Rating: 
Summary: The body count says it all.... =) This movie gets 5 bodies
Review: Just like the first Die Hard in the states began the whole genre of action flicks back in 1987, John Woo's cinematic masterpiece The Killer sets the stage for this genre of movies in the east back in 1989 and is a continual inspiration for moviemakers even now and will to come. The combination of John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat is a lethal one - Woo's knack for visual story-telling in his own unique manner of angles, manipulation of motion, use of religious icons or even just plain silence brings a new dimension of technical excellence, coupled with Chow Yun-Fat's execution of his character with poise, charisma, heart and style results in an excellent tale about an assassin with a conscience, a tortured soul who is trying to redeem himself. The action scenes are incredible, carefully executed and choreographed in a visual-stunning way. Woo is definitely the man. So many Hollywood movies try to rip this style off, actually Woo even rips himself off in his American movies. (especially Mission Impossible 2 which was a definite flop for Hong Kong fans). Forget Cruise and bring in Chow. That's the winning combination in the long run, not some American wanna-be action star. Chow just has the charisma needed to give life to the character and Woo knows how to exploit that into a meaningful story. Regarding the audio and video quality of the DVD, the audio, though recorded in mono back in 1989, could have been digitally remastered looking at today's technology and turned into Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, albeit somewhat emulated. The video transfer is pretty well done. High quality, if you think about material made from 1989. Nice transfer. And there is a nice menu. Decent extras. Overall this is a great value for collectors everywhere... Go out and get you one today! If you're not a John Woo/Chow Yun-Fat fan, you're sure to be after you see this movie!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Poetic Cinematic Violence
Review: If any one movie could of started the influence of stylized poetic gun fights, this is that movie. Every bullet riddled scene has a poetic gesture that only a movie of this scale can communicate. John Woo, the mastermind behind this, blends gothic scenes and the Hong Kong heroic bloodshed genre into one romanticized tale. The overwhelming sadness felt in most of the scenes induces chills. The scene most implanted in my mind was the eerie haunting image of the church caught in the middle of a raging storm as the lightning flashes and Sally Yeh's song looms in the background. John (Chow Yun-Fat) was fantastic as the heroic cold blooded killer which leaves him torn between fighting for good and evil. He commits himself to Jennie (Sally Yeh) after he accidently leaves her blind during a gun fight in a night club where Jennie performs as a singer. John's conscience overwhelms him, giving him the compassion to help Jennie, trying to get the money to restore her eye sight. John's awkward relationships with his triad member friend Sydney (Kong Chu), and Inspector Li (Danny Lee) complicates the story more and allows us to understand the situation John is caught in more in-depth. The conclusion leaves you in sadness because the romance shared between John and Jennie ends tragically. It ends with John's lonely ghost playing the harmonica overlooking the church. "The Killer" is a rare cinematic experience that action and drama enthusiasts can appreciate.
Rating: 
Summary: A good film but very violent.
Review: This film attempts to show a compassionte side to hitmen. Here we have a hitman who accidentaly blinds a lounge singer during a shootout. He then attempts to help pay for an eye operation that will restore her sight. It is a good film but would definately recieve an R rating if submitted to the MPAA.
Rating:
Summary: HONG KONG ACTION AT ITS FINEST !!!
