The meaning behind the orchid flower has evolved through cultures and centuries. To the Ancient Greeks, orchids were a symbol of virility. In the Victorian age, orchids were associated with love, strength and luxury and presently, orchids are quite simply, rare and beautiful. Columbiana's Cataleya - the heroine and or femme fatale of director Olivier Megaton's 2011 film is rare, strong and beautiful.
A 10 year old Cataleya is confronted by a ruthless Bogotan crime synidicate, who murders her parents within hearing distance. She manages - with foresight, agility and bravery, that is unnerving for a child so young, to escape the murderous group, negotiate her way into America, flee the government officials babysitting her and make it to her uncle in Chicago. At this point, Cataleya declares she wants to kill.
Zoe Saldana gives a confident, athletic and graceful perfomance in this role. She plays an adult Cataleya who has perfected the art of killing quietly and unseen. While she carries out vigilante purpose, stacking up a list of impressive, initially unsolvable kills, eventually her signature - the cataleya - leads her family into danger. Her final act of vengence ends where it all began.
The film is thrilling, engaging and empowering - well worth a watch.
Side note: "to do a cattleya" is used as a cryptic metaphor for lovemaking by the characters Odette and Swann in Marcel Proust's Remembrance of Things Past.
Written by N.Zindi
for Monkeys Wedding Media Blog
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