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The Killer Reviews

Mar 6, 2025

Everything in this movie is nothing short of amazing and there isnt really a single thing that goes wrong here. Amazing script with very loveable and engaging characters, that makes the drama parts work well and not feel boring; and the action itself is absolutly the best Gun-Fu ever made, puts (the massively overrated) John Wick to shame. The direction by Woo is also great at the non-action parts, making it's neo-noir style feel immaculate.

Feb 27, 2025

Arguably John Woo's best work ever.

Jan 28, 2025

john woo really knows how to do his part as well as chow yun fat and the res

Aug 23, 2024

Very good one. Definitely worth a watch, one of the finest Hong Kong movies.

May 19, 2024

peak movie, john woo makes the best movies about friendship

May 9, 2024

Filme: The Killer Elenco: @chowyunfat #chowyunfat @ssallyyeh @dannylee Kenneth Tsang, Paul Chu Kong, Shing Fui-on @john_woo_filmmaker Modelo: #ação #policial #gangster Duração: 1h 50m Ano: 1989 Minha opinião: Filmes de parceria de de Chow Yun-fat com o diretor John Woo, que catapuntaram os 2 para os holofotes do Mundo. Filmes; Alvo Duplo 1, 2e 3, The Killer, Fervura Máxima, Assassino Substitutos. E filme como God of Gamblers 1 e 2, que considero o melhor filme de Chow. Este filme também esta entre o melhores do ínicio da carreira. Aqui temos Jong (Chow) que é um assassino profissional. E quando tem uma novo trabalho, para eliminar um alvo, havia uma cantora e para salvar Jennie (Sally) ele acaba dando um tiro que acaba deixando-a cega. Nisso Jong se sente culpado e passa a vigia-la, nisso acaba tendo contato e se relacionando. Um romance muito bem elaborado. E em paralelo temos Inspetor Li (Danny Lee) que esta atrás do chefe da quadrilha Wong (Shing) que acaba perseguindo Jong por não ter eliminado Jennie. Onde o amigo de Jong, Fung (Kong) acaba traindo. E temos o acerto de contas final. Com muito tiros, onde não acaba as balas, muitas mortes que ganha de Rambo e Comando para Matar. Este filme é clássico filme de gangasters chinês. Muita matança, traição, queda, superação e morte. O final com sempre com drama e o principal morrendo ou os principais. Ao estilo John Woo. O grande diferencial neste filme é o romance que inceriram nela de forma brilhante. Roteiro e enredo é o mais conhecido ao estilo chinês e até os dias de hoje este roteiro é utilizado nos filmes. Uma receita de sucesso. Mas tenho saudades deste estilo raiz. Vale apena assistir? Sim, cuidado com a faixa etária. Nota: 8,75

Apr 14, 2024

It's still one of the best action/thriller movies of all time. I was surprised about how engaging the story and the characters were. The only thing I did not like that much was the acting and some dialogues.

Dec 10, 2023

That's how you do an action film! Never ending shootouts, two main characters loaded with symbolism and trapped in moral dilemmas, a lot of melodrama, cool synth sounds, car chases, a lot of blood squibs, slow motion, homoerotic tension, more slow motion, and doves. And I probably forgot something. I liked this even better than HARD BOILED. Can't wait to watch the Taiwanese version with some extra 20 mins or so.

Nov 10, 2023

High art and action cinema joined as one, exactly as they should be.

Aug 16, 2023

For many, "The Killer" is the film where John Woo finally found his footing as a pioneer or action, cinematic violence and all things "heroic bloodshed" and, while I still think "Hard Boiled" is the real truth in that regard, I see a lot to like in this. The shootouts are just the bee's knees. Lots of bullets, lots of blood, lots of fun. I also quite enjoyed the dynamic between Chow Yun-fat and Danny Lee's characters towards the end of the film, with the final set piece representing an easy highlight of the entire experience. For me, though, some of the melodrama in this was a little too heavy-handed, with all of the emotionality ultimately building to a conclusion that I thought trended towards something like "The Mist" in terms of endings that represent a bit of a middle finger to the audience. It doesn't sting as much as that film per se, but it is an unequivocal bummer and for seemingly no discernible reason. Aside from all that, though, this was a real decent time. Just not my favorite of the filmmaker's, however.

Jun 4, 2023

We don't even need to review this movie it's that good.