Review: Chow Yun Fat plays a hitman. On one particularly bloody assignment the backfire of his gun blinds an innocent lounge singer (played with wonderful simplicity by real life singer/actress Sally Yeh). He takes responsibility and begins to provide care for her without her knowing who he really is. They eventually fall in love. He takes on one last job to pay for an operation which will hopefully restore her sight and allow them to start a new life together. However, a tough Dirty Harry style cop (played with conviction by Danny Lee) who has been assigned to protect the target, and the gangsters who are behind the hit have other plans. No punches are pulled. The violence is completely appropriate to the goings on and the action expertly staged making great use of long, medium, and claustrophobically close shots letting you know at all times how the characters are feeling emotionally whether on the chase or on the run. The gunplay is truly balletic and the actors "act" like human beings who know the fear and power these weapons instill. One of the best examples of the extended chase ever put on film occurs during Chow Yun Fat's attempt to assassinate the target protected by Danny Lee. Never have both a protagonist and antagonist proven more worthy of audience fandom and involvement due to the onscreen competentence and mutual respect each character posesses. Watch from the edge of your seat as a little girl gets caught in the crossfire between Chow Yun Fat (the killer and the human) and the triad that betrays him. Your heart will pound as Chow Yun Fat tries in desperation to get her to safety. THE KILLER is a true MOTION picture and fully utilizes the capabilities of the motion picture camera to tell its story. It is more than just a Hong Kong action film. The cinematic nonverbals transcend all language barriers and can be understood in any part of the world. John Woo is a master director and THE KILLER shows him at his finest. It's a shame that he, like Jackie Chan, has been working here in America for the past several years and has not been given the opportunity to be the total filmaker that he is capable of. In Hong Kong they were the masters, here they are simply doing the best they can as laborers. THE KILLER shows why Chow Yun Fat is one of Asia's most revered actors. He ranks right up there with Olivier, DeNiro, and Pacino in his ability to play a wide range of truly memorable characters. Unfortunately, as is the case with Woo and Chan, his American films too have been so-so at best. His first, THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, a pale Americanized revamping of THE KILLER has slowed down his success not allowing him to hit the American ground running as he could have. Thank goodness Ang Lee snatched him up momentarily from a limbo land of mediocrity to create another memorably different role in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. I keep hoping and praying that the great talents of Hong Kong who want to make pictures for American audiences get the chance to do it right. Wouldn't it be great to see Hong Kong action films in English (not dubbed or subtitled) with the budget and technology that we have here? Better yet wouldn't it be great if these Hong Kong masters worked together in American films? Imagine John Woo directing Chow Yun Fat as a crime boss pitting Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh against Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao! The possibilities are endless. Hollywood has noticed the popularity of Hong Kong's style of action but so far has merely tried incorporating it into Western pictures where it doesn't really seem to belong. They let Hong Kong choreographers train young image-but-no-real-substance actors for a few weeks or months for films, but the action has always seemed a little manufactured with the actors merely going through the motions without having solid foundations in this type of art. The veterans of Hong Kong action have lived with this kind of action for so long that it is a part of their film vocabulary and THE KILLER is a great starting place for anyone who wants to see true Hong Kong action.
Rating:
Summary: The Quintessential Action Film
Review: John Woo holds the distinction, not only of being the top director of actions films, probably in the history of the cinema, but of having made the quintessential movie of the genre. "The Killer," made in 1989, is quite simply, the perfect action film. Featuring an outstanding performance by star Yun-fat Chow, as Jeff, the killer of the title, it is a showcase of the specific action sequences by which the standard for the entire industry has since been formulated. But what makes it truly remarkable, is that the story lives up to the action, as well. Chow is a professional killer who accidentally blinds a young singer, named Jennie (Sally Yeh), during the fulfillment of a contract. Filled with remorse over the incident, he befriends her, and ultimately begins to care deeply for her. Up to this point in his life, he has killed people he believed deserving of their fate, but now he's changed; he's beginning to comprehend the sanctity of life. There is one more contract he must fulfill, however, for which he is to be paid one-and-a-half million dollars, after which he will retire from the life and see to it that Jennie gets the cornea transplant that will restore her vision. Further conflict arises, though, when the man who hired Jeff decides to have him killed as well, thereby saving him some money, and tying up what he considers to be some loose ends in the bargain. Never before, or since, has such extreme violence been so well integrated into the story, in any film; and Woo's sense of measure is impeccable. The violence is only as graphic as necessary, in order to be effective in any given scene, and the gunfights are choreographed with such precision and timing that it's like a kind of visual poetry. Woo, in fact, has given a lyrical, almost wistful feel, overall, to the film, which accentuates the contrast between the romance and the violence even more. His deft use of slow motion in the action sequences, and imagery (especially in the scenes which take place in a church), are further examples of the artistry and detail that make this such a great movie. The care taken with the story itself is a rare thing for a film of this genre; not to say that action films, in general, are typically wanting in plot or characterization, but in most cases, more often than not the story does defer to the action. But not in this one. Jeff's epiphany, for instance, and his feelings for Jennie, are played without the least bit of misplaced sentiment or pretentiousness, for which credit must be given to Woo and his stars; in the hands of lesser talent, it could all have easily played out as maudlin and sappy, and been used as nothing more than a framework upon which to build the action. The supporting cast includes Kenneth Tsang, Chu Kong, and Danny Lee, who gives an especially impressive performance as Lieutenant Li. "The Killer," is simply nothing less than the definitive film of it's genre, the "Citizen Kane," if you will, of action films. Even given the subjective nature of cinema, this film is so well done, and Woo has obviously made such an impact in his field, that it must be considered as one among the all-time great movies in the history of film. This is a must-have for any serious video collection.
