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| The Killer (Diexue shuangxiong), dir. John Woo (Wu Yusen, 1989) |
In your response, you must relate your film response to the readings. How did the first reading and its accounts on director John Woo's background and its detailed analysis of The Killer help you understand the film? How did the six approaches to film outlined in the second reading prepare you for your midterm paper UPDATE due October 7th? What approaches do you plan to take for your paper?
Your responses are due on Monday September 30 by 8 pm. Comments to two other responses are due on Monday by 10 pm.
The Film named ‘The Killer’ was directed by John Woo. It described a story between a killer and a cop. Ah Jong was a killer. He accidentally injured Jennie in an assassination mission. This accident caused her blindness. It made Jong feel guilty. He wanted to take Jennie to foreign country for medical treatment. But he didn’t have enough money. So he was employed to kill Gang Leader by Wong Hoi. However, Wong Hoi wanted to kill Jong off to prevent divulgence of secrets after Jong completing his mission. And a cop called Li Ying was ordered to arrest Jong at the same time. Ying found Jong was not a cold-blooded killer during investigation. He felt kind, brave and resourceful from Jong. He made a friend with Jong finally. They jointly wiped out Hoi’s gang. But Jong unfortunately sacrificed. Li Ying killed Hoi for his revenge. The ending was very sad. Jong’s eyes were shot blind. He can’t use his cornea to restore Jennie’s sight.
ReplyDeleteJohn Woo is a famous director in the world, even he’s in the Hollywood. Aestheticization of violence is the depiction of or references to violence in the film. John Woo is a representative person to use this kind of film treatment. Violence aesthetics is not simple manifestations of violence. The director can use it to show deeper connotations. In John Woo’s film, the lead role is always good and evil person. They are not good people in universal significance. They can be gang boss, criminals or street bully. But they have to comply with brotherhood and moral arena. They are the most important things for them. John Woo said ‘I always feel that there are not real good or bad people in the world, everyone has its dual character, and there is not a perfect person. Good and bad is respectively in different proportion, the proportion of good elements more than bad is good, the opposite is bad.’ In the film, Ah Jong is a killer. He should be a bad people in universal significance. But we can feel him that he is a good people in the end. So people have two sides. It just likes a coin. We need to look at a person objectively.
For this film, one sentence comment:One Vicious Killer. One Relentless Cop. Ten Thousand Bullets.
DeleteI very much agree with you, chow plays the killer so that we feel a different kind of feeling, usually, we all think is a cold-blooded killer who used to see the death of someone else's death would be for the performance of indifference, however, played chow killer will risk their lives for a little girl, the killer, is clearly not truly bad guys.
Delete'The Killer'[1989] wasn't the first action film directed by John Woo, it actually came after his revitalizing film, 'A Better Tomorrow'[1986], and borrows heavily from that work in terms of themes and plot. Despite this, critics agree[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1032434-killer/] that the pacing of the action sequences was incredibly well done. Initially, I wanted to focus on the numerous 'Mexican Standoffs' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_standoff] that are a staple of the film (and serve to allow for exposition in the midst of gunfights), after finding out more about Woo's body of work, I thought it might be more interesting to analyze just the first gunfight scene, to try and see if it the action was so well put together, as the critics say.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that jumped out at me was the use of sound. The first piece of music, sung by Jenny, begins immediately after the job is accepted. This lovely romantic melody leads up to just before the fight begins, then all sound stops for a few crucial seconds. This silent moment, just before knocking on the door is the 'calm before the storm'[http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/Calm+Before+the+Storm]. and clearly signals the change of pace. Afterward, during the extensive shootout, there is tense, repetitive and strained music in the background. This becomes frantic after Jenny's eyes are blinded, and the pace of the music, the screaming and the fumbling about of the characters on screen conveys a strong sense of disorder and terror, which the music reinforces. As the music ends, we're left looking up at a statue of the Virgin Mary, setting up the theme of repentance. In terms of action, 10 people die in a span of 90 seconds, which is an average of 9 seconds per death. Together, the speed of events, and the rampant pace of the music combine to create a heart-pounding 2 minute sequence, so I have to admit, I think the pacing and scripting work really well.
I'm going to try and figure out how to do hyperlinks in responses for next time, sorry the format is messy this time.
DeleteI think the change of Li is a great point to talk about too, at first, he wants to take Zhuang in so bad, because he is a coo and Zhuang is a killer, and then Li gets to know him deeper and better, at last, Li stands together with Zhuang, fight with the mafia like brothers, even call each other nick names, it tells a lot.
DeleteThe use of sound is really good in the film. Many background music is very classic in Hongkong shootout film. John Woo is good at using background music to add the atmosphere.
DeleteThe Killer wasn't the first action film directed by John Woo， but it was the best at that time. It was produced in 1989, and I was born in 1990. I also saw this movie before, so I think it is very famous.
DeleteThe pacing was great. Even in the "low" moments, one felt the not-so-distant presence of a gun fight. It was an engaging movie all the way through.
DeleteI like how you did a "by the numbers" summary of that first assassination sequence. It does sort of help to put some of the film and, specifically, the lead character into perspective. The film's opening scene(s) really impressed me in terms of the movie's place in the "action" film genre's tradition. It's definitely not just an action film, but it's also immediately recognizable as one, if that makes sense - and the music helps to support that too.
