Colombiana (2011) is an action-thriller film directed by Olivier Megaton and starring Zoe Saldana in the lead role. The film follows the story of Cataleya Restrepo, a young woman from Colombia who becomes a highly skilled assassin after witnessing the brutal murder of her parents as a child.
Plot:
As a child, Cataleya (played by Amandla Stenberg) witnesses the assassination of her parents by drug lord Don Luis (Beto Benites) in Colombia. She narrowly escapes and vows revenge. Over the years, Cataleya grows into a deadly and skilled assassin, working for a powerful crime syndicate. She carries out numerous high-profile hits across the world, but her true goal is to kill Don Luis and avenge her parents’ death.
As an adult (played by Zoe Saldana), Cataleya works under the guidance of her uncle, Emilio (Cliff Curtis), who trains her in the art of assassination. Cataleya’s quest for revenge becomes more personal as she moves closer to tracking down Don Luis. Along the way, she must evade law enforcement, including FBI agent Marco (Lennie James), who is on her trail.
The film combines action, martial arts, and dramatic moments, as Cataleya faces off against powerful enemies while struggling with her need for vengeance and her desire for a more peaceful life.
Reception:
Colombiana received mixed reviews. Critics praised Zoe Saldana’s performance and her action sequences, but many felt the film lacked depth in its plot and character development. While the action scenes were generally well-received, the movie’s script was criticized for being formulaic.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $40 million.
Notable Themes:
- Revenge: The central theme of the film is Cataleya’s quest to avenge her parents’ deaths.
- Survival: Cataleya is shown as a resourceful and resilient character who uses her skills to survive in a dangerous world.
- Action and Choreography: The film is noted for its intense action sequences, with Saldana performing many of her own stunts and fight scenes.
Colombiana is often compared to other action films featuring female protagonists like La Femme Nikita and Kill Bill, but it is distinct in its emphasis on a Latina lead character and its setting in Colombia.