Directed by Ang Lee and starring Will Smith is Gemini Man, an action-thriller with science fiction thrown into the mix. This film is a thrilling journey fit for viewers of any age and background. So fast paced and action packed is this film that you don’t notice time pass, it all feels surreal as you embark on this adventure with lead protagonist Henry Brogan, played by Will Smith, and partner in crime Danny Zakarweski played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Gemini Man is a film with good pacing, probably due to the fact that Ang Lee is an experienced Director that knows what he wants his audience to feel at any given point.The story follows fifty-one year old Henry Brogan, who is a hitman and a sniper with exceptionally good aim. The opening scene presents Henry getting ready to snipe a man who has been identified as a terrorist, sitting on a fast-moving train. The scene builds up suspense as Henry rests on his stomach and gets ready to pull the trigger from a faraway hill, when he receives information in his earpiece from inside the train, the tension increases when a young girl walks in front of the target.
Thankfully Will Smith’s character gets lucky at this point, and is able to take out the target without impacting any civilians. Henry comes to realise that he just wants to retire from his role as a hitman, but not all is as it seems when gets given information from a comrade that the terrorist he thought was killing was not one at all. Clearly there have been a number of lies told to Henry and he is determined to find out exactly what they are. He goes on to uncover an innocent marine biology student at the fishing dock he visits as part of the police force keeping an eye on him, and from there he develops a partnership with Danny Zakarweski who he nicknames ‘Toast’.
From there on in, Henry soon realises he is not safe and is being watched by other assassins. His life is in threat, and he pieces together that Danny’s isn’t safe either. The two start working together to protect themselves from the threats imposed and they ultimately make a run for it, Henry reminds Danny that if she steps on board the boat she will not be able to make contact with anyone in her life anymore, and she follows suit by throwing her phone away into the water. The two embark on the adventure together, and for what it’s worth, it's a thrilling watch.
At this point in the film we have not met Junior, who is a clone of Henry but appears significantly younger. When Henry and Danny stay at Baron’s place (friend of Henry’s and an excellent pilot), Henry notices sounds outside the house and begins to make a move. They are being watched and Henry believes it’s because of him they are so leaves the house and keeps an eye on his surroundings to find he is being targeted by another assassin. It isn’t until he faces his target that he sees Junior’s face and comes to the realisation he is dealing with something extremely deadly.
Fast paced action ahead as a motorcycle chase ensues and Henry suffers a lot of injuries in the process, as experienced as he is Junior is quick on his feet. From there Junior escapes and leaves behind his hat, later used for evidence of a DNA match - conducted by Danny. However, time is ticking and Henry wants to learn more information about what he is dealing with and flies with pilot Baron and co-partner Danny to Budapest, Hungary to meet up with a connection of his comrade’s. The action only increases as more information is found out, discovering the fact that there is a ‘Gemini camp’ where soldiers are taught to torture and kill in the cruelest of ways. When faced with his clone Junior, Henry ultimately learns he must face himself dead on and test Junior’s strength as well as his own to end the war between them.
This film is gripping, captivating and ultimately a powerful reflection on the war we have with ourselves. Go see this film to discover the plot twists that lie ahead and experience the action for yourself. This film will be in cinemas October 10th, don’t miss the adventure of a lifetime where you must defeat your own demons to stay alive. Catch Gemini Man when it comes to cinemas, you won’t regret giving this highly entertaining film a watch.
In Australian Cinemas - October 10th
Joanna Letic