Rating:
Summary: Best...action movie...ever!
Review: Filled with grit, emotion, and psychological depth, not to mention lots and lots of blood, "The Killer" is the kind of passion play that is seen all too rarely in any style of film, let alone the action genre. In fact, John Woo's Hong Kong shoot-'em-up masterpiece resembles nothing so much as Shakespeare with thousands of bullets flying around. In this case the role of the tragic hero is assumed by Jeffrey, played in career-defining fashion by Chow Yun-Fat. Jeffrey is an amiable enough sort, who also just happens to be a fearless, unstoppable assassin with a steely glare and a deadly accurate shot. But when he accidentally blinds a lovely torch singer named Jenny while mowing down about a dozen criminals in a crowded bar, Jeffrey finds some new meaning in his life by assuming responsibility for the woman, even going so far as to try to get her a vision-restoring cornea transplant. However, everything is far from hunky-dory for Jeffrey and his ward: after committing one last job to get the money for Jenny's operation, Jeffrey finds himself pursued by a small army of thugs as well as Chang and Li, two relentless detectives. Oh, and his best friend and associate Sidney has (temporarily) betrayed him. With all that's going on, the stage is set for a struggle on an operatic scale, with Chow giving his character just the right mix of warmth and gravity. As one would expect from a film directed by Woo, with Chow in the starring role, "The Killer" contains more than its fair share of shootouts and chase scenes, all filmed with Woo's signature frenetic visual style. However, it's what happens when the movie slows down that sets it apart from the pack. "The Killer" is as much a drama as it is an action yarn, and it's a mighty good drama at that. There are a bunch of scenes here that got my adrenaline flowing, but even more impressive, some moments practically moved me to tears (emphasis on the word "practically"). Behind the constant action is an often-moving tale of devotion, honor, redemption, and friendship in the unlikely setting of the criminal underworld. The lines between good and bad, right and wrong, cop and criminal, are all blurred in a haze of moral ambiguity and divided loyalties. While Jeffrey and Sidney attempt to restore trust after Sidney's betrayal, an unlikely bond forms between Jeffrey and Li as the detective and the assassin realize they're not that different after all. As the story unfolds, building toward the inevitable confrontation, the tension and the emotional stakes only rise along with the body count. Woo manages to elevate the crime drama to poetry, whether during a taut action sequence or a subdued conversation scene. The movie's deservedly legendary finale, involving a crazed gun battle inside a church, is the only appropriate conclusion. The viewer certainly needs some catharsis after such a harrowing journey, and Woo more than delivers the goods. "The Killer" is one of the few movies of its ilk that can legitimately be called art.
Rating:
Summary: "BULLETS,BEAUTY & MAYHEM"
Review: This is Mr Woo's best film,period. A foriegn film that has inspired countless imitations,this movie has it all! Like his influences Leone,Peckinpah & Scorsese this film hosts a "ballet of bullets" that while violent is also captivatingly beautiful! Fans of Chow Yun Fat who have only seen his US releases "replacement killers" & the corrupter w/be in for a real treat w/this classic! Same can be said for Mr. Woo's stateside fans of face/off & hard target (& the awful broken arrow) see woo's triad=killer hard-boiled & better tmw! dubbed or sub-titled it doesnt matter,just view this masterpiece. Points of interest to fans of genre: DESPARADO by rodriguez has a virtual remake of the gunfight scene(including the saving of innocent child ) from the Killler. And the score to the dubbed version is the same as that of 48hrs w/Nick Nolte.Also MR.Woo even used the Catholic Church shoot out from the KILLER in Face OFF(including the doves).RUN DONT WALK & GET THIS FILM NOW!
Rating:
Summary: John Woo & Chow Yun Fat...nuff said!
