Killing Time

It makes quite a welcomed change to see a 'gangster' film that isn't completely ridden with tacky cockney (or 'mockney') accents and the obligatory cliches that come with this.

It seems that too many have commented on this film for being unrealistic to an extent. The fact that the killer is a hired assassin should allude to the fact that she should be totally unscrupulous in what she does and how she does it. Actress Kendra Torgan employs minimal acting which helps to create a nice air of enigma about herself, and man; she's as hard as nails! She makes a great femme fatale and she is the sort of person who knows just what to do and how to do it: no quibbles, no fuss. She is the true essence of what an assassin should be.

The film works equally well as a black sort of comedy, yet in a rather harrowing sense. To joke about somedoby who has a bullet through their forehead is a classic example of this. The violence portrayed is rather intense and there is no particular lack of bloodshed. The inclusion of a classy score (containing, amongst others, 'Portishead') is also a nice touch.

The story does work rather well...it's not one of the most ingenious ever but it is cleverly composed and does tend to make you pause and think what is going on - this, for me, is always a good thing. The 'masturbation' scene is a good example of this. It is, to quote my title, 'clever'. Just because the film isn't overly complex doesn't mean to say that it is weak in anyway whatsoever. To couple this, it is a stylishly directed piece containing some good, appropriate cinematography; it helps to coincide with the overall ambience of the film itself. It is decidedly slick and polished.

To close, this is a decent British film. It is somewhat of a shame that it never really received the attention that it duly deserves. Perhaps there are still others who are yet to hear it. My advice: try it. For me it provided a great deal more entertainment and 'grit' than any Guy Ritchie film ever could. Hopefully with time, and slightly more attention, this may gain the title of being a 'cult' film.

I really feel this could have been a much better movie if the plot and acting were better done. Kendra Torgan is gorgeous as the ice-cool Italian hit woman who ruthlessly eliminates her victims as nonchalantly as she peels her apples. Although mildly fun to watch, the movie is sadly idiotic. The kill rate is horrendous and at times the movie seems to drag. Everyone around Kendra seems to be bungling, the conversation is inane and the choreography of the shooting scenes were choppy. It's bloody violent though, if that is any redeeming feature.

Quite frankly, I don't think that this movie is as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I concede the fact that at times it is a bit slow, but that is the desired effect; as the viewer, you're supposed to feel a part of the scene.

The film tries to accurately depict the lives of the hitmen and women in the film, and do you know what? It's not always that glamorous.

During the film, as in life, there are periods of intense action- and then there are those moments that leave you just "Killing Time."

Detective Robert Bryant is out for revenge and he knows exactly what will get the job done. He needs to avenge his pal's death at the hands of a notorious mobster, Riley. So he brings in an Italian hitwoman but the moment he does, he knows he can't afford her. Now he must decide whether to call off the assassination or in turn let her do the job, then whack her. But this woman knows her stuff and won't let anyone stand between her and her money. One by one the Detective's own hitmen suffer a terrible fate and she must know figure out who is trying to kill her. Oh yeah, and all this time she must learn English!

Overall: I recorded this film then didn't watch it for almost 2 years. It isn't really horror but the death scenes are fairly bloody. I figured because of it being so invisible,. that someone should let others know about it. the assassin is a very pretty and personable woman who knows no English. In fact it is her attempt to learn the language as she waits for Reily to return on the train which makes the film slightly enjoyable. The film I guess is more realistic at times that most assassin films, with out hitlady missing quite often, although she always makes it out without a scratch. Oh yeah, the other theme rolling along is the anecdote about Burmese men who used to make their wives walk 10 feet behind them - showed who is subservient to whom. After W.W.II and land mines all over, the men made them walk in front. You figure you it out.

Comparison: Point of No Return meets Green Card

Kendra Torgan is far more attractive than either Anne Parillaud (La Femme Nikita) or even Bridget Fonda (Point of No Return). It is a shame that she has not done any other films.

As Maria, she is simply the hottest cold-blooded killer around. Speaking Italian through most of the film only adds to her mystery and allure. Her pistols do most of the talking for her. Admittedly she is not a well rounded killer. She does not seem to have any martial arts skills. Heck, she can't even do a push up. But she is gutsy, smart and not afraid to shoot first, then shoot again.

There is just enough firepower to keep your blood pumping and no more. This movie does not need to resort to Hollywood explosions to keep people interested.

No tricky storylines or cop-out Deus ex Machina endings in this movie. This story moves quickly and not a minute is wasted. The action and changes in moods are paced by a great soundtrack. All the original music and the alternative songs add a haunting beauty to the film.

If you like the Female Assassin genre, this is a must see.