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The Assignment on DVD (1997)

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Average rating: 62%
3920116
3.0
from 629 members
 
Starring: Aidan Quinn, Donald Sutherland, Ben Kingsley, Al Waxman, Liliana Komorowska, Vlasta Vrana, Celine Bonnier, Von Flores, Claudia Ferri, Mitchell David Rothpan
Director: Christian Duguay
Studio: SONY PICTURES HOME ENT. UK
Run time: 114 mins
Certificate: 18
Genres: Thriller
Languages: English
Dubbed: German
Subtitles: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish
Released: 13/06/2005

Brief synopsis of The Assignment

A CIA agent obsessed with apprehending infamous international terrorist Carlos "The Jackal" deploys a U.S. Navy man--who resembles Carlos exactly--in his scheme to discredit the legendary mercenary in the eyes of his employers. A complex psychological suspenser elevated above the bulging ranks of spy thrillers by its deep characterization and the dual role for Quinn.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 2 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Director Christian Duguay dishes up a steady stream of graphic action in this thriller based on the story of real-life terrorist Carlos the Jackal. Aidan Quinn stars in a dual role, as the Jackal himself and an American naval officer with a remarkable resemblance to the wanted man. Donald Sutherland plays a CIA veteran obsessed with getting revenge for past humiliation, with Ben Kingsley as a Mossad agent eager to rid the world of the assassin responsible for ending scores of Israeli lives. Together they train Quinn to take part in a daring sting, but the plan spirals dangerously out of control. Despite the formulaic subject matter, this is well paced and moderately exciting fare.

Halliwell's Film Guide

Tepid spy thriller, which seems more like propaganda than entertainment; despite its use of fact, it never suggests a convincing reality.

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 stars3 Great Stars in 'The Assignment'

Sparkie from BRISTOL, UK , 16/08/2005

Ben, Donald & AIDEN QUINN - more please! Loved this film, the acting, the story, the way the camera seemed to move, even the explosions.

I RECOMMEND THIS THRILLER.

  19 out of 20 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 2 starsSatisfactory if predictable

SouthernGal from Greater London , 20/01/2004

Engaging, if dreadfully predictable thriller about a CIA agent (Sutherland) obsessed with capturing terrorist Carlos "The Jackal" (Quinn). Sutherland is the film's saviour, only slightly overplaying his role as the agent, and Ben Kingsley makes an subtly efficient turn in one of those roles that only makes you aware how much more he is capable of. Quinn is capable in his dual role but never quite takes advantage of the possibilities. A reasonably entertaining waste of time best served on a Sunday afternoon with a mild hangover.

  4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 stars

Bill#3 from PERTH , 13/12/2003

There are a few films about the Jackal already in circulation but this has to be one of the best that I have seen so far. The way the soldier takes on the role of the Jackal and then almost becomes him is very interesting to watch.

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsA Hidden Gem

A customer from HANTS , 08/09/2004

A decent story based upon a US naval officer who happens to resemble an international terrorist, and is then pursuaded by the CIA to imitate the said scumbag. Despite a US beats the world scenario this film should appeal to the post 9/11 era watcher not turned off by the portrayal of Pro-US international policies.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 5 stars

A customer from LONDON , 04/03/2004

Supposedly based on a true story, <i>The Assignment</i> is a gripping thriller, with great acting from Donald Sutherland, and Ben Kingsley.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Rated - 2 starsSatisfactory if predictable

SouthernGal from Greater London , 20/01/2004

Engaging, if dreadfully predictable thriller about a CIA agent (Sutherland) obsessed with capturing terrorist Carlos "The Jackal" (Quinn). Sutherland is the film's saviour, only slightly overplaying his role as the agent, and Ben Kingsley makes an subtly efficient turn in one of those roles that only makes you aware how much more he is capable of. Quinn is capable in his dual role but never quite takes advantage of the possibilities. A reasonably entertaining waste of time best served on a Sunday afternoon with a mild hangover.

  4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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