Mar 17, 2023

Among the most distinctive action movie directors, and certainly one of the most popular, John Woo has made a living crafting stylised shoot ‘em ups that often have more going on theme-wise than many will give them credit for, especially in his Hong Kong days. The Killer is a perfect example of this: a high octane, mile-a-minute, bullet-strew adventure underpinned by ruminations on what it means to kill for a living and seeking redemption before it's too late. Chow Yun-Fat plays both the ruthless and compassionate side of a hired gun with equal conviction, and his quieter moments with Jennie and discussions with Inspector Li, a man who both hates and admires him at the same time, tell us the most about his character. The gun fights are, needless to say, spectacular, with Woo's trademarks shootout choreography always making you feel like you're a part of the scene, an unarmed combatant amidst an ocean of chaos. The story isn't anything spectacular, but its serviced well by the actors and the writing, with the ante steadily increasing as the film progresses. But it's the action that you come to a John Woo film for, and in that regard, you certainly wont be disappointed. But it's good that the thrills are servicing the plot and aren't just a way to keep the audience's attention. Say what you want about Woo's Hollywood career, but movies like The Killer & Hard Boiled are why he has the reputation he does, and why he'll always have a special place in the heart of action movie fans the world over.

Feb 12, 2023

"The Killer" is a classic Hong Kong action film released in 1989, starring Chow Yun-Fat as Ah Jong, a hitman with a conscience. The movie follows Ah Jong as he tries to retire from his life of crime, but finds himself drawn back into the dangerous world of organized crime when a hit goes wrong and he accidentally blinds a nightclub singer. Chow Yun-Fat delivers a standout performance as Ah Jong, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. The action scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, with a mix of shootouts and hand-to-hand combat that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. One of the standout elements of the film is its cinematography. The film makes full use of its Hong Kong setting, with stunning shots of the city's bustling streets and neon-lit nightclubs. The film's score is also noteworthy, adding an extra layer of tension and atmosphere to the already pulse-pounding action. Overall, "The Killer" is a true classic of Hong Kong cinema, and a must-watch for fans of action films. Chow Yun-Fat's performance is outstanding, and the film's blend of intense action and poignant storytelling make it a timeless and unforgettable movie experience.

Jan 22, 2023

There aren't too many actions movies which are this perfect. Chow Yun Fat cements himself as a bondafide action star and actor with this performance, forever shaking the often more light comical roles he was always boxed into prior. With breathtaking action that defined nearly every decent Hollywood action films for the few decades, this is a must see for any lover of action, or indeed lover of cinema

May 24, 2022

The action movie they all imitate . A high octane thriller that also bothers with an excellent stoke line and the most complex moralities. Why is is so hard to find?

May 7, 2022

This motion picture, The Killer (1989 film) is written good by John Woo who also is the Director... It is with strong casting as well as film crews... In particular, the leading actors are grand, Chow Yun-fat and Danny Lee...

Jan 10, 2022

1001 movies to see before you die. This was laughable and tedious despite its unique action. It was on youtube.

Jan 5, 2022

Oooo yeah, John Woo's busting out the doves baby, it's getting real up in here. It took about another quarter-century for American audiences obsessed with John Wick to get into the gunplay-heavy, high-motion action style that Woo and other filmmakers from Hong Kong pioneered decades prior, but here is the origin of that style in all its glory - plenty of slow motion, blood splatter, organized crime, and cool dudes pointing guns at each other. Nobody said that The Killer was particularly realistic, and in fact it's often silly (while embracing its cheesiness), but it remains a classic - a one-on-one duel that dredges up questions about loyalty, friendship, and honor while also basking in stylistic excess and gratuitous gun porn. Also, one of cinema's strangest and most candid bromances, as two guys from different sides of the law go from mortal enemies to whispering their fake childhood nicknames in mourning. Super high-energy film, never really lags and breezes by as you watch it. But seriously, so much of this movie is standoffs with people just pointing guns at each other. You gotta love it. (4/5)

Aug 2, 2021

If you enjoy corny screenplay and rampantly poor shoot outs that are impossible to be believed then this is for you. I just don't get it. Nice to be reminded of late 80s Hong Kong though. Brought back memories.

Aug 15, 2020

Might have pioneered homoerotic gun porn but has too much drama and plot armor.

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