DeleteI think a movie is good or bad, must follow closely related to the film's soundtrack, as you put it, the film, a musical performance of the tranquility of the church, but also through music, the intensity of the performance of the shootout
DeleteI like your analysis of the soundtrack. The fast pace of the music with the fast paced scenes and killing go really well together. It forces the audiences' minds to race with the movie. A lot of people don't realize the importance and impact of a lack of sound. It seems to catches the audiences breath and allows them to know that something is about to happen. Interesting post about sound!
DeleteThe film name “The Killer” was directed in 1989 in Hong Kong; have to say this is a real good action movie. The film tells a story regarding a killer name of Jeff. Jeff is professional hit man, but he was accidentally injuring a singing star name of Jennie in a task and make she blind, so he felt very guilty for Jennie. He decide help Jennie to treatment of her eyes. Thereupon he decided to raise money by assassinating gang leader for sent Jennie to abroad medical treatment her eyes. But meanwhile the cop name of Li Ying was always ordered to arrest Jeff. Lin Ying is a good cop, he with justice and hate injustice like poison, he try his best to arrest Jeff, but he would fail. Afterwards In his long-term observation he found the Jeff not a bad guy but a hero of bravery and wisdom, because he can risked his life to save one girl. So he began to appreciate him, but the crisis has come, boss Wong Hoi wanted to kill Jeff, officer Chang was also sacrifice for this. During the gang to chase them, they become Damon and Pythias. Being David and Johnthan, they always help each other when in trouble. They destroy Wong Hoi’s plot over and over. But in the end of the film Jeff was killed by Wong Hoi, and finally Lin Ying was kill the Wong Hoi for Jeff.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I’m concerned, this is a nice action movie by director John Woo，and this is his pinnacle of film. Although I have seen this movie before；but every time has different feeling. The Jeff’s actor name is Yun-Fat Chow; he is a famous actor star in Hong Kong and the world. He plays a hit man in this movie. His language, movement, expression, eye contact, smiles reaching perfection in this film. There are two scenes is make me unforgettable, that is in the restaurant, Jeff killing bad guy and homeopathy into, turned and shot, make smooth reading, graceful exquisite. It is really cool!(in my opinion this is the best interpretation of the Woo’s aesthetics of violence) The meanwhile in the face of singing star Jennie, staring, eyes, turn down, the 3 movements will be his complex mentality made be crystal clear, when in outdoors he against the wall and saw Jeanne was leave, we can see smoking, sigh, distress will be more cherish the feeling of guilt is revealed undoubted, without language, I think Yun-Fat Chow’s eyes, mouth movements is a language in this film. In the other scenes is Jeff play harmonica face to window, that give me a feeling just like: The heroic man won't return after he's gone. Have to admit Jeff not a cold-blooded killer in this film; the other way around I think he is a righteous man, for example when he was chased by enemy, the enemy shoot the girl make she hurt, he can risked his life to save one girl and pick up this girl to the hospital although this girl is strange for him. Just like the policeman name of Li Ying said: “He is a unique killer.” According to reading and combine I know, I think the director John Woo always like Woo’s aesthetics of violence and use it in the movie. In spite make people feel not real, but so many people still like it. Because it can utmost set off by contrast the hero of great. In the end of the film the Jeff's death is the climax of the film, a kind of tragic beauty. And the hero personality is often can reflect when he dies. That is the final judgments or maybe heroes deserve it. Director John Woo like slow motion, taken from multi angle and camera flash back to create this kind of death ceremony, as the hero finally show. Its magnificent for hero death, caused by the audience empathizes, emotional catharsis, spiritual sublimation. Another thing worth noting is, the film use piano for the background music not only very beautiful, but also create a sad atmosphere. I think the director John Woo is very suitable to direct the movie type of hero, he know how to better direct a hero, make its image mighty and brave. I know this maybe from his personal experience. For all I know this film has been getting many of awards in the world; it seems that this movie is by the world people's approval.
"I think Yun-Fat Chow’s eyes, mouth movements is a language in this film"， it is a great point!
DeleteIt's interesting to hear about the film from someone who has seen it, or other John Woo films, before. This is a nice perspective to have as someone who is seeing this film, as well as John Woo, for the first time!
DeleteI think the reason why this movie focus so much on Jeff's facial expressions )eyes) is because that he portraits as a killer. Though he's sympathetic, he isn't open and talkative because of his occupation or his personality. Also, as a killer, he couldn't really trust anyone and express himself to others.
DeleteIn my opinion, the movie tells us multiple stories between four people, the killer-Zhuang, The police Li, the middle man- Feng between Zhuang and the mafia, the singer-Jennie. And it also shows us the meanings of love, friendship, responsibility and humanity.
ReplyDeleteThe movie starts with a mission which leads Zhuang to the singer- Jennie. Zhuang was assigned to kill a guy, and he accidently hurt Jennie's eyes, and from the movie scene, we can tell that Zhuang was trying to save Jennie from getting hit. Zhuang feels guilty of hurting an innocent person, so he starts protecting Jennie secretly and decided to cure Jennie's eyes. Then he accepted a mission from the middle man Feng, which was going to be his last mission, however, he has to protect Jennie at the same time, so the police officer-Li found him, Zhuang's employer refused to pay him after the mission, because if Zhuang gets caught, he is done as well, so he asked Feng to kill Zhuang, however, Zhuang is a professional killer, so Feng could not kill him, then Feng found that Zhuang is actually a very responsible man, so Feng decided to get Zhuang's money, no matter what it takes. Mean time, Li(the policeman) is chasing Zhuang everywhere, and after he gets to know Zhuang deeper and better, he found out that Zhuang is actually a good guy, he is protecting Jennie, and he took a little girl who got hit in the gunfight to the hospital, even there are police chasing after him. Then Li's commander puts him on another case because he thinks that Li is going to fail on this one, because Li starts to admire Zhuang and feels pity about him. At last, the mafia send another killer to kill Zhuang and Feng, Li steps out and helps Zhuang, they kill the enemy together. Unfortunately, Zhuang died at the end.
