A blood-soaked and lead-poisoned calling card to Western audiences from John Woo and Chow Yun Fat.
The Killer (1989)
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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
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Reviews for The Killer
Of course, Woo’s established strength is the shootout. Characteristically they exhibit each party’s strengths: the hero’s agility, the enemy’s numbers, and the formidable ratio between them.
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.
It's one of the rare action movies in which you really care about the fate of the characters.
This latest example of the irrepressible and amazing filmmaking that's been going on in Hong Kong is the best yet.
It's a frenetic, intense, visceral, and adrenaline-rushing film, filled with dizzying action sequences that thrill the viewer, leaving them giddy.
Latest News for The Killer
October 12, 2009:
Total Recall: RT's Favorite Gunfights
We at Rotten Tomatoes abhor violence -- in the real world, anyway. However, expertly-staged gunplay is one of the reasons we love going to the movies -- there's nothing like the... More...
April 27, 2007:
When Is A DVD Worth $400? A Look At Criterion Collectibles
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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