In the bonus segment of the DVD of "The Hunter's Prayer," director Jonathan Mostow described his intention to transform the generic action and "road film" with a major reversal in the character relationships. Due to the good character developments, the filmmakers were successful in their mission.
A hired killer named Lucas (Sam Worthington) is tasked with the job of killing the daughter of an attorney, who has recently been assassinated at the behest of the nefarious financier named Addison. The daughter, Ella (Odeya Rush), who stands to inherit a fortune, is captured by Lucas, but she asks him a question that is a game changer: "What is your name?" The killer is so taken aback by this human touch that he begins to reflect on his life as a thug. That transformation leads to the new life he will create for himself out of this experience.
The film is set in a variety of locations, including Scarsdale, N.Y.; Montreux, Switzerland; Chaumont, France; The English Channel; and Leeds, England. Much of the filming took place in Hungary. But there is some stunning footage of Yorkshire at the close of the film, as well as a grand old English manor house.
But the film will not be remembered for its panoramic vistas, but for the bonding that occurs between Lucas and Ella. Most of the characters in this film are villains, and they have no idea that Lucas will change his ways as a Jason Bourne-like killer. One of the bonus segments in the DVD is called "The Cost of Killing." Lucas comes to reflect on that cost, to kick his drug habit, and to contemplate reuniting with his family.
In one of the most memorable scenes, Lucas hands Ella his pistol and carefully explains what it takes to kill another human being. It turns out that the scene was improvised by the actors. That scene was one of the turning points for both characters, as they seek not merely to survive, but to discover a new inner identity to start their lives anew.
A hired killer named Lucas (Sam Worthington) is tasked with the job of killing the daughter of an attorney, who has recently been assassinated at the behest of the nefarious financier named Addison. The daughter, Ella (Odeya Rush), who stands to inherit a fortune, is captured by Lucas, but she asks him a question that is a game changer: "What is your name?" The killer is so taken aback by this human touch that he begins to reflect on his life as a thug. That transformation leads to the new life he will create for himself out of this experience.
The film is set in a variety of locations, including Scarsdale, N.Y.; Montreux, Switzerland; Chaumont, France; The English Channel; and Leeds, England. Much of the filming took place in Hungary. But there is some stunning footage of Yorkshire at the close of the film, as well as a grand old English manor house.
But the film will not be remembered for its panoramic vistas, but for the bonding that occurs between Lucas and Ella. Most of the characters in this film are villains, and they have no idea that Lucas will change his ways as a Jason Bourne-like killer. One of the bonus segments in the DVD is called "The Cost of Killing." Lucas comes to reflect on that cost, to kick his drug habit, and to contemplate reuniting with his family.
In one of the most memorable scenes, Lucas hands Ella his pistol and carefully explains what it takes to kill another human being. It turns out that the scene was improvised by the actors. That scene was one of the turning points for both characters, as they seek not merely to survive, but to discover a new inner identity to start their lives anew.