A saint is someone invoked by Catholics to intercede for them. In my limited, yet accurate, knowledge of the lengthy process of Canonization, a truly remarkable person, living or dead, must perform at least three miracles to be canonized a saint. Vatican has yet to determine whether the miracles performed are, indeed, miracles.
Russia is in the midst of a political turmoil, and on top of that, its citizens are dying from extreme cold. What Russia needs is a miracle, and billionaire nationalist Tretiak is willing to perform that miracle. But to do so, he enlists the help of master thief and elusive disguise artist Simon Templar. The latter's assignment: Steal the cold fusion notes from Dr. Emma Russell, the genius behind the scientific phenomenon that could change the world. I will not even pretend to understand what this science mambo jumbo called cold fusion is all about.
Anyway, the assignment seems like a walk in the park for our very suave espionage hero. After doing a background check on his victim, discovering that she's one lonely romantic with a fascination for magic, Templar poses as dashing debonair Thomas Moore and seduces his way into Dr. Russell's brassiere - where she keeps her cold fusion notes. Piece of cake. What Templar wasn't ready for, which, however, was predictable from our end of the spectrum, was him falling in love with his prey.
In the game of cloak-and-dagger, surrendering your heart is one dangerous move.
At the end of the day, The Saint is a love story. But thank goodness for its espionage theme. And thanks too to the director for squeezing in thrilling chases and fascinating disguises just when the scenes between Val Kilmer's and Elizabeth Shue's characters become cheesy.
I am not underplaying the remarkable tactics and suaveness of Val Kilmer's character, which the actor portrayed impeccably. Neither am I disregarding the espionage theme of the movie, which I find really enthralling. The point is, Kilmer's character did a 360 degree turn when he meets Shue's character. From being cold and cynical, he becomes this dashing hero intent on protecting his woman. Remember the scene in that icy cold river? If a man can dive under that to save my medicine bottle, I'll marry him in a heartbeat.
And why am I gushing about this movie that's classified as an action thriller like it's some chick flick? Two words: Val Kilmer. This guy is hot! Sequels, please.
When a person constantly changes his name, personality and appearance, he may lose sight of the person he truly is. This movie appeals to me because of the subtle message of not being afraid of your past and your pain. Kilmer's character is running away from his past, from his pain, afraid that he will not be able to love and be loved. So when Shue's character was able to 'strip him naked', so to speak, he was afraid, yet fascinated. Who is this woman who does not know anything about him and yet knows him? And how did she find him, when even the best of the Interpol couldn't?
Simon Templar uses the names of Catholic saints to aid him in his close-call escapes, which are, in themselves, miracles. But the miraculous thing that ever happened to him is Dr. Emma Russell loving him, in spite of everything.
Ok, I'll stop here...it's getting a bit cheesy even for my quill.
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