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Timeline

The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 118 min
Echo score 53
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Directed by
Patrick Hughes
Starring
Ryan Reynolds, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Gary Oldman, Richard E. Grant, Tsuwayuki Saotome, Elodie Yung
Budget
$30M

The world’s top protection agent finds himself reluctantly tasked with guarding a notorious hitman he despises. For 24 crucial hours, he must set aside his personal feelings and ensure the hitman’s safety. Their journey takes them from London to the Hague, leading to a series of high-octane chases, unexpected boat sequences, and confrontations with a vengeful dictator determined to stop them.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Hitman's Bodyguard
  6. 6 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Hitman's Bodyguard Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Michael Bryce's Reputation

    Michael Bryce, a former CIA officer, is once a respected bodyguard in the European Union. His high-profile work sets the tone for a career that takes a dramatic turn from heroics to hardship.

    Where
    European Union
  2. The Assignment

    Bryce is assigned to protect Takashi Kurosawa, a Japanese arms dealer, while escorting him and his two wives to a private airplane. The assignment seems routine, but underlying dangers lurk just beyond the surface.

    Where
    Private Airplane
  3. Tragedy Strikes

    As they near the end of the escort, Takashi is brutally shot through the airplane window, leaving Bryce unable to prevent the horrifying event. This moment marks a significant turning point in Bryce's career and personal life.

    Where
    Private Airplane
  4. Fall from Grace

    Two years later, Bryce's career has plummeted and he is now relegated to guarding low-level corporate figures like Mr. Seifert. He embraces a motto of 'boring is always best,' reflecting his disillusionment.

    Where
    London
  5. Trial of a Dictator

    Vladislav Dukhovich is put on trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. His tyrannical rule and the ruthless elimination of opponents create a complex case for the prosecution.

    Where
    International Criminal Court
  6. The Crucial Testimony

    Hitman Darius Kincaid offers to testify against Dukhovich to secure the release of his wife, Sonia. This unexpected twist provides the prosecution with a potential breakthrough in the tightly contested trial.

    Where
    Prison
  7. Kincaid’s Transport

    Asimov’s hope for justice depends on successfully transporting Kincaid to The Hague within a tight deadline. Amelia Roussel, a young agent, is tasked with this critical operation, setting the stage for unfolding chaos.

    Where
    Convoy to The Hague
  8. Ambush in Coventry

    The convoy carrying Kincaid is ambushed in Coventry, resulting in heavy casualties. Only Kincaid and Amelia Roussel manage to survive, highlighting the dangers that lurk as they pursue justice.

    Where
    Coventry
  9. Betrayal From Within

    After the ambush, Roussel realizes that they have been betrayed from within Interpol. She turns to Bryce for help, setting the stage for an uneasy partnership fueled by past grievances and mutual distrust.

  10. The Unlikely Alliance

    Bryce reluctantly teams up with Kincaid as they plan their escape to The Hague. Despite their antagonistic history, they must work together to navigate the oppressive forces aiming to silence Kincaid’s testimony.

    Where
    Safe House
  11. Sonia’s Capture

    While Bryce and Kincaid strategize their next move, Dukhovich's henchmen capture Sonia in Amsterdam. This immediate threat propels both Roussel and Bryce into action, emphasizing the stakes at play.

    Where
    Amsterdam
  12. Journey to The Hague

    As they move closer to The Hague, Bryce and Kincaid face a barrage of attacks from Dukhovich's men. Their friendship is tested, yet they draw strength from their shared goal of justice.

    Where
    Various Locations
  13. Courtroom Showdown

    The climax reaches a boiling point as Kincaid’s testimony unveils Dukhovich’s dark deeds in the courtroom. The stakes are high as loyalty and betrayal play out in front of authorities.

    Where
    The Hague
  14. Redemption and Love

    In the end, Bryce finds an opportunity to reclaim his reputation and rekindle his romance with Roussel. While Kincaid faces his past, he also discovers a path to celebrate love with Sonia.