The flow path of the movie is complicated, however, what the movie tries to tell us are easy to see. First of all, love, I think that Zhuang wants to cure Jennie's eyes, not just because that he hurt them, is also love, the reason I am thinking this way, is that Zhuang decided not to be a killer any more after he finishes the mission which Feng gave him the second time in the movie. Scondly, friendship, there are two friendships in the moive, the one between Zhuang and Feng, and the one between Zhuang and Li. I would like to talk about the friendship between Zhuang and Li, because Li is a detective, and Zhuang is a killer, Zhuang is breaking the law, and Li is protecting the law, how can cats and mice ever become friends. The attitude of Li is changing from taking Zhuang in, to standing on the same line, fighting with the same enemy really touches me. Zhuang and Li are like one person, if Zhuang was a detective, they could be the best partners in the world, they all have integrity, responsibility, and humanity. The other thing that the movie shows us is responsibility, "I will do whatever I have promised", this sentence was said a lot of time in the movie by Zhuang and Feng, Zhuang tries to protect Jennie, Feng tries to get Zhuang's money for the mission, all of these scenes show us the importance of responsibilty, when Feng died, he asked Zhuang if he is a dog or not, Zhuang said no, you are human-being, because they all know what responsibility is. Lastly, humanity, Zhuang was in the gunfight on the beach, and a little girl gets hit by the guys chasing Zhuang, Zhuang takes the girl with him and takes her to the hospital, I am sure that a lot of people would not do that under that circumstance. Zhuang is a good guy, even he is a killer, and he regrets of being a killer, because he said that he would to start over if he could.
I am agree with your opinion. There are four relationships between major character and others: love, friendship, responsibility and humanity. This is not a simple love story, it also has an abundant contents.
DeleteIt is a great point you mentioned "If Jong was a detective, they could be the best partners in the world." I feel like Jong has all factors being a police officer such as justice, mercy, and responsibility.
DeleteI'm just agree with you some opinion.The first,i don't think the film including the love.Jeff want to cure Jennie's eyes just he think he is gulity for Jennie.On the other hand, I agree with you "the friendship between the Zhuang and Li" I think the friendship is one of the film's key!
DeleteA romantic, action story that transpired from morality, trust and friendship, “The Killer” is about two men who are supposed to be enemies but have similar believes, settling their differences in order to achieve the greater good. In the middle of it all it involves some romance and a lot of bromance. John is a stone-cold professional hitman that uses his skills and intelligence to seek “justice”, as he only kill criminals, and also demands high rewards for the jobs because he understands the risks he is taking. Li Ying, on the other hand, is a reckless police officer who will relentlessly pursue his target at all costs. Although he seems like a hot-head at times, he is also very intelligent, just like John. The two supporting characters, Sidney and Chang, are also crucial to the development of John and Li Ying’s character, as well as to the plot of the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast of the different personality of the two main characters is quite interesting. John is supposedly a hitman, but would risk his life saving others. Li Ying, who is a cop, did not even care when an innocent died because of his action. Notice how I used “justice” earlier; clearly it isn’t right for John to murder people (under the law) just because they are bad people, but the way he executes his targets makes him different than other hitman, more like a vigilante (a very rich one). You can tell that he is very skilled, especially by the way he assassinated Mr. Weng with a sniper. He never wanted to hurt anyone else other than his targets, as you can tell by his actions. He fell in love with Jennie, who he accidentally injured and risks his life to take a little girl to the hospital. Li Ying, on the other hand, constantly gets in trouble with his boss because of his reckless behavior. It is almost like the two of them should switch occupations because of their personalities
Sidney and Chang are also important because they were both greater mentors and friends to John and Li Ying respectively. As mentioned on page 107 in the “Enough to Make Strong Men Weep” reading, the two sides have a parallel father-son relationships. Although Sidney betrayed John at one point, he was more or less forced to do so and he also wanted to be respected, the two of the eventually reconcile, and Sidney was able to regain his dignity. Chang wasn’t given as significant amount of time as Sidney as a supporting character, he was still important because he was able to assist and support Li Ying through the partnership, and his death became Li Ying’s motivation to continue the case.
This movie has so much to talk about, but I’ve already written too much, very good movie indeed nonetheless.
I agree with your opinion. Two main characters should switch occupations. Their personalities are really different. Their respective personalities are more suited to each other's work. It's very interesting.
DeleteI like your analysis of the mentor characters. They teach their "pupils" great lessons even up until the moment they both die.
