The Killer

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The Killer

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1h 51m

Action

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

95%

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43 Reviews

92%

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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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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

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Keith Phipps

The Dissolve

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

Sep 8, 2017

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Variety Staff

Variety

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

Jul 6, 2010

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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

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Fun from start to finish.

Aug 4, 2023

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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

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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

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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

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Leprechaun K

Arguably John Woo's best work ever.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/25

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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

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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

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Noah g

peak movie, john woo makes the best movies about friendship

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/19/24

Full Review

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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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77%

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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: 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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