Plot: What’s it about?
Jeffrey Chow (Chow Yun-Fat) is a professional assassin, which might lead you to assume he is a cold, unfeeling person. It is true that Chow kills people for money and as such, has some form of callousness, but he is not the monster you might expect. In an accident during a previous mission, he had blinded a young woman, Jenny (Sally Yeh) and ever since, he has looked after her and done his best to care for her. In fact, he plans to save his money and use his earnings to provide her with the process she needs to restore her vision. It seems as though his plans are going well enough, as he needs only one more score to collect the money he needs and after that, he has decided to leave his dangerous profession once and for all. But things don’t go as Chow had planned, as his boss double crosses him and refuses to pay the bill for his services. This enrages Chow, but with the mobsters and a determined investigator (Danny Lee) hot on his trail, he needs to come up with a plan and stay a few steps ahead for now. In order to overcome this situation Chow might need to make a strange alliance, but even then, can he deliver on his hopes and restore his life back to normal?
The Killer ranks as one of the finest action films of all time and on the Internet Movie Database, it even ranks within the top 200 movies of all time. Of course, I think it belongs much higher than where it stands, but that is still a testament to a somewhat older (1989) action flick I think. I liken this movie to a thinking man’s action film, where both the visceral and intellectual levels are satisfied by the end credits. Yes, this film has all the well planned and executed violence we expect from a John Woo movie, but it also has another element common to Woo’s film, a terrific storyline. I think this film falls short of the action presented in Hard Boiled, but The Killer packs a much more potent selection of storyline and characters, which makes up the difference in the end. This film has a ton of gunfire and such, but the storyline is given more time to unfold also, which is a good thing I think. This disc doesn’t quite measure up to the previous Criterion release, but for the most part this would make a solid addition to any action fan’s collection. This disc looks & sounds close enough to the Criterion version and even has some nice extras, so if you missed out on the previous disc, don’t hesitate to pick this one up.
It isn’t often you get to see complex characters within an action movie, but Chow Yun-Fat is given the chance to shine here and takes it & runs with it. His role is a rather difficult one, with complex and well developed traits, but he handles with no problems in the least. He is able to bring across his inner conflicts well, while also maintaining some level of stoic exterior and that’s no easy task to be sure. While he has a heavy burden on his shoulders to carry this film, he never shows a sign of trouble, if as the whole process were almost too easy. This relaxed, natural approach worked to perfection, as the character seems exactly like I would expect him to be. Other films with Chow Yun-Fat include Hard Boiled, The Replacement Killers, A Better Tomorrow, Anna And The King, and Prison On Fire. Also a factor in this film’s success is director John Woo (Mission Impossible 2, Hard Boiled), who makes sure the excellent storyline is joined by some jaw dropping action sequences. If you think you’ve gunplay brilliance, think again as The Killer is among the finest action films of all time. Woo turns in the most complex, exciting action movie to grace the screen and I think action fans will agree with me on that statement. The cast also includes Chu Kong (Fong Sai-Yuk, Once A Thief), Sally Yeh (Peking Opera Blues, Aces Go Places IV), and Danny Lee (City On Fire, Mighty Peking Man) among others.
Video: How does it look?
The Killer is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. If this is your first visit to this film, you need to realize that The Killer has never looked that good on home video and as such, this transfer is a step down from more recent films. But this transfer looks as good as the Criterion version, perhaps even better at times thanks to the dual layered disc (the Criterion version is single layered). The contrast seems well balanced and detail is high, but never overexposed. Colors look natural, with some bright shades surfacing and flesh tones appear normal and free from distortion. Some compression errors show up, but no more than with the Criterion and I think even fewer instances can be found here. This isn’t a glorious transfer, but it is the best looking version of The Killer you’re going to find.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc uses the original mono format, which provides a decent although limited experience. This film bustles with gunfire and such, which would light up a surround system, but this mono track simply replicates the sound effects in rather dull fashion. But this is mono and as such, I will grade it as such. I found very little hiss and harshness, which pleased me and I also noticed no traces of distortion either. The music also sounds nice, but again lacks the depth and range it would find in a surround option. You’ll find both Cantonese and English language tracks on this disc, which is a nice touch I think. Both offer clean, crisp vocals and as such, both camps should be pleased with the audio options here. Optional English subtitles have been included, which I am sure will come in handy.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes an exclusive audio commentary with director John Woo, who provides a lot of information and anecdotes on The Killer and the production involved. Woo is alone on this track, but he never leaves many silent spaces and never rambles or becomes dull in the least. He talks about his influences, his reasons for certain sequences, and many other aspects of this film, which makes for an informative and entertaining track in the end. This disc also includes production notes, a talent file for John Woo, theatrical trailers for The Killer and Hard Boiled.