DeleteI agree with your father-son point. i also though it was interesting how in the article it said how when they died, it was as if old traditional chinese culture died with them
DeleteChow Yun Fat and John Woo teams up together with strong commitment to this highly melodramatic action film. The Killer was so ahead of its time especially with its signature shootout scenes and fast paced action sequences in its time of production in Hong-Kong. Without any special, visual or sound effects; it's a high achievement on both sound and vision. It's high on thematic values, but low on production values.Woo benefited a lot from a team of action-coordinators as part of the production crew he assigned with. 20 years from its screen release, today still there are not many action films in which the sequences are coordinated as good as in The Killer. The rest of the production was standing by its plot, which becomes unbearable due to extremely melodramatic events. Woo tries to hurt our feelings as much as he can by killing and injuring innocents so ruthlessly: Passengers on a train, children on a beach, singers at a night club etc.Lowell Lo's heart-wrenching theme and background music was one of the finest of the thematic values. Story development is also very effective that everything seems going fine at the beginning of Jong(the hit-man)'s last mission, then for he wasn't paid for his successful assassination he decides to show up back from underground with his alias: "Jeffrey". When he did, a stage singer ends up losing her sight and becomes blind from shot blasting. Jong helps her get well; she falls in love with him. He introduces himself as Jeffrey to her. No matter what romance they share together, no matter how close they are to each other; there is absolutely no accordance no chemistry between Sally Yeh and Chow Yun-Fat. Sally Yeh acts so poorly, especially while she keeps screaming needlessly every other scene.In a hit-man's life; there is no certain way to go, there is nobody to trust, there is no repentance. In Luc Besson's film of 1994, Jean Reno and Natalie Portman builds up a better harmony using emotions but not melodrama.Additionally in John Woo's film, even though Chow Yun-Fat is not fast enough he just stands by the bullets by running, or guards himself with armchairs and seats of the cathedral which are vulnerable to bullets with the gaps between backrests. So many bullets are used... Were they shot by children or blind hitmans? How could you explain not getting shot while 4 hitmans are aiming at you running inside the cathedral and running on the beach? On the other hand, every single bullet hurts one person or another; or leaves marks, tracks and holes on walls, and in the texture of the floor. It's not an acquirement to waste 10 thousand bullets in a movie; but it's really an achievement when you configure a sub-production plan just to preview and review the bullets in both pre-production and production.
ReplyDeleteSee your words：there is absolutely no accordance no chemistry between Sally Yeh and Chow Yun-Fat. Sally Yeh acts so poorly, especially while she keeps screaming needlessly every other scene.In a hit-man's life;. I think you said is reasonable, Johnwoo's film is the opposite of the female description shows the friendship between men and men, it is also a reflection of Chinese society at that time the status of men are higher than women.
DeleteYou make a great point about Jenny's acting, She really had no role in the film, beyond emotional motivation for Jeff.
DeleteThe Killer is the best gangster movie produced by John Woo in 1989. At that time, there were not too much perfect gangster movies in Hong Kong, and even the existing ones were not good enough like The Killer. This movie add some occidental cultural elements, like the whole movie beginning with screen in church and also ending in the same church.
ReplyDeleteAh Jong (Yun-Fat Chow) and Insp. Li Ying (Danny Lee) are famous main cast in this movie, and one is killer, and one is policeman who is catching killer. Ah Jong is moral killer but his boss broke faith with him and broke the rule in under-society organization. He was a killer, but a good killer, because he only killed bad persons and save the harmless people like the diva, Jennie and the little girl on the beach. Once in a shootout, he accidentally damaged the eyes of Jennie, a beautiful woman, and she was going blind. Ah Jong felt so sorry to her and tried his best to cure her eyes. He was a killer but with full of love, honest, faith, and responsible person. Li Ying was a righteous policeman. At the beginning, he worked hard to investigate crimes but his boss did not appreciate him. When he investigated the case about Ah Jong, he became realized that although Ah is a killer, Ah had a heart full of justice, honor and ethics, which were much similar like him, like what Li said: I believe in justice, but nobody trusts me. When they two guys met the same enemy, they are work together tacitly, like truly friends. If they are not living in opposite position, which one was killer and one was policeman, they could be really dependable partners. Ah Jong said Li was an unusual cop and Li said Ah was an unusual killer. They both believe in justice, and they were the same style people. They looked like understanding each other very well even they only had known each other for couple of days. Ah Jong believe they were the same, and Li analyzed Ah so deeply: Ah looked determined... without being ruthless. There was something heroic about him. He did not look like a killer. He came across so calm... acted like he had a dream... eyes full of passion.
In the end, Li’s friend Sgt. Tsang Yeh said a word that is logistic and let me ponder: You can't win all the time. But you can't lose forever, either.
I'm agree with you view, Zhuang make Jennie's hurt,he want to take the responsibilty,so he back on the road of killer.Even if he paid the price of his life.I think this is need we to respect it,have to admit he is a real man and hero rather than a cold-blooded killer in this movie. I think this movie revelation to me a lot of truth,such as responsibility and friendship.So it is a classical film in China.
Delete"Very cool" is the phrase that came to mind at the end of the movie. The Killer was a fairly typical "shoot-em-up" movie with a key difference that I am going to point out in a moment. There wasn't any part of the movie I didn't like. From the story to the acting to the music and mis-en-scene, everything was spot on.
ReplyDeleteI want to focus on one key point--Jeanie. Jeanie lost her eye sight in the beginning of the movie, and in losing her eye sight she herself became a theme. I am going to propose two ideas and let you decide for yourself which you agree with. To me, Jeanie represents innocence and the idea that sometimes things don't get better. Let me explain. In one sense, since her eye sight is so bad she cannot see all of the horrible things that are going on around her. She goes about life unaware, for instance, that any of the men have guns for the longest time. In the other sense her eye sight never gets better. Through the whole movie her eyes get continually worse. In the end, she is more or less blind. I'm not sure if it was the intention of the director, but it vividly said to me that sometimes things just don't work out in the end. It was a piece of honesty that I found very refreshing.
Loved the movie. It was packed with action, romance, brotherhood, and truth. What more could you ask for?
I almost cried for the last scene of the movie. They fell in love "cause of" her lost eyesight, but also lost each other within the lost eyesight.
