The Killer is a 1989 Hong Kong action film directed by John Woo and produced by Tsui Hark.
The film stars Chow Yun-fat as Ah Jong, a professional assassin for the Triads who seeks to retire from his violent life. However, during a shootout, he accidentally injures the eyes of a singer named Jennie, played by Sally Yeh. To make amends and help her regain her sight, Ah Jong agrees to take on one last job.
The film is notable for its stylistic action sequences and deep exploration of themes such as honor and friendship. John Woo drew inspiration from various cinematic influences, including Jean-Pierre Melville and Martin Scorsese, to craft a narrative that contrasts the lives of seemingly opposite characters. Although The Killer did not achieve immediate success in Hong Kong, it garnered critical acclaim internationally, particularly for its innovative action choreography and emotional depth.
Upon its release, The Killer faced challenges, including the impact of the Tiananmen Square massacre on its box office performance. Despite this, it eventually grossed approximately HK$18.3 million and became a significant influence on filmmakers worldwide, including Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. The film won several awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Director for John Woo and Best Editing.
The film was released in Taiwan in March 1989, followed by a cut version in Hong Kong in July of the same year. It has since been recognized as one of the greatest action films ever made, with its legacy continuing to resonate in contemporary cinema. An English-language remake of The Killer, also directed by John Woo, is set to be released in August 2024.