Is Those Who Go To Hell Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)
Daniel Vicente (Shawn Bernal) is Chicago's most feared hit man whose life has been disciplined by an assassin's creed of solitude and tradition. Serving as the right hand man of Patrick Keller (Chad Sheveland), the second most powerful crime lord in Chicago, Daniel has assisted Patrick into the power and status that he holds. However, when an unexpected double cross occurs during the assassination of a well-known council leader, Daniel finds himself the prime target of the fearsome Madame Lo (Allison Carvalho), leader of the triads. After finding out that Patrick approved the hit on him, Daniel is left stunned and angered. Confused, betrayed, and left with no explanation, Daniel must confront old friends and past demons, while questioning his own creed to find out who he can trust, why he was double crossed, and to ultimately find the reason of his existence.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Thriller, Action, Drama cinema, then Those Who Go To Hell offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2012 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Thriller, Action, Drama cinema, the 2012 release of Those Who Go To Hell stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Daniel Vicente (Shawn Bernal) is Chicago's most feared hit man whose life has been disciplined by an assassin's creed of solitude and tradition. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Thriller, Action, Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Daniel Vicente (Shawn Bernal) is Chicago's most feared hit man whose life has been disciplined by an assassin's creed of solitude and tradition. Serving as the right hand man of Patrick Keller (Chad Sheveland), the second most powerful crime lord in Chicago, Daniel has assisted Patrick into the power and status that he holds. However, when an unexpected double cross occurs during the assassination of a well-known council leader, Daniel finds himself the prime target of the fearsome Madame Lo (Allison Carvalho), leader of the triads. After finding out that Patrick approved the hit on him, Daniel is left stunned and angered. Confused, betrayed, and left with no explanation, Daniel must confront old friends and past demons, while questioning his own creed to find out who he can trust, why he was double crossed, and to ultimately find the reason of his existence."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Matt Ukena does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.
The direction by Emmanuel Manzanares is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 100 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Those Who Go To Hell truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Thriller, Action, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Those Who Go To Hell explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2012 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Emmanuel Manzanares respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Those Who Go To Hell is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Matt Ukena or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Those Who Go To Hell is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.