DeleteAlthough the film is full of gunfight scenes, but it is still a good romantic movie. Zhuang does everything for Jeanie. I am deeply impressed by his behavior.
DeleteAgreed with the typical "shoot-em up" part, reminded me of Tarantino-esque movies while I was watching it.
DeleteI think you bring up an interesting point about the Jenny and her blindness. Is her inability to see things a blessing or a curse? When we ask this, I feel like we have to bear in mind the role of gender I think.
DeleteI think it's interesting how you talk about the lack of sight. I agree that it does allow her to not see the violence going on all around her. It's true that things don't get better for her, but I don't think the director wants to make that point. With that said, I'm not sure as to why he did that. I was hoping your brought up how he lost his eye sight in the end the way she did. I find it interesting that he's made more equal to her.
DeleteOnce again, I'm very impressed by your analysis. I really like the thought about Jeanie's eyesight and how it causes her to be oblivious to her surroundings - that never occurred to me. Maybe the sad ending was his admiration for Scorsese coming out?
DeleteOne more thing you can say about Jennie's blindness is that after she is blinded, she becomes romantically involved with Jeff. There is something there about the whole blind woman with a man who kills for a living. She can't see it, but he hides it anyway.
DeleteI first watched the killer on recommendation i probably would hate it but I was wrong. The Killer was so ahead of its time especially with its signature shootout scenes and fast paced action sequences in its time of production in Hong-Kong. Chow Yun Fat and John Woo teams up together with strong commitment to this highly melodramatic action film . Without any special, visual or sound effects; it's a high achievement on both sound and vision. It's high on thematic values, but low on production values.
ReplyDeleteThe killer tells a classical violent Hong Kong action film; this is the story of an assassin, Jeffrey Chow (aka Mickey Mouse) who takes one last job so he can retire and care for his girlfriend Jenny. When his employers betray him, he reluctantly joins forces with Inspector Lee (aka Dumbo), the cop who is pursuing him. Together, the new friends face the final confrontation of the gangsters out to kill them
Now, I want to talk about woo. Woo benefited a lot from a team of action-coordinators as part of the production crew he assigned with. 20 years from its screen release, today still there are not many action films in which the sequences are coordinated as good as in The Killer. The rest of the production was standing by its plot, which becomes unbearable due to extremely melodramatic events. Woo tries to hurt our feelings as much as he can by killing and injuring innocents so ruthlessly: Passengers on a train, children on a beach, singers at a night club etc.
There is no doubt in mind that "The Killer" is easily the most poetic action film in the world. Not only that, it's also the best action-drama film around!
Agree, the comparison between the innocent and the killer is quite shocking. And I also think that Woo is a director who would like pay more attention to the brotherhood, which also impresses me a lot.
DeleteJust considering 'The Killer' from the perspective of an entertainment movie leaves little to ask for. As you mentioned, it was really ahead of its time when it was made, and it's appeal to today's audiences (you, me, and everyone else who enjoyed it at least) is testament to the value of the film in the long run. Nowadays we get many films that are in some way of higher 'production value', but for whatever reason they just fall short of being anything more than a "B" grade movie to watch on TV occasionally. In my opinion, approaching it from the 'auteur' perspective could potentially help flesh out the details as to just why this might be considered more of a 'classic.'
DeleteThe film, "the killer," mainly told a story of a killer, Zhuang. He hurt a girl by accident, and took in charge of her to heal her eyes. But when he decided to kill the last one and got the money to have surgery for her, Wanghai, the employer of the killer, want to kill Zhuang. During detective progress, Police Li, found the kind part of Zhuang and decided to help him. Zhuang's intermediary, also waked by Zhuang and act like a man. In the last fight, Zhuang was died and missed Jenny at last.
ReplyDelete"The Killer," one of the most famous movie, especially for action movie, of Chow Yun-Fat. I think he is the man born for this kind of character, the boss of the Gang, with a gun like a God,but always be kindness to the weak and small. Never be beaten, never lost the game. However, this kind of person, finally die at the end of the movie, which surprised and touched me a lot. He can never die, he is such a good man. But that is destiny, he is a hero, but he is also a killer. That might be the value of that period, even he is good, but he still committed. There is a clear boundary between good and bad. But Zhuang is at the middle. It is hard to judge his life. For another character, the Police Li, a police but not be recognized very well. He is also a kind person, which made him stand by Zhuang finally and killed Wanghai but be caught. It is ironic that the real good persons dead, be caught, even though the real villain was kill. The scene mostly happened in a church, which is also an ironic point. And the love line, which seems weaker than the brotherhood in the film, I was mostly touched by everyone who helped Zhuang, with their lives.
I agree with your point of view. Zhuang is a good man and a hero. This movie reminds me of another movie "Leon". Although they are killers, but they have a sense of justice.
DeleteI am wondering if Li makes Jong's wish come true which is transplanting his corneas to Jennie. Is this a way that extends Jong's life?
DeleteBefore addressing the content of the film at all, I thought it was rather interesting how many companies were involved in making/funding/producing this film. Before we can even reach the film itself, there are three company logos (in another version of the film that I looked into, but didn't watch because it was dubbed in English, there are even more). This has nothing to do with analysis of the movie itself, it just happens to be something I found interesting.
ReplyDeleteThere is, of course, plenty about the film to analyze. Given what we know about the make-up of many of John Woo's films from our readings for the week - both of which focus on male relationships in his films - it's fascinating to see The Killer and to position it within the larger film tradition of 1980s Hong Kong and the trajectory of this particular director. Contrary to the other films we viewed this semester, this film is a story about men, masculinity, and male relationships. The question of the homoeroticism (or lack thereof) in this and others of John Woo's movies is a curious one. The question then becomes this: does The Killer's composition as a film do anything to support or subvert these claims, particularly in light of the fact that we have two authors writing about the nature of masculinity and (platonic) male relationships in John Woo's movies?
