kincaid learn to trust one another despite their checkered pasts. This theme is further amplified through the characters' dedication to their loved ones, highlighting how loyalty influences their choices amidst dangerous circumstances.

❤️

Love

Love transcends personal tribulations within the narrative, showcasing both romantic and familial bonds. Bryce's rekindled romance with Amelia Roussel and Kincaid's determination to save Sonia drive the motivations for their actions, embodying how love serves as a powerful catalyst amidst chaos and danger.

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