has been itching for a small Soviet project!
(8.00)This film was a personal project for Robert Duvall, who wrote the script, directed the movie, and stars in it.
John J (Robert Duvall) is a aging mafia hitman. He keeps work separated from the rest of his life. He has a girlfriend with a little daughter whom he adores. His hobby is dancing the tango.
The mafia sends him to Buenos Aires, where a political faction has paid for a military figure to be assassinated. It was supposed to be a quick job, but days turn into weeks. Who can John trust? Will he be able to commit the crime when the moment finally comes?
Meanwhile, John's interest in the tango leads him into Argentina's tango community, where he finds a more passionate form of the dance he loves. He becomes involved with Manuela (played by Luciana Pedraza), a tango expert.
The performances are solid. Robert Duvall plays John J as a shrewd man who usually keeps his emotions under control. Pedraza has a key role as the tango instructor, and is charming (she is also Duvall's wife). Other actors perform well in small roles.
Given that this movie is about crime and dancing, it won't appeal to everyone. The pace is slow until near the end. There's a lot of dancing.
Can you game it? No.
This is a charming movie, even if you disagree with the premise that an assassin can also be a family man. Recommended.