Clearly, this is a very different kind of movie to watch in comparison to Stage Sisters, Woman Demon Human, and Rouge. But it isn't only the shift away from a focus on women and feminism as subject matter that differentiates The Killer from the other films we've seen. This movie is representative of another genre entirely. The very beginning of the movie is quite telling in this regard. For the first handful of scenes, the volume of music outweighs the volume of speaking (both literally and metaphorically), for example. We are treated to a montage of images that are more about their visual spectacle than their symbolism, from the initial scene in the church to the hyper-stylized shot of Jenny remembering "the killer" being consumed by a backdrop of blood. This is not, at first glance, a movie that is blatantly about how things or people feel, but rather how they look and what their appearance can make you, the audience, feel. Knowing this, we can ask ourselves the question we posed about the film's homoerotic content (or, again, lack thereof) again and perhaps gain a bit more insight into how the director might want us to look at the movie. We might also use this as an opportunity to ask a broader question about the gulf between what a director might intend and what an audience interprets.
I find it really interesting that in one scene, just after escaping the house under assault, Li and Jeff sit down together to smoke and cauterize Jeff's wounds. They spend a long time talking and becoming friends, and the entire time, Jenny is sitting in the car, forgotten, off screen, a prop unneeded. They become very very friendly in a short amount of time, and beyond simply feeling forced for filmic purposes, also feels like it oversteps the bounds of friendship between two men who've just met.
DeleteBefore seeing a genuine Hong-Kong produced John Woo movie, I already know the name actor “xiaomage” played by Zhou.no matter girl or boy in my school, they all hear about “xiaomage” and this is one of evident show how success the film is.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the well-known poetic violence of the super-charged action scenes makes for an exciting film. This bloodshed, stream of bullets with raw emotion that puts even the best Hollywood actioners to shame at that time. We can easy find these factors.
Secondly, this film told us a true thing, the hero and the villain are practically the same; they are only divided by an almost arbitrary line called the law. The Killer “Ma brother“is unrelenting, capable, though misunderstood, professionals. The classic storyline of the interaction of the two characters who eventually realize their similarities and end up working together has been seen before, but never has it been used to such effect as in The Killer. Woo's familiar themes of brotherhood, betrayal and loyalty also reach their cinematic peak in this movie. The viewer not only wants to see the next pyrotechnic action scene, but is actually concerned with the lives of the characters, an element that is almost always lacking in typical Hollywood fare.
Finally, the gun-battle scenes are simply the most spectacular, bloody violence, yet strangely beautiful, and last but not least, is the unbelievably powerful screen presence of Chow Yun-Fat, as always cool incarnate.
Great point you make here about the killer and the cop being the same. I find that fascinating and somewhat unpredictable. I think that this relationship gave the audience something to root for. I found myself wanting the cop and the killer to work together for the greater good of killing all the other killers. The action in my opinion was over the top and not something I would watch again.
DeleteThe killer movie directed by Wu history. Hong Kong in 1989, the emergence of a lot about cops and robbers movie, in which the vast majority of gangster films are in order to show the spectacular shootout. However, the killer has focused on the film realized people's feelings. This one has Chow and Lee sympathetic brotherhood, Chow and love between Yeh, there Chow and Chu moral feelings. In the film, tells the story of Chow as a professional killer, often for the money away to kill, in an operation, accidental injury as a bar singer Yeh, Chow also feel guilt, came into contact with Yeh, Yeh eyes and hoping cured. Lee is an ordinary policeman, but frustrated, in a witness protection operation, made strong killer Chow, Lee that Chow is not a cold-blooded killer, they start to get to know Chow, Chow was the last person to kill organization, and Lee Chow helped organize people to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIn this film, we can note a lot of interesting details, such as a lot of important scenes in the film are chosen in a church, and then the final shootout movie scenes set in the church, the church of tranquility and shootout confusion stark contrast, this comparison can also be expressed in the Chow and Lee's body, Chow is a killer, but not killing innocent people, Lee was a policeman, but very much appreciate Chow, Chow together and help fight the enemy. Chow plays a character in the film, there is a strong gas field, he has a killer cool, but also has a warm heart, can be shot when the child, Chow desperate the child to the hospital. This reminds me of another movie, called: The Professional. The same is the killer, with the same warm heart. In this film, the first time I felt a different killer, killers are usually people that cruel, but Chow plays the killer, let us see a killer's heart. Lee also played the police; also let us know that the world did not feel justice or evil, there is no absolute right or wrong.
I believe this film was the classic of classics in cops and robbers movie during that time and I totally agree with what you said “the world did not feel justice or evil, there is no absolute right or wrong.”
DeleteI also like the fact that the "bloody massacre" ending of the movie is filmed in the Church. To me, it is like telling how worst things can happen at tranquil place. The statue was broke during the gunfight, and the church itself almost got destroyed. Also, I noticed that a priest came out during the gun fight and he wasn't afraid at all. He walked Jennie to a safe place.
DeleteTalking more about the priest, he was casually shot down by the mob boss while trying to protect Jennie from the gunman.
