The Protégé

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 20, 2021

Genre
Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Maggie Q as Anna
• Samuel L. Jackson as Moody
• Michael Keaton as Rembrandt
• Robert Patrick as Billy Boy
• Patrick Malahide as Vohl
• David Rintoul as Edward Hayes

Director
Martin Campbell

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Casino Royale (2006)
• GoldenEye (1995)
• The Mask of Zorro (1998)
• Green Lantern (2011)
• Edge of Darkness (2010)

Producer
Arthur Sarkissian, Moshe Diamant, Rob Van Norden

Writer
Richard Wenk

Budget
$50 million

Production Company
Lionsgate, Millennium Media

Running Time
109 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for strong and bloody violence, language, some sexual references, and brief nudity)

Content Advisory

• Intense and graphic violence
• Strong language
• Brief sexual content
• Blood and gore

Movie Story
The Protégé follows Anna (Maggie Q), who was rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody (Samuel L. Jackson) and trained to be the world’s most skilled contract killer. When Moody, who has been a mentor and father figure to Anna, is brutally murdered, she vows to track down his killers and exact revenge. Her search takes her back to Vietnam, where she was first discovered, and into the orbit of Rembrandt (Michael Keaton), a mysterious figure who is both her adversary and love interest.

As Anna dives deeper into the underworld, she uncovers a conspiracy that goes far beyond personal revenge. The plot twists as she faces challenges from both within and outside the assassin’s world, testing her loyalty, morality, and survival skills. Rembrandt’s ambiguous character adds complexity to the narrative, as their relationship oscillates between romance and deadly rivalry, making for intense and unpredictable confrontations.

The film blends fast-paced action with moments of introspection, as Anna confronts her past and the choices that have shaped her life. The movie culminates in a series of explosive and well-choreographed action scenes, leading to a dramatic showdown that leaves the fate of the characters hanging in the balance. The Protégé is a thrilling ride, driven by strong performances and dynamic action sequences, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Special Effects
The action sequences in The Protégé are highly stylized, featuring slick choreography and practical effects that ground the film’s violence in a gritty reality. Explosive shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, and a few well-timed explosions are the highlights, with the special effects team ensuring that each scene feels visceral and intense. The film uses minimal CGI, relying on the physicality of its stunts and practical effects to deliver its action-packed narrative.

Box Office Performance
The Protégé faced a challenging release due to the ongoing pandemic but managed to gross around $8 million domestically and $7 million internationally, totaling approximately $15 million worldwide. While it didn’t perform as expected, it garnered attention for its strong cast and action sequences.

Filming Locations

• Bucharest, Romania
• Da Nang, Vietnam
• Sofia, Bulgaria

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t kill people for free.” – Anna
• “You and I, we’re not so different. We both want to put things right.” – Rembrandt
• “Don’t ever underestimate the reckoning of a woman with nothing to lose.” – Moody

Behind-the-Scenes

• Maggie Q performed many of her own stunts, drawing on her martial arts background to bring authenticity to the action scenes.
• The intense chemistry between Maggie Q and Michael Keaton was highlighted in the film’s promotional material, with both actors bringing a blend of tension and attraction to their roles.
• The film was primarily shot in Romania, with key scenes in Vietnam to reflect Anna’s backstory.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
The Protégé delivers on its promise of high-octane action, with strong performances from Maggie Q and Michael Keaton. While the plot treads familiar territory, the execution is top-notch, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre. Its mix of revenge, romance, and relentless action will satisfy those looking for a solid thriller, though it may not break new ground in terms of story or theme.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10