Assassination Tango (2002)

An aging hitman gets a contract to kill a general in Buenos Aires. But when his mark becomes unavailable, he becomes involved in Argentinian tango culture.

Director:

Robert Duvall

Writer:

Robert Duvall

Stars:

Robert Duvall, Rubén Blades, Kathy Baker

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Duvall	...	John J.
Rubén Blades	...	Miguel
Kathy Baker	...	Maggie
Luciana Pedraza	...	Manuela
Julio Oscar Mechoso	...	Orlando
James Keane	...	Whitey
Frank Gio	...	Frankie (as Frankie Gio)
Katherine Micheaux Miller	...	Jenny
Frank Cassavetes	...	Jo Jo
Michael Corrente	...	Cop at Newsstand
Raúl Outeda	...	Tony Manas
Géraldine Rojas	...	Pirucha
Renee Victor	...	Stella
Richard Marquez	...	Salsa Band Member
Nelson Marquez	...	Salsa Band Member

Storyline

John J. is a seasoned hit man sent on a job to Argentina. When the General he's sent to kill delays his return to the country, John passes the time with Manuela, a beautiful dancer who becomes his teacher and guide into Argentina's sensual world of the tango. Spellbound by the rich and mysterious world Manuela has shown him, his idyll is shattered when the reality of why he's there comes crashing down around him.

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Plot Keywords:

tango | argentina | general | dancer | hitman | 

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Taglines:

No one is more dangerous than the man who lives two lives.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Details

Official Sites:

United Artists

Country:

USA Argentina

Language:

English Spanish German

Release Date:

4 September 2003 (Argentina)

Also Known As:

Bérgyilkos tangó

Filming Locations:

Buenos Aires, Federal District, Argentina

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$64,474 (USA) (28 March 2003)

Gross:

$970,185 (USA) (27 June 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

United Artists, American Zoetrope, Butcher's Run Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie is Robert Duvall's tribute to tango, which is why he filmed it in Buenos Aires using many real tango dancers and authentic tango locations. Some of the tango celebrity faces you can spot include: Geraldine Rojas and Javiar Rodriguez (Pirucha - sister of Manuela and her first partner), Pablo Veron (Pirucha's final parter in the closing credits), Jorge Dispari and La Turca, Orlanda Paiva, Maria Nieves, Armando Orzuza, Carlos Copello, Alicia Monti, Los Hermanos Macana (two men performing a dance). The club with the checkerboard floor is Club Sin Rumbo, in the outskirt of the city, but a famous barrio for producing excellent tango dancers.

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Quotes

John J.: At this age in my life I've finally decided to settle down.
Manuela: Just with one?
John J.: With one what?
Manuela: One woman.
John J.: Two women.
Manuela: Wow.
John J.: She has a daughter. Terrific.
Manuela: One and a half women.
John J.: Yeah.

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Connections

Referenced in Moviemaking in Virginia: Take 3 (2008)

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Soundtracks

"Hoppin' With Lindy"
Written by Ray Benson
Performed by Ray Benson

User Reviews

Acting is great, photography truthful, and music splendid.

I have seen this movie and thought it was great. The casting is well done because the characters are actually down to earth people. The acting is closer to the way people are in the real world, which makes parts of the plot more tangible. The photography also makes this movie worth seeing, as it shows the world as it is, not changed in any way whatsoever. For the acting and the plot, as well as the photography, this movie is worth seeing. The movie transports the viewer to the areas the main character goes to, which makes the movie extremely enjoyable. The music is great, and is the basis of the movie, and helps it move along while keeping the viewer interested in it.