The Killer

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The Killer

R

In Theaters Apr 5

1h 51m

Action

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

45 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Mob assassin Jeffrey (Chow Yun-Fat) is no ordinary hired gun; the best in his business, he views his chosen profession as a calling rather than simply a job. So, when beautiful nightclub chanteuse Jennie (Sally Yeh) is blinded in the crossfire of his most recent hit, Jeffrey chooses to retire after one last job to pay for his unintended victim's sight-restoring operation. But when Jeffrey is double-crossed, he reluctantly joins forces with a rogue policeman (Danny Lee) to make things right.

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Critics Consensus

The Killer is another hard-boiled action flick from John Woo featuring eye-popping balletic violence and philosophical underpinnings.

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John Woo

Director

Chow Yun-Fat

Ah Jong

Danny Lee

Insp. Li

Sally Yeh

Jennie

Kenneth Tsang

Sgt. Randy Chang

Kong Chu

Fung Sei

Hugo Davenport

Daily Telegraph (UK)

07/27/2023

While there is no doubting the technical sophistication of Woo's hyper-kinetic massacres... the most notable aspect of [the film] is the award mix of tongue-in-cheek kitsch and lumbering, macho, male-bonding earnestness in between.

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Keith Phipps

The Dissolve

09/08/2017

The work of a filmmaker operating at the highest level of his abilities.

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Variety Staff

Variety

07/06/2010

Melodramatic from the start, it finally goes over the top to deliver a solid emotional punch.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Dec 6

3.5/4

It’s a highlight of Hong Kong cinema, a mainstay of action cinema, and John Woo’s best film.

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Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

Dec 1

4/5

John Woo's The Killer remains a seminal action classic that boasts a skillful balance of captivating character drama & thrilling action sequences.

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Siddhant Adlakha

JoySauce.com

08/27/2024

Christian imagery, from crucifixes to doves fluttering their wings in slow-motion, have long since become a hallmark of Woo's films regardless of their meaning, but these symbols immediately steep The Killer in a distinctly spiritual sense of remorse

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Frank S

@friedegg05 6d

Absolutely amazing. The movie itself is kind of ridiculous but all the slow-mo action scenes and car chases are filmed beautifully. Definitely worth the watch. 10/10.

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Richard

Jan 1

Probably the greatest Hong Kong action film ever made. It's probably better than Hard Boiled on the emotional level. The 4K is amazing

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S N

Sep 9

Without a doubt one of the greatest action films of all time. John Woo's 'The Killer' is an exiting and thrilling tale of brotherhood, redemption and honour. Carried by a brilliant performance from Chow Yun-Fat, who plays a ruthless yet morale assassin who must escape his past and right a wrong. But is pursued by Danny Lee as the duty-driven police officer. The Killer is a must-watch for not just fans of Hong Kong films or the action movie genre, but a must watch for all film fans. This is truly a masterpiece that will exite you, upset you, and move you.

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Daniel C. M

Mar 6

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.

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Leprechaun K

@LeprechaunKing Feb 27

Arguably John Woo's best work ever.

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Julian G

Jan 28

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

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Synopsis

Mob assassin Jeffrey (Chow Yun-Fat) is no ordinary hired gun; the best in his business, he views his chosen profession as a calling rather than simply a job. So, when beautiful nightclub chanteuse Jennie (Sally Yeh) is blinded in the crossfire of his most recent hit, Jeffrey chooses to retire after one last job to pay for his unintended victim's sight-restoring operation. But when Jeffrey is double-crossed, he reluctantly joins forces with a rogue policeman (Danny Lee) to make things right.

Director: John Woo
Producer: Hark Tsui
Screenwriter: John Woo
Distributor: Circle Films
Production Co: Magnum, Golden Princess Film Production Limited, Film Workshop Ltd.
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 1, 1991, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 5, 2026
Release Date (DVD): Mar 30, 2010
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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