The Killer
The Killer

Movie spotlight

The Killer

2017
Movie
99 min
Portuguese

In lawless badlands, reclusive Cabeleira sets out to discover the fate of his gunman father and grows to be a feared assassin himself.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users87%
Director: John WooGenres: Action, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A professional assassin, known only as Ah Jong, lives a solitary life dedicated to his craft. However, when a hit goes wrong and a young woman is caught in the crossfire, he finds himself becoming increasingly protective of her. This unexpected turn jeopardizes his carefully constructed world and puts him on a collision course with both the underworld and the law.

Critical Reception

John Woo's 'The Killer' is widely regarded as a seminal work in the action genre, celebrated for its balletic gunfights, stylish direction, and emotional depth. It achieved significant critical acclaim internationally, solidifying Woo's reputation as a master of Hong Kong action cinema and influencing countless filmmakers worldwide.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its revolutionary, highly choreographed action sequences and stylized visuals.

  • Noted for its compelling blend of brutal violence and unexpected emotional resonance.

  • Considered a landmark film that redefined the genre and influenced modern action cinema.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praise 'The Killer' for its groundbreaking action choreography, intense shootouts, and Chow Yun-fat's iconic performance. Many viewers appreciate the film's stylish direction and its ability to balance thrilling action with a surprisingly touching narrative.

Awards & Accolades

While not heavily awarded at major Western ceremonies, 'The Killer' received significant recognition within Asian film circles and is consistently cited in 'best of' lists for action and Hong Kong cinema. It's often seen as an unofficial nominee for its groundbreaking influence.

Fun Fact

The film's iconic cathedral shootout scene, featuring Chow Yun-fat wielding two pistols and a shotgun, was inspired by the operatic action sequences in Woo's previous film, 'A Better Tomorrow'.

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