Assassin Biopics: A Cinematic Journey into the Lives of Hitmen

Description: Based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth, this film follows the meticulous planning of an assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle by a professional hitman known only as "The Jackal." It's a masterclass in suspense and planning.

Fact: The film was so well-received that it led to a sequel, "The Jackal," in 1997, although it was not a direct continuation of the original story.

Description: Although not strictly a biopic, this film features a hitman named Léon who takes in a young girl after her family is killed. It provides insight into the life of a professional killer through a unique mentorship lens.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Léon" in France, and it was Luc Besson's first English-language film.

Description: This film, a loose remake of "The Day of the Jackal," features a professional assassin known as The Jackal, hired to kill a high-profile target. It's included for its portrayal of a high-stakes assassination plot.

Fact: The film was one of the last major roles for Richard Gere before he took a break from acting.

Description: This remake of the 1972 film of the same name follows Arthur Bishop, a hitman with a penchant for making his kills look like accidents. It's included for its portrayal of the meticulous nature of contract killing.

Fact: Jason Statham, who plays Bishop, performed many of his own stunts in the film.

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this film involves a ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, uncovering a web of political intrigue and assassination plots. It's included for its thematic relevance to the world of political assassinations.

Fact: The film was Roman Polanski's first feature film in English since "Death and the Maiden" in

Description: This film focuses on an aging assassin named Jack, who seeks to retire from his life of killing. It explores themes of isolation, identity, and the moral implications of his profession.

Fact: George Clooney learned to speak Italian for his role, and the film was shot on location in Italy.

Description: This film tells the chilling story of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious contract killer who was known for his ability to freeze his victims to throw off the time of death. It's a deep dive into the psyche of a man who led a double life as a family man and a ruthless killer.

Fact: Michael Shannon, who plays Kuklinski, gained weight to better portray the physicality of the character. The film also features a cameo by Kuklinski's real-life daughter.

Description: While more of an action-comedy, this film involves a hitman who must be protected by a bodyguard, offering a humorous take on the life of a professional killer.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Hitman's Bodyguard: An Unlikely Friendship."

Description: Set in 9th-century China, this film tells the story of Nie Yinniang, a young woman trained as an assassin who must choose between her duty and her personal desires. It's a poetic exploration of the assassin's life.

Fact: The film won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in

Description: Directed by John Woo, this Hong Kong action film follows a hitman who, after accidentally blinding a singer during a job, tries to make amends by funding her eye surgery, leading to a series of violent events.

Fact: The film is often cited as one of the best examples of Hong Kong cinema and helped popularize the "heroic bloodshed" genre.