An obsolete and tired assassin, stuck in an endless cycle where past and future merge, gets a new mission from his boss. To kill three targets.
"Saudades do Futuro" is a haunting and thought-provoking feature film that explores the cyclical nature of violence and the consequences of living a life devoid of empathy and love. Set in modern times, the film follows an aging assassin who adheres to the strict codes of the samurai, and whose life is defined by his unrelenting devotion to his boss.
The protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the film, is a tired and obsolete hitman who has grown weary of his work. He has no purpose beyond serving his boss, and his only solace comes from his adherence to the samurai code. Despite his adherence to honor and duty, however, he remains a deeply flawed and damaged individual, consumed by his own inner demons.
At the beginning of the film, the protagonist is tasked with carrying out a hit on three targets, but he soon finds himself struggling to complete the mission. He spends his days wandering around town, reading and re-reading the ancient Japanese texts on which he bases his life philosophy. It is during these quiet moments of reflection that he begins to question the validity of his existence and his role in the world.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about the protagonist's past, including his troubled relationship with his wife and the tragic murder of his own son. These flashbacks provide insight into the character's motivations and add a layer of depth to the story.
The film is marked by a sense of melancholy and unease, as the protagonist grapples with the futility of his existence and the emptiness of his life. His world is one of darkness and isolation, and even when he is surrounded by other people, he remains fundamentally alone.
Despite the bleakness of the protagonist's situation, there are moments of beauty and grace in the film. The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking shots of the urban landscape. The use of black and white is particularly effective, with shadows adding to the sense of foreboding.
Throughout the film, there is a sense that the protagonist is on a collision course with destiny. As he struggles to complete his mission, he becomes increasingly aware of the futility of his existence, and begins to question whether there is any meaning in life at all.
In the end, the film is a powerful meditation on the human condition, and the impact of violence and trauma on the individual psyche. It is a bleak and haunting work, but one that is ultimately infused with a sense of hope. It is a film that lingers long in the memory, and one that aims to leave audiences questioning the nature of their own lives and the world around them.