Dirty Hands (2008 drama film)

Dirty Hands is a 2008 drama film directed by Michael Cristofer. It is based on the play Les Mains Sales by Jean-Paul Sartre. The film stars Milla Jovovich, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

The story revolves around Hugo Barine (Phillips), a young intellectual who joins a communist party and is tasked with assassinating Hoederer (D'Onofrio), a prominent party leader. Hoederer is seen by some within the party as a pragmatist willing to compromise with other political factions to achieve their goals, while others view him as a dangerous revisionist.

Hugo is torn between his loyalty to the party's rigid ideology and his personal feelings, especially his growing admiration for Hoederer's charisma and conviction. He is also deeply influenced by his girlfriend, Jessica (Jovovich), who is involved with the same political circles. The film explores themes of political idealism, moral compromise, the complexities of revolutionary movements, and the personal cost of political violence. Hugo's internal conflict and the ultimate act he commits are central to the film's narrative.