Review: The Killer is the perfect example of cinema in its most powerful form. Expression...every bullet, every conversation & every scene just flows so beautifully & expressively it just blows me away. Unexplainable. Very deep & mythological story, unlike anything ive ever seen! U just have to see it. & see it. It will make u think to yourself, "what the hell is the average Hollywood budget gettin wasted on?? Promotion!!?? " John Woo on the other hand does not need $100,000,000 to truley express himself, hell, he doesn't even need the highest quality celluloid to make his films stunningly beatiful.. The Killer is no exception, John Woo is such a masterful director, no wonder why Hollywood have been ripping him off long before they invited him to join 'em!
& unlike most action films of mindless "invincibilty" plots & stupid reasons for massive shootouts, this has a cause for every piece of stunningly choerographed action...& consequences to join the equation.
If youve only seen Chow Yun Fat in his American films (Replacement Killers & Bulletproof Monk e.t.c), you really havent his true styles & capabilities. Get THE KILLER, & youll know why Hollywood have copied J.Woo's style of genius direction more times than a photo-copier has copied paper!
This is John Woo at his purest form, & Chow in his true style.
The John Woo & Chow Yun Fat combo is like the Sergio Leone & Clint Eastwood combo= Classics!
Get this if u like a deep, moving story, awesome acting, & action that sychronizes perfectly. (Also check out other J. Woo classics, Hard Boiled, A Better Tommorow 1 & 2, & Bullet in the Head!)
.....Nobody does action like Honk Kong...Nobody does Honk Kong like John Woo...
Rating:
Summary: Best...action movie...ever!
Review: Filled with grit, emotion, and psychological depth, not to mention lots and lots of blood, "The Killer" is the kind of passion play that is seen all too rarely in any style of film, let alone the action genre. In fact, John Woo's Hong Kong shoot-'em-up masterpiece resembles nothing so much as Shakespeare with thousands of bullets flying around. In this case the role of the tragic hero is assumed by Jeffrey, played in career-defining fashion by Chow Yun-Fat. Jeffrey is an amiable enough sort, who also just happens to be a fearless, unstoppable assassin with a steely glare and a deadly accurate shot. But when he accidentally blinds a lovely torch singer named Jenny while mowing down about a dozen criminals in a crowded bar, Jeffrey finds some new meaning in his life by assuming responsibility for the woman, even going so far as to try to get her a vision-restoring cornea transplant. However, everything is far from hunky-dory for Jeffrey and his ward: after committing one last job to get the money for Jenny's operation, Jeffrey finds himself pursued by a small army of thugs as well as Chang and Li, two relentless detectives. Oh, and his best friend and associate Sidney has (temporarily) betrayed him. With all that's going on, the stage is set for a struggle on an operatic scale, with Chow giving his character just the right mix of warmth and gravity. As one would expect from a film directed by Woo, with Chow in the starring role, "The Killer" contains more than its fair share of shootouts and chase scenes, all filmed with Woo's signature frenetic visual style. However, it's what happens when the movie slows down that sets it apart from the pack. "The Killer" is as much a drama as it is an action yarn, and it's a mighty good drama at that. There are a bunch of scenes here that got my adrenaline flowing, but even more impressive, some moments practically moved me to tears (emphasis on the word "practically"). Behind the constant action is an often-moving tale of devotion, honor, redemption, and friendship in the unlikely setting of the criminal underworld. The lines between good and bad, right and wrong, cop and criminal, are all blurred in a haze of moral ambiguity and divided loyalties. While Jeffrey and Sidney attempt to restore trust after Sidney's betrayal, an unlikely bond forms between Jeffrey and Li as the detective and the assassin realize they're not that different after all. As the story unfolds, building toward the inevitable confrontation, the tension and the emotional stakes only rise along with the body count. Woo manages to elevate the crime drama to poetry, whether during a taut action sequence or a subdued conversation scene. The movie's deservedly legendary finale, involving a crazed gun battle inside a church, is the only appropriate conclusion. The viewer certainly needs some catharsis after such a harrowing journey, and Woo more than delivers the goods. "The Killer" is one of the few movies of its ilk that can legitimately be called art.
Rating:
Summary: =====Respect Hong Kong Cinema =======
Review: ===========Hong Kong action and John Woo should be greatly respected by Hollywood b/c most of his movies like THe Killer, Hard Boiled and The Better Tomorrow Series are being ripped off by Hollywood directors such as the movie "DESPERADO," "RESEVIOR DOGS" and etc. The Hong kong cinema should be credited by hollywood.====================
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