Wild Target (1993)

Wild Target Poster
Original Title: Cible émouvante

Into the solitary life of middle-aged hitman, Victor Meynard, come two people: Antoine, a youth who becomes Victor's apprentice, and Renée, a bold thief Victor's been hired to kill because she cheated a mobster. When circumstances prevent Victor from killing her, the gangster sends two more teams to do it (and to dispatch Victor and Antoine). Victor decides to help Renée, and the unlikely trio ends up at his house with his temperamental mother; there, as they hide out, Victor's attraction to Renée grows, she discovers his vocation and fears he's going to kill her, and an ultimate showdown with their hunters is inevitable.

Film Overview
"Wild Target" is a French-British funny criminal offense film released in 1993. The film includes an exquisite mix of humor and suspense driven by an unique storyline. It was directed by Pierre Salvadori and starred Marie Trintignant and Jean Rochefort as the primary characters.

Plot Summary
"Wild Target" centers around Victor Meynard (Jean Rochefort), a second-generation professional hitman who deals with his mother. He operates with a rigorous adherence to his professional code of ethics, and his credibility has led him to being hired to get rid of an expert swindler and art thief, Renée Dandrieux (Marie Trintignant). Nevertheless, things take a turn when Victor finds himself not able to kill Renée, owing to her charm and appeal. She unconsciously saves herself by hopping into Victor's vehicle to leave from her own mistreated victims.

Main Characters
Renée, represented by Marie Trintignant, is a young, audacious, and appealing burglar. She has a propensity for taking art and selling them off with lovely larceny. Victor Meynard, played by Jean Rochefort, is a much-liked, tired assassin, close to retirement and living a life strictly under his own rules. Their unlikely conference causes a strange relationship to establish between the strong assassin and the charming trickster.

Plot Development
Victor ends up becoming the protector instead of the executioner. As Victor and Renée continue to hang around together, he starts teaching her the tricks of his grim trade, resulting in some humorous moments in the movie. Their relationship deepens, and this newly found bond forces Victor to question whatever he thinks in, as he discovers himself torn in between his professional ethic and his growing fondness for Renée.

The Twist and Conclusion
On the other hand, Renée's previous reach her when Antonie, an unhappy customer who had actually been deceived by her, seeks vengeance. The climactic twist occurs when Victor does not kill Antonie either, a surprising variance from Victor's code of principles. In the suspense-packed conclusion, the vibrant duo manages to outmaneuver their enemies, with the movie ending in Victor fabricating his death and escaping to a new life with Renée and a martial artist partner, Anatole.

Important Acclaim
"Wild Target" received favorable reviews and is valued for its witty discussions, intriguing storyline, and the lovely French backdrop.
While the humor mostly stems from the complex and uncommon relationships amongst the main characters, the essence of suspense is preserved throughout the motion picture. The chemistry between the protagonists coupled with their outstanding efficiencies add a refined beauty to this comedy-drama.

Conclusion
"Wild Target" stands apart with its individuality and the way it wonderfully combines humor with aspects of crime and thriller. The film cleverly portrays the change of the main character from a disciplined, lonesome assassin to a male who acknowledges his sensations and breaks his own guidelines for the charm of the sly but lovable swindler. It successfully maintains the audiences' engagement with its crisp storytelling, amusing minutes, and unexpected twists.

Top Cast

  • Jean Rochefort (small)
    Jean Rochefort
    Victor Meynard
  • Marie Trintignant (small)
    Marie Trintignant
    Renée Dandrieux
  • Guillaume Depardieu (small)
    Guillaume Depardieu
    Antoine
  • Patachou (small)
    Patachou
    Mme. Meynard
  • Wladimir Yordanoff (small)
    Wladimir Yordanoff
    Casa Bianca
  • Serge Riaboukine (small)
    Serge Riaboukine
    Manu
  • Charlie Nelson (small)
    Charlie Nelson
    Dremyan
  • Philippe Girard (small)
    Philippe Girard
    Tony
  • Christophe Odent (small)
    Christophe Odent
    Girard
  • Daniel Laloux (small)
    Daniel Laloux
    Expert
  • Philippe Harel (small)
    Philippe Harel
    Barnabe