Joe Wright, director of Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, bounds into new territory with action-thriller Hanna, starring Saoirse Ronan as Hanna, a teenager who's been raised in the woods by her ex-CIA father (Eric Bana), who has trained and educated her all her life as a deadly assassin. Though this sounds slightly preposterous, Saoirse Ronan is so convincing and powerful in this role that any shadow of a doubt is instantly removed as soon as the film begins. Overall the casting is just excellent - Cate Blanchett as the sinister CIA agent Marissa Wiegler is the terrifying 'wicked witch'-like character and a worthy and interesting antagonist. I would describe the look and feel of the film as a modern day action thriller with a fairy tale twist. Many motifs such as the woodcutter in the forest protecting his daughter, the young girl thrown into the world battling the elements trying to find her way home, the evil witch and her henchmen determined to find her, yet all of these elements are nuanced, and add depth to the story. The variety of unfamiliar locations makes the film extremely visually stimulating, and clever camerawork makes the story iconic and memorable. I haven't been this excited about an action film since Kill Bill or the Fifth Element, whose leading ladies definitely remind me of Hanna. Last but not least, the score by the Chemical Brothers is engrossing, but never distracting, and weaves into the story perfectly, making it whole. I loved this film so much I'd pay to watch it again, and again. Definitely one to watch in theaters while you can...
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