DeleteMovie “The Killer” showed us not just the typical Hong Kong gangster film, but also contains love, friendship, and responsibility stories. At the first, Jong (acted by Yun-Fat Chow) is a killer and he accidently hurt the female singer-Jennie’s (acted by Sally Yeh) eyes on one of the killing mission. With guiltiness and mercy, Jong wants to cure Jennie’s eyes when he first saw her performance in a nightclub. With no choice, Jong accepted his last mission as a killer from his friend also a retired killer-Fung. The award is 100-thousand dollar that Jong wants to take Jennie to abroad and cures her eyes. Unfortunately, Jong was exposure his identity when he trying to complete the mission. There are two police officer, Li and Tsang followed him and sailed to an isolated island. They noticed Jong has chance to escape from gunfight but he put himself under a huge danger and decided to save a little girl’s life. Although, they did not catch him in the hospital, Li felt Jong is special and not like the normal killer he met before. By accidently, Li saw Jennie performing in the nightclub and noticed Jong is also watching in the dark. After investigating, Li guessed Jong might be the killer who hurt Jennie’s eyes and he might visit Jennie’s house later. At the same time, the gangster leader, Wong wants Fung to kill Jong because he exposure his identity. Jong succeed escaped from gunfight and hided in Fung’s house, which near the sea. Without the award from last mission, Jong cannot take Jennie to abroad. As a friend, Fung promised Jong will take the money back from the gangster leader Wong. At the same time, Wong sent a expert killer to kill Jong. They killed police officer Tsang in the parking lot that made Li felt angry to Jong because he thought Jong caused the death of Tsang. Li followed Jong to a church, Fung taking the money back with blood all around body while they are arguing. A large group of gangsters came and trying to make a carnage in church. Fung died when he tried to protect Jong. Li suddenly felt the brotherhood between Fung and Jong and also there is no other choice to fight with the gangsters. He alongside with Jong and protect Jennie. When they finished almost gangsters, the gangster leader Wong wrapped Jennie as a hostage and wants they drop their weapons. Finally Jong was died while trying to protect Jennie, and Wong was killed by Li.
ReplyDeleteThis movie gives a deep impact about the killer-Jong’s emotional activities. He is not just a cold-blood killer like normal killers we saw in other movies. He felt guilty when he saw Jennie was injured by his shot. The reason he wants to cure her eyes is not only he wants to apologize but also he fell love with her. Another scene is he trying to protect the bullet-wound girl and taking her to hospital by giving up to escape for his life. Also, he asked Li to promise once he died during crossfire, Jennie will transplant corneas by him. Director figured Jong with many positive aspects like a hero rather than a negative way just as a cold-blood killer. And also for the character Li, first of all, he is a police officer but at the end of the movie he inspired by Jong and became a friend with Jong and fight with gangsters alongside. I think this might a purpose of director that let audiences feel there still have some virtuous thing even his job is a killer.
P.S. I am wondering why this movie started from a scene of church, and also ended at the same place, church. What is the purpose of director?
It is interesting, as you note, that the movie started from a scene at the church and also ends at the church. It's open to interpretation, I think. It might have religious overtones, as other classmates have suggested. Or maybe they were breaking budget and decided to save some money by filming at the same location multiple times. :P
DeleteThis movie was not one of my favorites due to the overload of action. This movie is very different from any that we have seen, but not a good experience for me. The move was catchy and had a interesting story line that was really easy to follow throughout but had shooting and killing in probably 95% of the scenes. I also felt like the move played a lot like a soap opera and was very dramatic and unrealistic. The movie was way too bloody, I felt like they could have done without some of the gory sections of the movie. One last dislike about the film, I thought that they freeze framed in extremely weird and uncalled for parts, I didn't understand the purpose of that.
ReplyDeleteOn a more positive note, I thought the relationship between the cop and the killer was very unpredictable and interesting. I didn't see that coming at all. I think that people could relate to befriending an enemy in the end. I also thought it was interesting how much emotion was shown in the film on the faces of the actors. The killer for instance showed tons of emotion, and you could tell from his face that he was having an inner struggle with himself on what to do about Jennie in the beginning but also a lot of inner struggle throughout because he really wanted to put the gun down, but was unable to in the end. I also think that the audience could relate to never forgetting your love no matter what happens and doing whatever I takes to fulfill the dreams of the other. Last thing I would like to point out with Jennie's growing blindness and how much closer the killer became to death, like from the beginning the tension started with Jennie being a little blind and the killer somewhat free from his killing job, for the fact that he had chance to escape it, but the more killing he did, the more he was wanted from his boss, and the more Jennie's blindness increased. So in the end she was completely blind and he was dead.
Interesting analysis of the growing blindness of Jennie and its correlation with the killer's life, never thought that the two related. But come on! It's a great movie
DeleteI agree, it is interesting to think about the killer's actions and how it relates Jennie's condition worsening. As far as the gore, I guess that's what we've come to expect from a John Woo film. They aren't for everyone!
DeleteIn “The Killer,” there is an interesting exchange between Jeff and the cop. The film does a great job showing how they are so different (1 is a killer and the other is a cop who is supposed to arrest killers). But there are constant signs of how they are similar. There are a lot of camera shots of Jeff sitting in a chair, smoking a cigarette, just thinking. There isn’t any dialogue during these shots. He’s by himself, quiet, thinking. A lot of times, especially during the second half of the movie, the movie will switch to the cop who is doing the exact same thing. He’s alone, smoking a cigarette, just thinking. When the two characters meet, they often end up drawing their guns at each other in the same way. If you pause the movie, there is symmetry between the two characters, in the same position (with one arm out, pointing a gun at one another. Even in the end, Jeff tells the cop that they are very similar.
