The Killer

When it comes to action cinema, few films have left such an indelible mark as John Woo's The Killer. Released in 1989, this masterpiece brought John Woo international recognition and cemented his reputation as a director capable of combining stylized action with deep emotional resonance. The film's influence was profound, inspiring filmmakers the world over and establishing itself as a cult classic.

Before making his mark in Hollywood with films such as Face/Off and Mission: Impossible 2, John Woo was already a legend of Hong Kong cinema. His first film, A Better Tomorrow, put him on the map, but it was The Killer that truly showcased his unique style. Starring Chow Yun-Fat as the protagonist, Ah Jong, a Triad assassin with a conscience, the film became a staple of Hong Kong action cinema. Chow Yun-Fat, who also starred in Hard Boiled, became an international star, and The Killer played an important role in his transition to Western audiences.

The influence of The Killer on later action films cannot be overestimated. Directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez have paid homage to John Woo's work in their films, with The Killer's blend of frantic action and tragic characters serving as a model for the likes of Kill Bill and Desperado. Even in Hollywood, elements of John Woo's style, such as slow-motion shootouts and the use of doves as a visual motif, have become almost synonymous with the action genre.

The Killer tells the story of Ah Jong, a master assassin who finds himself embroiled in a series of conflicts after accidentally blinding a nightclub singer named Jennie, played by Sally Yeh, during a hit gone wrong. Riddled with guilt, Ah Jong decides to help Jennie regain her sight, even if it means taking on one last job to raise the money for her operation. This decision puts him at odds with the Triads, who betray him, and the police, led by Inspector Li Ying, played by Danny Lee.

The film explores themes of honor, redemption and the moral complexity of violence. Ah Jong is a killer with a code, a man who, despite his profession, is driven by a sense of duty and compassion. This duality makes him a fascinating character, and Chow Yun-Fat's performance is both charismatic and deeply moving. The relationship between Ah Jong and Inspector Li Ying is another focal point of the film, with the two men developing a mutual respect, despite being on opposite sides of the law. Their dynamic adds a layer of depth to the story, transforming what could have been a straightforward action film into a nuanced exploration of morality and loyalty.

John Woo's directing style in The Killer is nothing short of revolutionary. The film is renowned for its bullet-in-the-mouth shootouts, where bullets fly in slow motion and characters move with near-dance-like precision. John Woo's use of slow motion isn't just a dramatic effect; it serves to heighten the emotional intensity of the scenes, transforming violence into something almost poetic. The church scene in particular, with its hundreds of lit candles and fluttering doves, has become emblematic, symbolizing the intersection of violence and spirituality - a recurring theme in Woo's work.

The action sequences in The Killer are meticulously choreographed, with John Woo paying as much attention to the rhythm of the shootouts as to the emotional journey of the characters. The film's editing, which often uses freeze-frames to emphasize key moments, adds to the impression of controlled chaos. These stylistic choices have made The Killer one of the most visually distinctive action films ever made, influencing a generation of filmmakers who have sought to emulate Woo's unique blend of style and substance.

Chow Yun-Fat delivers one of his finest performances as Ah Jong, a character who is as much a tragic hero as a ruthless killer. Yun-Fat's ability to express vulnerability beneath a tough exterior is what makes Ah Jong such a memorable character. His chemistry with Danny Lee, who plays detective Li Ying, is another highlight of the film. The two actors complement each other brilliantly, creating a dynamic that is both contradictory and respectful. Sally Yeh, as the blind singer Jennie, also delivers a poignant performance, her character forming the emotional heart of the story.

Supporting actors, notably Kong Chu as Ah Jong's mentor and Kwong Leung Wong as the Triad leader, add depth to the story, making The Killer a film rich in twists and turns, with each character playing a crucial role in the unfolding drama.

The film's legacy is evident in its continuing influence on Asian and Western cinema. This is not just an action film, but one that explores the complexities of human emotions, in the form of a high-octane thriller. The Killer is more than just an action movie; it's a cinematic experience that combines the best of what the genre has to offer - exhilarating action, compelling characters and an emotionally resonant story. John Woo's direction and Chow Yun-Fat's performance elevate the film to a level few action films have reached before or since. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Hong Kong cinema, The Killer is a must-see film that continues to captivate and inspire, even decades after its release. A pure, timeless masterpiece.

The Killer
Written and directed by John Woo
Produced by Tsui Hark
Starring Chow Yun-fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Chu Kong, Kenneth Tsang, Shing Fui-On
Cinematography : Peter Pau, Wong Wing-Hang
Edited by Fan Kung-Ming
Music by Lowell Lo
Production companies: Film Workshop, Magnum Presentations
Distributed by Golden Princess Film Production (Hong Kong), Buena Vista Home Video (BVHV) (United States), Metropolitan FilmExport (France)
Release date : July 6 1989 (Hong Kong), September 10 1989 (United States), May 3 1995 (France)
Running time : 110 minutes

reviewed on August 23, 2024 (Blu-ray)

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