Assassins
Robert Rath is a seasoned hitman who just wants out of the business with no back talk. But, as things go, it ain't so easy. A younger, peppier assassin named Bain is having a field day trying to kill said older assassin. Rath teams up with a computer hacker named Electra to defeat the obsessed Bain.
The film underperformed commercially against its moderate budget of $50.0M, earning $30.3M globally (-39% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its fresh perspective within the action genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Assassins (1995) demonstrates precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Richard Donner's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 12 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Robert Rath
Miguel Bain
Electra
Main Cast & Characters
Robert Rath
Played by Sylvester Stallone
A weary veteran assassin seeking to retire after one last job, haunted by his profession and longing for human connection.
Miguel Bain
Played by Antonio Banderas
A ruthless young assassin obsessed with becoming number one by eliminating Rath, willing to break all codes of conduct.
Electra
Played by Julianne Moore
A skilled surveillance expert and hacker who becomes entangled in the assassins' conflict and forms a connection with Rath.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Robert Rath, a seasoned assassin, executes a hit with methodical precision in a hotel, demonstrating his skill but also his isolation and weariness with the life he leads.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when Miguel Bain intercepts and completes Rath's contract kill, stealing his target and asserting himself as the new dominant assassin, directly threatening Rath's position and final payday.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 33 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Rath chooses to protect Electra from Bain rather than complete his contract to kill her, fundamentally breaking his code as a professional assassin and committing himself to a different path., moving from reaction to action.
At 66 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False defeat: Bain tracks them down and nearly kills them both in a devastating attack. Rath realizes he can't simply outsmart Bain - the younger assassin is just as skilled and far more ruthless. The stakes escalate from professional rivalry to survival., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 99 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Rath's carefully laid plans fall apart. Bain corners them, and Rath faces the reality that he may not be able to save Electra or himself. His old life is truly dead, and his new one seems impossible - the whiff of death for his identity as an untouchable professional., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 106 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Final confrontation with Bain and revelation of Nicolai's identity. Rath executes a plan that combines his professional expertise with personal stakes, turning Bain's aggression against him and dismantling the organization that controlled his life. The finale resolves both the external threat and internal transformation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Assassins's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Assassins against these established plot points, we can identify how Richard Donner utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Assassins within the action genre.
Richard Donner's Structural Approach
Among the 15 Richard Donner films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Assassins represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Richard Donner filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Richard Donner analyses, see Ladyhawke, Superman and Lethal Weapon 2.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Robert Rath, a seasoned assassin, executes a hit with methodical precision in a hotel, demonstrating his skill but also his isolation and weariness with the life he leads.
Theme
Miguel Bain taunts Rath about being old and outdated, suggesting "There's always someone younger and hungrier coming down the stairs after you" - the film's central theme about legacy, obsolescence, and whether to fight or walk away.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the assassin underworld, Rath's desire to retire after one last job, the introduction of Miguel Bain as a ruthless younger rival who steals Rath's kills, and the mysterious contractor Nicolai who controls their assignments.
Disruption
Miguel Bain intercepts and completes Rath's contract kill, stealing his target and asserting himself as the new dominant assassin, directly threatening Rath's position and final payday.
Resistance
Rath debates whether to confront Bain directly or complete his contract and retire. He receives a new assignment involving surveillance of Electra, a hacker, while Bain continues to escalate violence and threaten Rath's carefully controlled world.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Rath chooses to protect Electra from Bain rather than complete his contract to kill her, fundamentally breaking his code as a professional assassin and committing himself to a different path.
Premise
Cat-and-mouse game between Rath/Electra and Bain. Rath uses his experience to stay ahead while protecting Electra, attempting to uncover who's behind the contracts. The premise delivers on assassin tradecraft, near-misses, and growing connection between Rath and Electra.
Midpoint
False defeat: Bain tracks them down and nearly kills them both in a devastating attack. Rath realizes he can't simply outsmart Bain - the younger assassin is just as skilled and far more ruthless. The stakes escalate from professional rivalry to survival.
Opposition
Bain intensifies his pursuit while Rath and Electra try to identify Nicolai and escape. Rath's old skills and methods are increasingly inadequate. Trust issues surface between Rath and Electra. Bain always seems one step ahead, and Rath's protective instincts conflict with his survival training.
Collapse
Rath's carefully laid plans fall apart. Bain corners them, and Rath faces the reality that he may not be able to save Electra or himself. His old life is truly dead, and his new one seems impossible - the whiff of death for his identity as an untouchable professional.
Crisis
Rath confronts his darkest moment - the realization that his entire career has been empty, and that trying to save one person might cost everything. He must decide whether survival or connection matters more, processing decades of isolation and violence.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Final confrontation with Bain and revelation of Nicolai's identity. Rath executes a plan that combines his professional expertise with personal stakes, turning Bain's aggression against him and dismantling the organization that controlled his life. The finale resolves both the external threat and internal transformation.