by Jesus Ibarra

Special coupon for Dinuba Platinum Theatre at the end of this review.

Hanna, starring Saoirse Ronan, is a revenge film that surprisingly has many layers to it, mostly because of the superb acting from Saoirse as Hanna and the object of her revenge, Cate Blanchet’s CIA Agent Marissa Wiegler. The film also benefits from an awesome electronic score that sets the mood for the action when it ramps up, or when the film slows down its pace. The directing also gives the film a unique atmosphere that just draws you in sometimes, making the film fast paced when it needs to be and slows it down when it has to.

The basic premise of this movie is that Hanna, who is still only a teenager, was raised by her father in the wilderness to be the perfect assassin and kill the woman who killed her mother. At the same time, that woman, Marissa Wiegler, knows this and begins searching for Hanna. The action sequences are done spectacularly, specifically all the fight scenes where Hanna kills her enemies. It felt like I was watching water the way the fights were so fluid and intense. I have to give it to Ronan for pulling these fight scenes off awesomely.

But the other aspect of the film that is entirely entertaining and a little heartwarming is Hanna’s introduction to the real world. Having been raised in remote tundra, Hanna doesn’t know much of modern technology and hasn’t had contact with other people in her life besides her father. Ronan portrayed Hanna’s innocence of the world and people so beautifully. It’s also a great contrast with Hanna’s ability to be a stone cold killer.

I loved the score of the film, and I hope this is a trend where electronic and ambient music becomes the norm for scoring films as it set the various tones of the film perfectly.

Overall this film goes a bit farther than just a revenge mission, and shows the growth of Hanna through her journey, which is wickedly entertaining.

Get Hanna on DVD/Blu-ray on Sept. 6!

While Hanna comes out on DVD this week, there are still many other great movies playing at Dinuba Platinum Theatres 6. Showtimes can be found on their website.

Print this coupon and enjoy a special discount for Kings River Life readers only!

Jesus Ibarra is 19 years old and an ongoing contributor to our Teen Talk section; with a love of all media, he’s always on the lookout for the best finds.