Leofwine_draca ASSASSINS TALE is a cheap-as-anything crime story involving a trio of lead characters who are mixed up in the criminal underworld. It's one of those inconsequential low budget stories that opens with a graphic murder and goes from there. The video cover missells it as an action thriller but it's more of a talky character drama with a few violent moments. The whole thing feels tired and long-winded, let down by sub-par scripting which makes the characters themselves a real bore.

mecheart The only caveat necessary for the viewer going into 'Assassins' Tale'is that it is an extremely low budget production filmed in the style of short scenes divided by filler footage that amounts to clips of random scrolling scenery which may or may not represent the geographical setting of the story. Provided one can get past the visual quality, the film offers an interesting ride into human darkness at street level.'Assassins' Tale' is a purely character driven story told as the recollections of a supporting character's extensive interactions with the three protagonists. These recollections are reinforced by scenes involving the heroes themselves as they ply their titular trade and an in depth study is made of the deeply personal negative effects their chosen profession has taken on their minds, souls and bodies.Admittedly, after taking in the first few moments of the film, I was ready to turn it off and watch something else. The visual presentation is less than mediocre, especially so soon after viewing 'Pacific Rim'.However, by the time I was ready to hit 'Stop', the character's stories had hooked me and I wanted to find out how it all ended. I really cannot praise enough the characterization skills evinced throughout by the three lead actors.Michael Beach plays a thoughtful, introspective killer who on the surface comes off as a hardcore gunslinger, but who is really a sensitive philosopher wobbling on his last emotional leg. He's a big, tough guy, yet recent events in his life have left him questioning his place in the grand scheme of it all. His assassin is played in the tradition of Samuel Jackson's Jules Winnfield from 'Pulp Fiction' although Beach adds to that character's mythology - if such a classification exists.Guy Garner plays perhaps the most pure or committed hit man. His character is a hungry student of the profession and the acts it requires to fulfill various assignments. He's a cold blooded surfer savant who seems to take the filth of the world in stride, yet has buckled badly on the inside and relies on narcotics to get through. He's a stone faced gargoyle of a man who appears to enjoy his work, yet would likely find other employment if not for the other two people who share his life and method of making a living, who seem to also tow him along and propel him to lead them from murder to murder.Anna Silk is Grace, a living bridge between the other two hit men, and a force to be reckoned with herself. Her haunted, street weary portrayal of life in one of the oldest trades is quite understated in its bare bone power and arguably less than ethical connection to both her colleagues. She is their savior, their crutch and yet imperfect in her crusade to save them. As she lends them intimate support at various times so does she also seem to view them as father figure and brother in some light. She draws just as much strength from them as they from her.The three killers who bring 'Assassins' Tale' to life are of the lower rent variety in that they are often hired to knock off street scum as opposed to high profile targets. This "street gutter" vibe is very well conveyed and explored throughout the film, and achieves an absorbing change of pace from the clean lines of huge budget flicks.The script wraps its character studies in an interesting enough plot which ultimately leads to a life or death test of its killers' loyalty, friendship and love and forces each of them to examine the most personal and professional sides of their lives. No amazingly new story is generated here, yet what there is entertains in a strangely addictive manner. If you give the film ten minutes, you will likely be hooked.Overall 'Assassins' Tale' is a thoughtful, low budget study of those at street level who accept payment to take the lives of thugs, low lives and other assorted bad people. It's a serious film that realizes and expresses its flaws; a film that does not project itself as more than what it is.Get past the filming quality, and you'll find a decent story populated by interesting characters who just might grow on you. Five stars out of ten for effort and achievement with such low funding plus two for performances that get better as the story progresses.

Dickstanton Finally getting away from the standard cold-blooded assassins of every other movie, Assassins Tale shows the internal conflicts such a job entails, and shows how they deal with it (often unsuccessfully). Trust no one, try to laugh, and embrace your own quirks. The plot twists are well planned, and the scenery shots are really creative, illustrating the beautiful world that surrounds these dark souls. All in all, a really fun movie to watch - reminds me a little of Pulp Fiction and The Usual Suspects, but with different twists. Arthur Louis Fuller did a great job writing and directing this, and putting together a great film on a low budget. This one is definitely worth 90 minutes of your time!

tickin This is an OK little flick. It's a low budge movie but they seem to have spent the money wisely. The story was interesting and the acting & dialogue were equally good. It has twists and turns that are enjoyable and the characters were likable (so to speak, considering they're assassins). It has a melancholy feel to it that works pretty well. All in all I can't complain.My general impression is, if this movie had a massive budget and big stars, the public would be falling all over itself to see it. The fact that it had none of that and was still entertaining makes it a worthwhile view.If you come across it check it out.