Assassination Tango (2002)

Assasinated Tango

This film illustrates Duvall's passion for and interest in Dancing.
He has (briefly) danced before in film but here Tango is to the fore.
Forget the "hit-man" plot it's not worth the trouble and how he could
walk away from that woman (a great Tango dancer aswellas a looker)
is beyond me. See it ONLY for some tango scenes. N.B. the
young girl showing Duvall how to hook and kick.
Unless you are (very) keen on tango - avoid. May 25, 2008

Self indulgent ego trip

I purchased this upon the recommendation of a friend who is just learning tango and based upon a general Amazon rating of 3 stars--I wish that I had bothered to look at the detailed breakdown of reviews. This is one of the poorest excuses for a movie that I have ever seen. The acting, including Duvall, is amateurish; the directing is non-existent (the use of the term improvisational is generous); and the dancing is poor. My wife and I stuck with it for about 20 minutes waiting for it to get better, thinking that it could not possibly be that bad--but it was. Duvall's impression of an assassin is ludicrous--he blows hot and cold from an unjustified anger at something in life--having grown old? to a patronizing quasi-stepfather...step grandfather?? I would not even give this to someone that I know--that might mistakenly think that I somehow liked it. I have to stop writing now... May 19, 2008

Ridiculous

Because I have a grandson in BA, I like to watch anything Argentine. This movie is ridiculous. Not only is the storytelling poor, the plot absurd, the accents, the portrayal of Portenos, the caricature of The Tango are ridiculous. Unless you are interested in a few frames of BA neighborhood footage (as I am), PASS. June 15, 2007

Buy it for tango, not plot

The tango scenes were worth it. The plot dragged. November 5, 2006

Pedraza Alone Worth The Price Of The DVD

I took a shot at buying this DVD sight-unseen, something I rarely do and usually regret, but not in this case. I found it even more fascinating than I hoped, thanks to a totally-unknown actress. Two viewings within a year has not changed my opinion.
This movie is just different, a unique portrait of strange older hit-man and the people in his life. I am not surprised a number of viewers did not like this film, even fans of Robert Duvall. It's probably just too quirky for most tastes and too slow for most viewers. Despite being low- key, there are some moments of intense temper and violence on the part of Duvall which helps keep ones attention.
I didn't need that, however, to keep my attention. Just trying to figure out Duvall kept me intrigued. My attention, however, accelerated when newcomer Luciana Pedraza entered the picture.

Pedraza is one of the most interesting "new faces" I've seen on film: a woman who has intelligence written over her face as few modern actresses ever have. This woman has a lot to offer: looks, intelligence, a good figure, a great dancer, wonderful voice and despite being Argentine, speaks better English than many Americans. A pity that to my knowledge, this is still her only screen appearance.
Between her and Duvall - who are both complex characters to say the least - along with some wonderfully-colorful cinematography, great dance scenes and intrigue about how an assassination plot will turn out,

I found this film and the DVD - which is inexpensive - very pleasing.This is unknown film that isn't fully appreciated. April 16, 2006

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