Watch Target of an Assassin
- PG
- 1977
- 1 hr 45 min
-
4.8 (429)
In the 1977 film Target of an Assassin, Anthony Quinn plays Mike Hoare, a British military officer turned mercenary who is hired to kill a rebel leader in an African nation torn apart by civil war. However, when Hoare realizes that the targeted leader is actually a peaceful schoolteacher named Reverend Ndlovu (played by Simon Sabela), he refuses to carry out the assassination and instead tries to protect Ndlovu from the other mercenaries who have been hired to complete the job.
As Hoare and Ndlovu team up to escape their pursuers and make their way to safety, they must navigate the dangerous and unpredictable terrain of the African wilderness, as well as contend with the other mercenaries who see them both as targets to eliminate. Along the way, they encounter a disparate cast of characters, including a French journalist played by John Phillip Law, a group of rebels fighting against the corrupt government, and a young woman who offers to help them but may not be entirely trustworthy.
Target of an Assassin is a tense and gripping action thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The film's stunning cinematography captures both the beauty and the brutality of the African landscape, while the performances of Quinn, Sabela, and Law give the story depth and emotional resonance. At its core, however, Target of an Assassin is a stirring portrayal of two men who are forced to confront their own beliefs and values in the face of overwhelming danger, and who discover a deep bond of friendship and respect despite their initial differences.
One of the most striking aspects of Target of an Assassin is its honest portrayal of the complex political situation in which the story takes place. This is not a simple story of heroes and villains, but rather a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of the effects of colonialism, corruption, and violence on a struggling nation and its people. The film does not shy away from portraying the brutality of both sides in the conflict, and the viewer is left with a sense of the devastating toll that war takes on individuals and communities alike.
In addition to its strong narrative and themes, Target of an Assassin also features some thrilling action sequences that showcase the skills of the film's cast and crew. From high-speed car chases to tense shootouts in the jungle, the film never lets up in its relentless pacing and pulse-pounding suspense. But even amidst the chaos and violence, the story never loses sight of the humanity of its characters, and the sense of moral ambiguity that pervades the narrative makes it all the more engaging and thought-provoking.
Overall, Target of an Assassin is a standout film from the late 1970s, combining heart-stopping action with powerful thematic depth to create a truly memorable viewing experience. With its rugged landscapes, compelling performances, and thought-provoking story, it is a film that remains just as relevant and resonant today as it was over forty years ago. Whether you're a fan of classic action thrillers or simply looking for a gripping and thought-provoking movie to watch, Target of an Assassin is well worth checking out.
Target of an Assassin is a 1977 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.