Writer: Dhivashini

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Watch this if you liked: “Wanted ”, “Bourne Identity” and “Salt”

From the director Joe Wright who brought you "Atonement" and "Pride and Prejudice", "Hanna" is one of those stories that portray a brilliant dance of innocence and violence. Soarise Ronan who plays the title character takes centre stage as a teenage assassin who has been trained by her father (Eric Bana) to ruthlessly kill and track a corrupt CIA agent, Marissa Wiegler portrayed by Cate Blanchett.

It starts off with Hanna, out in the wild somewhere in Finland hunting a deer, which she eventually kills. We go on to learn that she has been cut off from technology or a normal life, hence giving her that delicate innocence. She has been given a back-story to memorise to be used at the "right time" because that's what all assassins live on. The plot picks up its pace once she is captured by the CIA and escapes using her mad killing skills. The story then starts to unravel itself when Hanna starts finding answers about who she really is and what her true purpose is.

Soarise Ronan's top-notch performance is definitely to look out for as her innocence comes off being so real. This Irish young lass proves that even while killing people mercilessly and speaking in multiple languages, she can still be oblivious to the harmless lesbian undercurrents. That purity makes us gasp when she breaks necks and shoots men point blank.

Cate Blanchett's portrayal of the cold-hearted Marissa who would go to lengths to keep the all CIA operations under wraps almost resembles a wicked witch especially when the film revolves around the theme of innocence. From the Grimm fairytales and theme parks in the movie, you can almost feel like each character has a perfect role made to fit a fairy tale context.

The soundtrack of every movie has the gift of making or breaking a story. It adds flare and keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Music provided by The Chemical Brothers did exactly that, especially during the well choreographed fight scenes.

Joe Wright captures the breath of fresh air freedom gives through Hanna fleeing from one place to another. However, a plot with plenty of potential, it somewhat lacks in that big bang ending you expect.

Cinema Online, 14 July 2011