  15. Themes of Loyalty

    The narrative concludes with a reflection on redemption, loyalty, and the power of love amidst chaos. The characters emerge transformed, having faced their challenges head-on.

Last updated: November 02, 2024 at 12:15

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Timeline questions answered

The Hitman's Bodyguard Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Michael Bryce agree to protect Darius Kincaid?

Bryce agrees to help because Amelia Roussel reaches out after the convoy ambush. Although Bryce still carries resentment toward Roussel for the earlier Kurosawa mission that damaged his reputation, he decides to lend his expertise. He sees this as an opportunity to restore his tarnished career and reclaim his status as a top-tier protection agent.

  • michael bryce
  • darius kincaid
  • protection
  • alliance
  • renegade
Q2

Why is Darius Kincaid willing to testify against Vladislav Dukhovich?

Kincaid agrees to testify solely to secure the release of his wife Sonia from prison. He insists on Sonia's freedom above all else and only provides his testimony after the prosecution agrees to this exchange. His motivation is entirely personal rather than altruistic.

  • darius kincaid
  • testimony
  • sonia
  • prison
  • deal
Q3

Who betrays the Interpol team during Kincaid's transport?

The summary does not specify which individual within Interpol betrays them, only that Roussel realizes they've been betrayed from within after the Coventry ambush. This internal betrayal allows Dukhovich's men to anticipate the convoy's movements and orchestrate the deadly attack.

  • interpol
  • betrayal
  • ambush
  • coventry
  • dukhovich
Q4

Who kills Takashi Kurosawa and why?

The summary does not specify who shoots Kurosawa through the airplane window, though the assassination occurs at the last second during Bryce's escort mission. The killer remains unidentified in the provided text, and the reason for targeting the Japanese arms dealer is not explicitly explained.

  • takashi kurosawa
  • assassination
  • shooting
  • airplane
Q5

How do Bryce and Kincaid manage to reach The Hague despite constant attacks?

Bryce and Kincaid form an uneasy alliance and strategically navigate through various locations while evading Dukhovich's henchmen. They face relentless attacks as they move toward The Hague, but Bryce's professional protection skills combined with Kincaid's combat abilities allow them to survive the journey. The constant pressure and 27-hour deadline create urgency throughout their escape.

  • the hague
  • escape
  • chase
  • dukhovich
  • attacks
Q6

Why is Sonia captured by Dukhovich's men?

Dukhovich's henchmen capture Sonia in Amsterdam as a strategic move to prevent Kincaid from testifying. By taking his wife hostage, they attempt to coerce Kincaid into silence or use her as leverage against the prosecution's key witness. This capture raises the stakes significantly and forces both Bryce and Roussel to take immediate action.

  • sonia
  • capture
  • amsterdam
  • hostage
  • dukhovich
Q7

What happens when Darius Kincaid testifies at the trial?

Kincaid's testimony reveals Dukhovich's dark deeds, including the genocide and assassination of opponents. His testimony provides the crucial evidence the prosecution needs. The courtroom showdown represents the climax where the truth about Dukhovich's crimes is exposed, leading to the dictator's downfall.

Foreshadowing: Earlier timeline events establish Dukhovich's pattern of silencing opposition and eliminating Professor Asimov's family.

  • courtroom
  • testimony
  • trial
  • dukhovich
  • genocide
Q8

Why does Michael Bryce's career decline so dramatically?

Bryce's career plummets after he fails to prevent Takashi Kurosawa's assassination during a routine escort mission. The high-profile failure damages his reputation as the EU's top protection agent. Two years later, he's reduced to guarding drug-dependent corporate figures like Mr. Seifert in London, a far cry from his former elite status.

Foreshadowing: The opening events establish Bryce's former greatness before his fall from grace.

  • michael bryce
  • career
  • reputation
  • failure
  • declined
Q9

What is the history between Michael Bryce and Amelia Roussel?

