Assassin[s]

Assassin(s) is a French crime-thriller, widely released in 1997. The film was directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, who also played one of the lead roles. The other two principal characters were portrayed by Michel Serrault and Mehdi Benoufa. This movie, with its intriguing plot and complex characters, is set amidst the backdrop of the grim underbelly of society, where violence and crime are the ruling norms.

The narrative follows the life of a seasoned professional hitman, Mr. Wagner, played by Michel Serrault. Mr. Wagner is no ordinary man but a hardened killer who has spent almost all of his life executing murders for hire. Despite the bleakness and violence that permeate his life, he is a man who follows a strict set of rules and an unwavering moral code when it comes to his profession.

His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Max, portrayed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Max is a young, disillusioned man who, despite being surrounded by high-tech equipment and shiny new appliances in his job as a surveillance expert, is not immune to the allure of easy money that the world of crime promises. Not a criminal by nature, Max's life is characterized by frustrated ambitions, zero opportunities, and an imposing emptiness.

Sensing Max's potential and vulnerability, Mr. Wagner decides to take him under his wing. He sees in Max an opportunity to pass on his trade, his deep-rooted beliefs, and the traditional values of his 'occupation' – something increasingly rare in a world where killer-for-hire is losing its noble spirit to ruthless, unprincipled violence.

Mehdi Benoufa plays the role of Mehdi, a lost little boy engrossed in violent video games, and with no real role models to look up to. He idolizes Max, who treats him with a familial fondness. The contrast between Mr. Wagner's 'old-school' belief system and the easily accessible violence in modern society, represented by Mehdi's video games, amplifies the central themes of the movie and creates an interesting dynamic.

Assassin(s) reflects a critique of violence, particularly the desensitizing nature of it in media and its presentation as sporadic entertainment in movies and video games. It paints a vivid picture of the stark difference between violence for survival, as seen in the life of Mr. Wagner, and violence for amusement, as shown by Mehdi's fascination with his video games.

Kassovitz, who directed the film as well, brilliantly contrasts the world of the aging assassin, clanging with outdated weapons, with the new generational fascination towards blood and gore within a digital universe. While Serrault's character introduces a certain humanist depth to the role of a killer, Kassovitz's character encapsulates a generation disillusioned by modern capitalism.

The direction is atmospheric and loaded with symbolism, while maintaining a stoic, cold feel that complements the theme of the movie beautifully. It is one of those films that use their craft to subtly lure viewers into a dark world and make them question the deeply ingrained systems within society.

Despite the grim theme, the film manages to illustrate several poignant moments that highlight the human aspect in an otherwise cold, ruthless domain. These moments are accentuated by the brilliant performances by the lead actors. Michel Serrault delivers a brilliant performance as the aging hitman, while Mathieu Kassovitz does justice to his complex character. Mehdi Benoufa, too, portrays his role convincingly, giving the audience a character they can't help but empathize with.

The film's screenplay is intelligent, offering plenty of dramatic tension while avoiding cliches often associated with the genre. The narrative takes unexpected turns but is always coherent and punctuated with though-provoking dialogues.

All in all, Assassin(s) makes for an engaging watch. It's not your typical high-octane thriller but a thought-provoking exploration of violence, morals, and the transition of crime on a societal level. It is a movie that will resonate with viewers long after they have seen it, making them reexamine their perspectives on aspects of media, violence, and the human condition.