When one of the most ruthless professional hitmen is unwillingly turned into a woman and sets out for revenge, that's the core of The Assignment (2016), an action thriller that boldly challenges conventions by flipping the protagonist's gender midway. Our editorial team will take you through whether this film lives up to the hype and how deep its underlying social issues go.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The Assignment tells the story of Frank Kitchen (Michelle Rodriguez), a top hitman betrayed by the mafia and falling into the hands of a deranged surgeon, Dr. Rachel Kay (Sigourney Weaver), who performs sex reassignment surgery on him without consent. After waking up in a new body, Frank must adapt to life as a woman while planning revenge on everyone involved, aided by Johnny (Caitlin Gerard), a nurse with a mysterious background.
Acting and Characters
Michelle Rodriguez takes on the challenging role of embodying both genders in one body. She conveys the toughness of the old hitman and the confusion of a new woman convincingly, though some scenes feel a bit stiff. Sigourney Weaver as the psychotic doctor is chilling with her cold and insane performance. Tony Shalhoub plays a psychiatrist trying to understand the case and does well in a supporting role. However, other characters are somewhat thin and underdeveloped.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Walter Hill (48 Hrs., The Warriors) delivers a dark noir style mixed with intense action. The cinematography uses muted tones and camera angles that emphasize discomfort. The music fits the atmosphere, but the middle section drags and lacks tight pacing. Some editing choices reduce excitement.
Editorial Analysis
The issue of gender identity and forced sex change is a sensitive topic. The film tries to address gender identity and justice but presents it in an exaggerated and insensitive manner. Frank's revenge is the main driving force, but predictable plot and stiff dialogue reduce depth. However, the film dares to play with novel concepts and has some enjoyable action scenes.
Verdict
The Assignment is a film that dares to be different but falls short of greatness. Suitable for those who appreciate novel concepts and fans of the lead actors. If you expect intense action, you may be disappointed, but if you want to see an experimental film that tackles gender issues head-on, it's watchable.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Challenging and unique gender-swap concept midway
- +Performances by Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver
- +Noir atmosphere and color tones that fit the story
👎 Cons
- −Predictable plot lacking depth
- −Slow pacing in some parts
- −Superficial treatment of gender issues
Top Cast
FAQ
Not at all. The Assignment (2016) is a different film from the 1997 spy thriller starring Aidan Quinn.
There are some action scenes but not as many as typical action films. It focuses more on drama and thriller elements.
No, it's a fictional story inspired by a graphic novel of the same name written by Denis Hamill.
Yes, there are violent scenes and surgery sequences that may not be suitable for sensitive viewers. Rated R in the US.
