To start with, you need to know that this was made in the late 80’s so it’s useless to compare it to recent action films that use progressed techniques. And despite that fact, The Killer puts many recent Hollywood films to shame. I still insist that John Woo created his masterpieces in Hong Kong; he never made a film of “Hard Boiled”, “A Better Tomorrow” or “The Killer” caliber in Hollywood except for “Face/Off” perhaps.
This film’s plot is rather simple: an assassin who’s thinking twice about his career, a hot-blooded police officer, a singer who went blind and the bad guys. But being simple doesn’t mean it was shallow. On the contrary, The Killer had too much depth to rely on which made some people complain that it was a bit too “melodramatic”. I disagree on that thought, because the little drama in this film helped the events’ flowing in a natural way and of course, John Woo never misses a chance to display his favorite themes: Loyalty, brotherhood and honor.
The core of this film, on the other hand, is the essence of action. Personally, I consider John Woo one of the better Action directors in the world if not the best. The man redefined the “action camerawork” and the violent heroic bloodshed films which inspired many other famous action directors around the world. As a usual dish of John Woo, the gunplay choreography was mind blowing especially the last sequence of the film; it was pretty marvelous. Needless to say, this is a violent film where cars exploded and bullets were flying everywhere.
The acting was high class. Chow Yun Fat sparkles in John Woo’s films in a way that makes me think that he’s probably the best male lead Woo ever had. The man has a great onscreen presence that proves his great acting skills. And let’s not forget Danny Lee who made his breakthrough in Hong Kong cinema through this film and it’s undeniably one of his best roles up to date.
As for the main characters, they were violent which makes you think that they’re immoral but that’s not the case. John Woo always makes his main characters cool and “The Killer” wasn’t any exception, the two characters are drawn in a way that you would feel their nobility, acts of honor, loyalty and friendship. The rest of the characters were also pretty well written and suited for the film’s storytelling.
The cinematography and camerawork were astounding and quite alluring. It doesn’t even matter if this film was made back in 1989. And yes, it’s a great rewatch material; I am writing this review basing on my latest rewatch session of this film.
Watch if:
-You like action films because this is most definitely one of the best.
-You like John Woo because this is one of his Hong Kong masterpieces.
-You like violent films with lots of gunplay.
Do not watch if:
-You dislike John Woo’s work.
-You dislike the action genre.
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An excellent movie plot to me a few words of this plot draws the viewer to the series even though she is very old, there is a big difference plots new movies coming out now about this kind of stuff why? Most new plotline focused films at 90% talk and 10% action
And in this movie All Make 90% crazy action scenes action and beautiful scenes and 10% talk.
Come to teach us an important and good friends is important in life.
Play great players and did all the work to the best possible.
The music was excellent.
Final score 10/10.
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PROS:
+ Even the cheesy camera shots and music are tastefully and artistically executed
+ The cool, and stylish aesthetic is incredibly strong and almost self-aware
+ Each and every gunshot and explosion is incredibly satisfying and fascinating to witness due to the unrivaled film choreo/direction
+ There is a sense of tragic humor, irony, and justice present in the overall tone that few films have attempted
+ Purely awesome characters that are as memorable as they are cool
CONS:
- Lots and lots of violence and over-the-top scenarios will turn some away
- Many action moments aren't quite believable (this could also be a positive aspect)
I'm glad to say that I'm a big fan of John Woo's style!
This has many parts from Woo's other older films and executes an action drama that may be his strongest classic film.
9/10
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One of John Woo's Magnum Opus'
Hong Kong Theatrical CutUnquestionably one of John Woo's magnum opuses, released at a time when Hong Kong was inundated with over-the-top action films, The Killer still endures to this day the prime example of the 'heroic bloodshed' subgenre that Woo excels at. With high-octane action set pieces, theatrical characterizations and an unrelenting sense of redemption, The Killer succeeded in everything it set out to do and then some, finally getting John Woo the attention he deserved in the West, for better or worse.
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