4 Assassins

4 Assassins, also known as Far Away Eyes, is an intense thriller full of edgy suspense, orchestrated chaos, and philosophical psychological drama that takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the darker recesses of the human psyche. In the film, director Stanley J. Orzel creates a gripping character study using four lethal assassins as subjects, brilliantly portrayed by actors Will Yun Lee, Miguel Ferrer, Mercedes Renard, and Oliver Williams. The presence of the mysterious and charming Hiro Hayama and Kirt Kishita enhances the engaging atmosphere and overall intrigue of the narrative.

Set majestically against the backdrop of a cosmopolitan Hong Kong, the film revolves around the chilling reunion of four assassin colleagues. Marcus Nang (Will Yun Lee), Cordelia Leigh (Mercedes Renard), Chase Proud (Oliver Williams), and Eli Stoke (Miguel Ferrer) have an unsettling assembly in a luxurious hotel room. Their damaging pasts make it even more intense as they uphold a cat-and-mouse game throughout the film. Marcus, Cordelia, and Chase were specifically trained by Eli, their mentor, to be effective and remorseless killers. Now, years later, they find themselves in a situation where they must confront their shared history and challenge their present alliances.

In the midst of heightened tension and suppressed emotions, questions about the essence of their deadly career emerge. Will Yun Lee portrays Marcus, the film's protagonist with great prowess, drawing viewers into his internal dilemma – to kill or not kill for a motive – as he juggles between his desire to retire and the reality of living a 'normal' life after being an assassin. His struggles offer insight into the lives of an assassin that contradicts the typical Hollywood portrayal.

Mercedes Renard delivers a compelling performance as Cordelia Leigh, a no-nonsense lethal assassin whose enigmatic aura and hidden vulnerability add intriguing layers to the movie's plot. Cordelia grapples with her tumultuous past, fighting to seal the cracks in her hardened exterior that have begun to appear due to the taxing lifestyle.

Miguel Ferrer as Eli, a seasoned yet complex hitman, brings a great dynamic to the film. His character’s potential ability to alleviate or exacerbate the tension holds the audience captive. He becomes the focal point of several plot twists, as he motivates his mentees to question who they are beneath the facades they have sworn to uphold.

Oliver Williams, as Chase Proud, reconstructs the enigma about his persona with an immaculate performance. His character's zeal and ruthlessness for his profession is a stirring contrast to the turmoil simmering within his compatriots.

The sudden emergence of Hiro Hayama and Kirt Kishita to this already tense situation adds further intrigue to the plot, escalating the inescapable confusion into a critical climax. Their characters' motives, loyalties, and identities remain veiled throughout the narrative, adding an extra layer of suspense.

The film expertly laces dialogue with philosophy and psychology, delving deep into the scars and triumphs the four assassins bear from their violent and challenging past. The film beautifully depicts the turbulent headspace of the assassins, leaving the audience to question the boundaries between right and wrong.

Additionally, the cinematography is commendable, perfectly capturing the urban landscape of Hong Kong. The stunning angles and lighting create an atmospherically saturated setting, reflecting the characters' complex emotional landscapes.

4 Assassins does not tread on the mainstream trope of mindless shootouts and car chases characteristic of most action thrillers. Instead, it cleverly uses dialogue, character development, and atmospheric tension to create a psychological exploration of four assassins' turbulent lives. The film is an emotional rollercoaster, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, focusing on the psychology of its characters rather than the action. If you are a fan of deeply humanistic narratives, sophisticated dialogue, and well-plotted character developments, then the 4 Assassins makes for an intriguing watch.