The most dementedly elegiac thriller you've ever seen.
The Killer (1989)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:30
Fresh:30
Rotten:0
Average Rating:8.7/10
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Foreign Films
Synopsis: When Jeffrey, a hit man, accidentally blinds a young nightclub chanteuse, his guilt makes him leave the racket to take care of her. Falling in love with the vulnerable singer, he eventually agrees... When Jeffrey, a hit man, accidentally blinds a young nightclub chanteuse, his guilt makes him leave the racket to take care of her. Falling in love with the vulnerable singer, he eventually agrees to do one last hit to raise the money needed for a cornea transplant that might restore her vision. His assignment is to assassinate mob leader Tony Weng during the crowded Dragon Boat Festival. The hit is successful, despite all the police protection, and he almost gets away. But a child is injured during his escape, and Jeffrey nearly gets caught while taking the time to drive her to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Because his identity was revealed while saving the child, the new crime boss now wants him killed. Refusing to pay him for the successful hit, he puts a contract out on his life instead. [More]
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Chu Kong
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Chu Kong, Kenneth Tsang, Fui-on Shing, Barry Wong, Parkman Wong
Director: John Woo
Reviews for The Killer
In the world of John Woo's over-the-top action movies, it seems there's no problem that can't be solved by a hail of bullets. Don't be fooled; The Killer is far more than the sum of its plot elements.
A blood-soaked and lead-poisoned calling card to Western audiences from John Woo and Chow Yun Fat.
Good John Woo movie. Over the top action scenes, and a heartfelt story about remorse.
It is one of the great movies (not film, but movie; there's a difference) of al time, as perfect an action film as one could ask for.
Woo has cited Sam Peckinpah and Martin Scorsese as two of his influences, but he has established a touch all his own.
A lot of claims have been made for this campy bloodbath concerto by Hong Kong director John Woo, and I must admit that he's even better than Brian De Palma at delivering emotional and visceral excess with staccato relentlessness.
This latest example of the irrepressible and amazing filmmaking that's been going on in Hong Kong is the best yet.
It's one of the rare action movies in which you really care about the fate of the characters.
Latest News for The Killer
October 12, 2009:
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April 27, 2007:
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When is a DVD worth $400? To DVD enthusiasts, it's when said disc is a rare Criterion white-ring issue of Pier Pasolini's 1975 film "Salo," which can go for upwards of... More...
May 18, 2005:
John Woo Makes a "Stranglehold" On Video Game Property
The Hollywood Reporter brings news of an upcoming non-movie project for acclaimed director John Woo ("The Killer," "Face/Off"). It was announced at the 2005... More...
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