I Hired a Contract Killer
I Hired a Contract Killer

Movie spotlight

I Hired a Contract Killer

1990
Movie
80 min
English

After losing his job and realizing that he is alone in the world, a businessman opts to voluntarily end his life. Lacking courage, he hires a contract killer to do the job. Then, while awaiting his demise, he meets a woman and promptly falls in love.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Aki KaurismäkiGenres: Comedy, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A disillusioned and lonely civil servant, Henri Boulanger, is fired from his job and, in despair, decides to end his life. He attempts suicide multiple times but fails. Frustrated, he hires a contract killer to do the job for him. However, after meeting a flower seller and finding a glimmer of hope, he regrets his decision and must now evade the killer he hired.

Critical Reception

Aki Kaurismäki's distinctive deadpan humor and melancholic charm are on full display in 'I Hired a Contract Killer.' The film was generally well-received by critics for its unique style, understated performances, and darkly comic take on existential themes. It is often cited as a quintessential example of Kaurismäki's cinematic voice, resonating with audiences who appreciate his minimalist approach and quirky storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bleakly humorous and uniquely Finnish sensibility.

  • Applauded for its minimalist aesthetic and Kaurismäki's signature deadpan style.

  • Noted for its charmingly melancholic portrayal of loneliness and the search for connection.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available, general audience reception often highlights the film's quirky charm, understated humor, and Kaurismäki's distinctive directorial style, appealing to those who enjoy unconventional storytelling.

Fun Fact

The film is part of Aki Kaurismäki's 'Proletariat Trilogy,' which also includes 'Shadows in Paradise' (1986) and 'The Match Factory Girl' (1990).

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Henri" (Jean-Pierre Léaud) is so down in the dumps that he decides it's time to end it all. Not suicide, though - nope. He decides to pay a local gangster £1,000 to do the job in the style of an hit! OK, money's money thinks his would be a...

CRCulver

CRCulver

Very early in his career, the Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismäki established an aesthetic for his films in colour that has held for decades now: the characters are blue-collar people struggling to get by, and whatever emotions they feel, their l...

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