Cast
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Chow Yun-Fat
as Jong
Danny Lee Sau-Yin
as Insp. Li Ying / Little Eagle
Sally Yeh
as Jennie
Paul Chu Kong
as Sidney Fung
Kenneth Tsang
as Sgt. Tsang Yeh
Shing Fui-On
as Hay Wong Hoi
Tommy Wong
as Teddy Wong Hung
James Ha Chim-Si
as Teddy's Man
Ricky Wong Chun-Tong
as Frank Chen
Barry Wong
as Chief Inspector Tu
Parkman Wong Pak-Man
as Inspector Chan
Teddy Yip Wing-Cho
as Tony Wong Tung Yuen
Alan Ng Siu-Hung
as Sniper
Yang Sheng
as Bodyguard A
Lo Hung
as Review Board Officer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- John Woo
Producer
- Tsui Hark
Reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto
**Action, lots of action, in a slow but elegant film.**
It was the first time, to my knowledge, that I saw a film made in Hong Kong. John Woo, its director, gained some international notoriety and would even, long after this film, have some work in western cinema. In general, I liked the movie. I'm not an undefeated fan of action cinema, but I felt that this film manages to balance the explosive action (even better and more intense than in North American films) with a satisfying script. The story revolves around a professional killer who, after accidentally blinding a bar singer, starts to protect her. He will, however, have to kill a mobster and escape from the police, who understand the relationship between the singer and the bandit and start to watch her.
Chow Yun-Fat is the film's lead actor, and the only actor I somehow remember seeing, though I can't say where. He is charismatic and intense, and makes his character a tough man but, at the same time, able to capture the audience's sympathy. Danny Lee, in the role of a police inspector, and Sally Yeh, as the singer, also give us a pleasant job.
The film's focal point is the intense, explosive action. No means were spared in achieving impressive fight and shootout scenes, and in that respect, both the stuntmen and the special effects team deserve praise. The film has good sets and costumes, and the cinematography has a visual beauty very typical of oriental films, where the color is intense, vivid, something important and always valued. The film is about an hour and a half long, but the pace is quite slow, denoting a certain stretch of the script, and this is the biggest negative criticism I can give it.
Jun 19, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Killer examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director John Woo brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Killer took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2308 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Killer shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Killer subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead and Basic Instinct explore similar territory, The Killer stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 24, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Revenue: $2,350,174
