Assassins (1995)
“Assassins” (1995) is a neo-noir action thriller directed by Richard Donner and written by The Wachowskis, starring Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, and Julianne Moore. The film explores themes of morality, identity, and redemption in the dangerous world of professional contract killing.
The story follows Robert Rath (Sylvester Stallone), a seasoned and highly skilled hitman who has spent years working as a professional assassin for hire. Haunted by his past and weary of the endless killing, Rath wants to retire and leave the life of bloodshed behind. However, before he can walk away, his employers give him one final assignment — to eliminate a target in order to secure his exit from the business.
Rath’s world is suddenly thrown into chaos when another assassin, Miguel Bain (Antonio Banderas), appears on the scene. Bain is a young, reckless, and psychotic killer who idolizes Rath but is determined to surpass him and take his place as the world’s number-one hitman. Unlike the calm and methodical Rath, Bain is loud, unpredictable, and driven purely by ego and bloodlust. Their rivalry quickly turns deadly as Bain begins interfering with Rath’s assignments, attempting to kill both Rath and his targets to prove his superiority.
Rath’s latest job involves Electra (Julianne Moore), a skilled computer hacker who has stolen classified information and is trying to sell it to the highest bidder. When Rath tracks her down, he hesitates — realizing that she, like him, is trapped in a dangerous world she doesn’t fully control. Instead of killing her, he decides to protect her, much to the annoyance of his mysterious employers and the delight of Bain, who now sees both Rath and Electra as prime targets.
The cat-and-mouse game intensifies as Rath and Electra go on the run, pursued relentlessly by Bain. Their chase spans multiple cities, filled with intense gunfights, high-stakes escapes, and tense standoffs. Rath, who has always been the hunter, now finds himself hunted — and must use all his cunning and experience to stay one step ahead.
In the climactic showdown, Rath and Bain face off in a deserted bank building. As they stalk each other through the shadows, Bain’s arrogance and instability become his downfall. Rath ultimately outsmarts him, and Bain is killed in a final, suspenseful confrontation. In the aftermath, Rath frees Electra and finally achieves the redemption he’s been seeking. He walks away from his life as an assassin, leaving behind the violence that once defined him.
“Assassins” stands out for its tense atmosphere and psychological depth. Unlike typical action films of its era, it focuses on the inner conflicts of its characters — particularly Rath’s struggle between professionalism, morality, and humanity. Stallone delivers a subdued, introspective performance, while Banderas’ energetic portrayal of Bain provides a chaotic contrast that drives much of the film’s tension.
Though “Assassins” received mixed reviews upon release, it has since gained appreciation as a stylish ‘90s thriller, blending action, suspense, and moral drama with a memorable duel between two of cinema’s most charismatic killers.
