The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place across several major locations including London, The Hague, Amsterdam, Belarus, and Coventry. London serves as the starting point with its political arenas, while The Hague is significant as the home of the International Criminal Court where the key trial takes place.

• locations
• setting
• london
• the hague
• amsterdam
• belarus
• coventry

The Hague is significant because it's home to the International Criminal Court, where dictator Vladislav Dukhovich faces war crimes charges. This setting provides the central stakes driving the plot and forces the characters to navigate international legal territory.

• the hague
• international criminal court
• war crimes
• duke d humovich

The film is set in contemporary times, portraying current political and legal issues such as international courts and modern crime syndicates. The timeline also includes flashbacks to Michael Bryce's previous prestigious career.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• timeline

Redemption is a central theme as Michael Bryce seeks to restore his tarnished reputation after a catastrophic failure. His journey alongside Darius Kincaid highlights the struggle for forgiveness and second chances, with both characters reclaiming their lives and finding personal redemption.

• redemption
• theme
• second chances
• forgiveness

Loyalty is a major theme, particularly in the relationships between characters facing adversity. Both Bryce and Kincaid learn to trust one another despite their checkered pasts, and their dedication to their loved ones influences every choice they make amid dangerous circumstances.

• loyalty
• trust
• theme
• partnership

Love serves as a powerful catalyst throughout the film. Darius Kincaid's determination to save his wife Sonia drives his motivations, while Michael Bryce's rekindled romance with Amelia Roussel pushes him toward redemption. Both romantic and familial bonds shape the characters' decisions.

• love
• sonia
• amelia roussel
• motivation

Michael Bryce is a former top-tier bodyguard whose career fell apart after a tragic failure. Burdened by guilt and a tarnished reputation, he must prove himself again when tasked with protecting the hitman he despises, ultimately evolving from a disillusioned protector to a determined hero seeking redemption.

• michael bryce
• bodyguard
• ryan reynolds
• protagonist

Darius Kincaid is a notorious hitman with a complicated past who possesses deep love for his wife. Despite his criminal ways, he shows vulnerabilities and emotional depth. Through his alliance with Bryce, he reveals a blend of tough exterior and loyalty driven by his intense love for Sonia.

• darius kincaid
• hitman
• samuel l jackson
• sonia

Vladislav Dukhovich is the primary antagonist, a ruthless dictator facing serious war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court. He represents unchecked power and cruelty, using intelligence and manipulative tactics to avoid accountability for his crimes.

• vladislav dukhovich
• villain
• dictator
• antagonist
• gary oldman

Amelia Roussel is an Interpol agent and Michael Bryce's former romantic interest. Determined and growing into her role, she confronts the dangers of her assignment while striving to prove herself. Her relationship with Bryce adds both personal stakes and emotional depth to the story.

• amelia roussel
• elodie yung
• interpol
• love interest

Belarus is depicted as the home country of dictator Vladislav Dukhovich, marked by political turmoil under his ruthless regime. The country represents the setting of his tyrannical rule and provides context for the war crimes charges he faces at trial.

• belarus
• dictator
• eastern europe
• dukho vich