Colombiana

'Colombiana' follows the story of Cataleya Restrepo (played by Zoe Saldaña), who, after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child in Bogota, becomes a ruthless assassin. Living under the guidance of her uncle Emilio (portrayed by Cliff Curtis), she carries out hits by day while seeking vigilante justice by night, all in pursuit of the mobster responsible for her family's tragedy. Interesting trivia about the film: (1) Zoe Saldaña performed many of her own stunts, showcasing her dedication to authenticity in the action sequences. (2) The director, Olivier Megaton, is known for his work on high-octane action films, which influenced the fast-paced, stylish tone of 'Colombiana.' (3) Though set in Colombia and Chicago, much of the film was actually shot in Mexico City, chosen for its versatile urban landscapes.

Main Cast of Colombiana

In the movie 'Colombiana' (2011), Zoe Saldaña plays the lead role of Cataleya Restrepo, a skilled assassin seeking vengeance for the murder of her parents. This role marked a significant departure from her earlier work, which often included ensemble or supporting roles in major franchises like 'Avatar' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. In 'Colombiana', Saldaña carries the film as the central character, showcasing her physicality and emotional depth in an action-driven narrative. What made this performance stand out was her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, portraying a complex character motivated by loss and justice. This role allowed her to break from science fiction and fantasy genres to take on a more grounded, intense action role, highlighting her versatility as an actress and expanding her repertoire beyond her better-known work.

Fans of Cliff Curtis will appreciate his role in 'Colombiana' as it showcases his versatility and depth as an actor, playing a complex antagonist who is both menacing and subtly nuanced. Compared to his most iconic performance as Ikaika in 'Fear the Walking Dead,' where he portrays a resilient and morally grounded character, his role in 'Colombiana' offers a stark contrast, highlighting his ability to embody darker and more morally ambiguous personas. An interesting detail about Curtis’s casting in 'Colombiana' is that despite being of Māori descent, he convincingly plays a character deeply tied to the Colombian underworld, demonstrating his skill in adapting to diverse roles and accents.

Callum Blue delivers a compelling performance as Richard in 'Colombiana,' embodying the character with a subtle yet impactful presence that complements the film's high-paced action and emotional depth. Unlike some of his more prominent roles, such as in 'Dead Until Dark' or 'The Tudors,' where he often portrays more overt or flamboyant characters, his work in 'Colombiana' is restrained, providing a grounded balance to the storyline. A trivia fact: Beyond acting, Callum Blue is also known for his commitment to environmental causes, actively supporting renewable energy initiatives.

Crew of Colombiana