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The Killer

Play trailer Poster for The Killer R Now Playing 1h 51m Action Crime Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 43 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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The Killer

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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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Critics Reviews

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Hugo Davenport Daily Telegraph (UK) 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. Jul 27, 2023 Full Review Keith Phipps The Dissolve The work of a filmmaker operating at the highest level of his abilities. Sep 8, 2017 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Melodramatic from the start, it finally goes over the top to deliver a solid emotional punch. Jul 6, 2010 Full Review Siddhant Adlakha JoySauce.com 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 Aug 27, 2024 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Fun from start to finish. Aug 4, 2023 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Over-the-top movies like these bleed as much implausibility as bodily fluid, but that's not why you watch "The Killer." Rated: 5/5 Feb 12, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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S N 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. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/09/25 Full Review Daniel C. M 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. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/08/25 Full Review Leprechaun K Arguably John Woo's best work ever. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/25 Full Review Julian G john woo really knows how to do his part as well as chow yun fat and the res Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/25 Full Review Sams K Very good one. Definitely worth a watch, one of the finest Hong Kong movies. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/23/24 Full Review Noah g peak movie, john woo makes the best movies about friendship Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/19/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Killer

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Cast & Crew

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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

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The Killer

The Killer (1989) The Killer (1989) The Killer (1989) The Killer (1989) The Killer (1989) The Killer (1989) View more photos

Movie Info

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
Fox Lorber, Buena Vista Home Video (BVHV), Criterion Collection
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)
Sep 10, 1989, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Mar 30, 2010
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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