Bryce and Roussel have a romantic past - she is described as his former romantic interest. Their previous relationship adds complexity to their collaboration during the mission. Bryce holds some resentment toward Roussel due to the earlier Kurosawa mission, but their shared goal eventually helps rebuild their connection.

  • amelia roussel
  • romance
  • history
  • relationship
  • bryce
Q10

Why is the 27-hour deadline so critical for transporting Kincaid?

The tight 27-hour window is crucial because Kincaid must reach The Hague in time to testify at Dukhovich's trial at the International Criminal Court. The deadline creates urgent pacing and heightens the stakes, as missing it would allow Dukhovich to potentially avoid conviction for his crimes against humanity.

  • deadline
  • 27 hours
  • the hague
  • trial
  • ic court
Q11

Is Vladislav Dukhovich convicted at the trial?

While the summary indicates Kincaid's testimony reveals Dukhovich's crimes and leads to a courtroom showdown, the specific outcome of the conviction is not detailed. The narrative suggests the testimony is successful in exposing Dukhovich's deeds, which appears to lead to his downfall, but the exact legal result is not explicitly stated.

Foreshadowing: Earlier events establish the lack of physical evidence and witnesses against Dukhovich, making Kincaid's testimony pivotal.

  • vladislav dukhovich
  • conviction
  • trial
  • dictator
  • justice
Q12

How does Michael Bryce's story resolve in the end?

Bryce successfully completes the mission and reclaims his dignity and professional reputation. He also rekindles his romance with Amelia Roussel. The happy ending provides him with both professional redemption and personal happiness, transforming from the disgraced bodyguard back into a hero.

  • michael bryce
  • ending
  • redemption
  • romance
  • roussel
Q13

How does Darius Kincaid's story end?

Kincaid testifies against Dukhovich and faces the consequences of his past actions as a contract killer. However, he ultimately finds a way to celebrate his love with Sonia again. The ending shows him achieving both justice for his testimony and personal fulfillment with his wife.

  • darius kincaid
  • sonia
  • ending
  • reunion
  • marriage

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Hitman's Bodyguard, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Hitman's Bodyguard tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Bickering Buddy Action Movies like The Hitman's Bodyguard

Reluctant partners trade snark and punches while racing against the clock. If you loved the snarky banter and high-stakes partnership in The Hitman's Bodyguard, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection highlights action-packed comedies where opposites are forced to work together, leading to explosive chemistry and relentless, adrenaline-fueled adventures.

  • unlikely duo
  • snarky
  • adrenaline-fueled
  • action-packed
  • comedic tension
  • reluctant allies
  • Tone: tense, snarky
  • Pacing: fast and chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative revolves around a high-stakes mission that throws two contrasting personalities—often a rule-follower and a loose cannon—into a dangerous situation. Their journey is a series of chaotic action sequences punctuated by witty insults and a grudgingly developing respect, culminating in a victorious partnership.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their central comedic conflict between protagonists, their fast pacing driven by urgent deadlines, and their balance of high-octane action with humor derived from character friction.

High-Stakes Protect-The-Witness Movies like The Hitman's Bodyguard

A frantic journey to deliver a crucial witness against overwhelming odds. Fans of The Hitman's Bodyguard's urgent escort mission will find similar tension in these films. Explore movies featuring a dangerous journey to deliver a vital witness, filled with car chases, shootouts, and the constant threat of betrayal, all building to a dramatic climax.

  • urgent
  • tense
  • adrenaline-fueled
  • race against time
  • protecting a witness
  • betrayal
  • Tone: tense, urgent
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot follows a linear, urgent journey from point A to point B, with the safety of a single person being the key to stopping a greater evil. The structure is a series of escalating action set-pieces and narrow escapes, testing the protectors' skills and resolve as enemies close in from all sides.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific narrative engine: a race-against-time protection duty. They are united by high tension, fast pacing, a clear objective, and the physical and moral challenges of being a temporary guardian against powerful adversaries.

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Every angle

The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Hitman's Bodyguard in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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