FILM: 6.5
I dove into the 1969 film The Assassination Bureau with moderate expectations, and while it didn't blow me away, there were plenty of aspects that brought a smile to my face.
The movie offers a visual feast, with fun performances and luxurious production design. The elaborate costuming, drawing from Edwardian influences, adds a layer of elegance to the on-screen proceedings.
The storyline is ingeniously crafted, centered around an organisation of assassins hired for a "hit," only to discover that their intended target is none other than their leader. The twists and turns keep the narrative engaging, providing a fresh take on the hitman genre.
Oliver Reed shines as the target, Ivan Dragomiloff, infusing the character with charisma and energy. His performance is nothing short of fantastic, and it's evident he's having a blast on screen. In fact, he might be having just a little too much fun. Diana Rigg, in a role tapping into her success as Emma Peel in The Avengers, serves as a formidable foil to Reed's Dragomiloff.
However, the film's tone occasionally wavers, unsure whether it wants to be light-hearted or a more serious affair. When it leans into the fun, it can sometimes veer into hammy and cheesy territory. This inconsistency affects the overall viewing experience, creating moments where the audience might feel a bit disconnected.
Despite the occasional tonal confusion, The Assassination Bureau is a delightful romp, providing a unique blend of action, comedy, and espionage. It may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it certainly offers an enjoyable escape into a world of suave assassins and unexpected twists.
FORMAT: Blu-ray
VIDEO: 5.5 1080/24p presentation Detail level: Poor Colour reproduction: Good Level accuracy: Good Encode: Good Master condition: Poor
AUDIO: 7.5 LPCM 2.0 mono audio Dialogue reproduction: Good Soundtrack & effects clarity: Moderate Dynamics: Moderate Surround sound presentation: N/A LFE content: N/A
MOOFIEMETER: 7.0.
The movie offers a visual feast, with fun performances and luxurious production design. The elaborate costuming, drawing from Edwardian influences, adds a layer of elegance to the on-screen proceedings.
The storyline is ingeniously crafted, centered around an organisation of assassins hired for a "hit," only to discover that their intended target is none other than their leader. The twists and turns keep the narrative engaging, providing a fresh take on the hitman genre.
Oliver Reed shines as the target, Ivan Dragomiloff, infusing the character with charisma and energy. His performance is nothing short of fantastic, and it's evident he's having a blast on screen. In fact, he might be having just a little too much fun. Diana Rigg, in a role tapping into her success as Emma Peel in The Avengers, serves as a formidable foil to Reed's Dragomiloff.
However, the film's tone occasionally wavers, unsure whether it wants to be light-hearted or a more serious affair. When it leans into the fun, it can sometimes veer into hammy and cheesy territory. This inconsistency affects the overall viewing experience, creating moments where the audience might feel a bit disconnected.
Despite the occasional tonal confusion, The Assassination Bureau is a delightful romp, providing a unique blend of action, comedy, and espionage. It may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it certainly offers an enjoyable escape into a world of suave assassins and unexpected twists.
FORMAT: Blu-ray
VIDEO: 5.5 1080/24p presentation Detail level: Poor Colour reproduction: Good Level accuracy: Good Encode: Good Master condition: Poor
AUDIO: 7.5 LPCM 2.0 mono audio Dialogue reproduction: Good Soundtrack & effects clarity: Moderate Dynamics: Moderate Surround sound presentation: N/A LFE content: N/A
MOOFIEMETER: 7.0.