Hints of Run Lola Run and even Kill Bill and part Leon, Hanna at times feels like a disjointed techno music video. It's edgy with sharp edits, and although the acting by the title character, played by Saoirse Ronan, is impressive, the film doesn't have enough depth to carry on convincingly till the end. With stars like Eric Bana and the deliciously evil and fun Cate Blanchett there is enough performance backing which unfortunately gets undermined by the shallow storyline.
Hanna is the story about an assassin (Bana) on the run who having raised and trained his daughter (Ronan) in the wilderness, away from society, returns to the city on her insistence. Both father and daughter go their separate ways, with predetermined agendas. What follows is total carnage as both go about on their respective missions, trying to take control of their past which holds many secrets.
The one good aspect about the film is that it doesn't drag. It ends as abruptly, yet aptly, as it starts. It concludes itself just in time, before the audience begins to get fidgety. The action sequences on the other hand were disappointing. They felt practiced and lacked authenticity. The supporting characters do have interesting traits to them, and while some don't get enough screen time, they still manage to leave a positive mark.
I would categorize Hanna as a film that has an independent feel to it and is experimental at times. For this it deserves credit. Had the story been a tad stronger, it would have made a much better impact.Rating 3/5 Stars
