FROM MY COLLECTION - 'The Killer' (1989)

"The Killer" (1989)

Welcome back to "From My Collection", a retro review series where I randomly pull a film off my shelf and share my thoughts on said movie. Now, these are older films, so I should let you know that I don't mind including SPOILERS in these reviews.

So, if you want to watch the film first without spoilers, then do so and come back here when you're done. If you don't care about spoilers or you've already seen the movie, then I hope you enjoy the read!

Even after all these years, I never saw any of the international films that made director John Woo a household name. Namely, I’d never seen any of his collaborations with Chow Yun-Fat. I’ve started to correct this oversight and I’ve started with 1989’s “The Killer”, a film that is said to have been a major inspiration for American directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez.

Yes, my first experiences with Woo began with 1996’s “Broken Arrow”, which I think is an underrated 1990s action film. Of course, I also saw 1997’s “Face/Off” which, despite a preposterous plot, is also a great example of 1990s American action films. I even enjoyed “Mission: Impossible 2” despite the fact that it is, admittedly, the weakest entry in the long-running franchise.

Now, though, I’ve finally watched one of his classics. So, what did I think of the movie now that I finally got to watch “The Killer”?

Ah Jong and Li square off in "The Killer"!

To be honest, I loved it! Chow Yun-Fat is great as Ah Jong, an assassin who becomes disillusioned with his profession after he almost blinds a young singer named Jennie (Sally Yeh). He decides to take on one more job in order to get the money that will help Jennie receive new corneas in an attempt to restore her sight.

What Ah Jong soon learns, though, is that a police detective, Li Ying (Danny Lee), is hot on his trail. While executing his latest job, Ah Jong also discovers that he’s been betrayed by his employers. Now, he’s on a quest for revenge and attempting to evade police while also trying to be there for Jennie.

Soon, the movie becomes more about two men on the opposite sides of the law finding respect for one another. Ah Jong knows that Li is an honorable man while Li is fascinated with Ah Jong’s morals and ethics that contrast with his chosen profession. The two soon grow a bond as they must also face off against a far worse and more evil Wong Hoi (Shing Fui-on), the menacing leader of the Triads that are trying to kill Ah Jong.

Ah Jong on the job in "The Killer"!

The movie concludes with a thrilling action scene set at a church where Ah Jong sometimes finds refuge. This sequence is preceded by several other well done and over-the-top sequences that includes tense standoffs, chases, and a heaping helping of duel gun wielding action. The movie is also the first time that Woo uses doves as a long-running image in his movies.

This is truly where Woo became a master of the action genre. I can see now why Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez were inspired by the movie. Woo himself has credited Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” as an inspiration and that can definitely be seen in the movie as well.

Now, I will say that the movie is over-the-top and that may be a bit of a turn off for some who want a little more realism in their action films. For example, there are several scenes where it seems Woo just turned on an infinite ammo setting as bullets fly all over the place.

Also, the movie can come off as a little cheesy at times and the movie’s crime story plotline doesn’t necessarily break new ground. There are also several songs sung by Yeh that don’t really feel like they belong with Yeh herself later saying that they felt out of place. Apparently, these were added due to a request by the film’s studio.

At the end of the day, though, Woo’s confident direction and Yun-Fat and Lee’s camaraderie make the whole bloody affair work. It’s a movie that meditates on friendship and honor and how a good person can be found even in the darkest of places. It’s also a quest for redemption for a man who regrets the profession that he’s in.

If you’re looking to see what a shining example of classic Hong Kong action cinema is, then look no further than “The Killer”!