ReplyDeleteIn “Enough to make strong men weep,” the author says that the writer of “The Killer includes many fun scenes and says that there are many, “. . . soulful exchanges between urban warriors bound together in duty and friendship . . . (99)”. Jeff and the officer can be seen as the urban warriors. And while they are different because they have such different duties, they are bound together by friendship. We see this in the end of the movie. They are similar, and they become friends.
Yeah, I agree with you said Jeff and the cop are similar, it reminds me the lines they talked with each other: Our jobs are both using guns but we used it in different ways.
DeleteThe film “The Killer” was directed by Yusen Wu and produced by Tsui Hark. It was shown in 1989s in Hong Kong and the same year in the USA. Yusen Wu is the third Chinese star into the Hollywood after Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. The main characters in the film are Xiao Zhuang acted by Chow Yun Fat, Li Ying acted by Danny Lee and Jennie acted by Sally Yeh. Zhuang is a hatchet man but he is not cold-blooded. Once when he was in mission, he accidentally injured Jennie who is the singer and she became blindness. Zhuang decided to take care of her and treat her eyes. Li ying is a cop and he wants to catch Zhuang. He observes and follows the tracks of Zhuang, he finds Zhuang seems to be not like a killer and tries to help him when Zhuang was hunted down by reactionary gang.
ReplyDeleteThis film talks about lots of things, like personal loyalty, the responsibility between Zhuang and Si Ge; Love, between Zhuang and Jennie; Friendship between Zhuang and Li ying. This film’s background music is really orderliness. When Zhuang killed the first people in the bar, the song called “Qian Zui Yi Shen” was acted and when he tried to snipe Wang Hai, the background music was also upped. I believe this film talked about the director Yusen Wu’s life from another side. Wu came down In the world in 1983s. He came to Taiwan for 3 years. I think it was his career trough, like Zhuang was hunted by his boss in the film and Li Ying was misunderstand by his superior. They all need their friends to help them. However, the end of the film was not like what I thought. Zhuang became blind and he couldn’t give his cornea to Jennie. That really despaired me.
I think it was a tragic irony that even Jeff's last wishes can't be fulfilled. In the end, his hopes of donating his corneas to Jennie are literally shot. The scene where Jeff and Jennie call blindly for each other, but miss each other, also exemplifies the tragic irony.
DeleteSee you say personal loyalty, the responsibility between Zhuang and Si Ge; Love, between Zhuang and Jennie; Friendship between Zhuang and Li ying. I think you said is reasonable, especially in men also friendship between men, this department: killer; The "is undoubtedly more perfect embodiment of the point
DeleteI originally chalked it up to my own shortcomings with regard to the culture of Hong Kong, but I was rather struck by all the scenes taking place in a church, the doves, and the statues of Jesus and Mary. The movie even starts out in a Church, and what I would consider the most climactic battle of the movie also takes place in one. It seems like such a serene and special place, but it's where the protagonist takes money for the job that blinds Jenny, and he later is blinded himself on the steps outside the church in a rather gruesome fashion. The reading helped me form a more educated impression on this imagery. Woo was evidently aided greatly by the generosity of a Lutheran church, despite living in a rather violent and crime-ridden part of Hong Kong. The church is a place where the hero and the villain alike (depending on one's definition of what constitutes these roles) can find peace. A small island of tranquility amidst a sea of chaos. It seems that the ultimate perversion of this principle is near the end during the shootout. Even the statue of the Virgin Mary is not spared it seems. It's interesting to compare the violence being brought into the church to the violence brought into Jenny's life.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the course of watching various films of all kinds, we inevitably form our own biases as to which ones we prefer and why we prefer them. Reading through A Short Guide draws me most towards the ideas of auteur and ideology as approaches to writing about film. As the author points out about ideology: “ … these films present themselves as mainly entertainment, and their makers would probably resent any claim that there are unintended social or political perspectives at work here.” (97) I can't help but be curious as to how Woo would feel about my analysis of his film with regards to his life. Based on the first reading, it's no secret that Woo likes to talk about meaning and analysis with regard to his films, but I feel like the church scenery should have warranted further inquiry than we are given.
After reading the assigned article, I thought it was also helpful to know that Woo was a Christian. The film starts and ends with the church, which highlight's Woo's interest.
DeleteWell, it was exactly what we've come to expect from John Woo: Gory, dramatic, stylish, and a plot that seems to be stuck in the kiddy-pool. What's not to love? I imagine most of us didn't have to sit down and write pages of deep analysis for this one, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it's best to just grab the popcorn and watch. In response to the chapter in "A Short Guide to Writing About Film", the word "auteur criticism" comes to mind, simply because so many of Mr. Woo's films are action-packed shoot-em-ups. He has a foundation, and he sticks to it; gotta respect that in a sense (his global success speaks for itself really).
ReplyDeleteIn the short biography about Woo, he claims that Martin Scorsese is his idol (I mean, who doesn't love Martin), although it was hard to see much influence from Martin in this film. Other than the stylish clothing, and the fact that people die frequently, I just don't really see the direct influence; maybe the sad ending?
Two scenes really stick out in my mind: the scene in the beginning where Chow walks into the bar and Jennie is singing. The music dominated the entire scene for me. At that point, I remember thinking, "This is going to be a fun time."
It was just a very cool scene, and it almost makes you wish you were Chow Yun Fat for a brief moment. The other scene that I thoroughly enjoyed was the ridiculous shootout in the white house, where all the helpless Triads (dressed in all-white), all ran up the hill and got sprayed instantly, dying and falling in the most humorous of ways.
I would have been thoroughly pleased if I would have paid to see that in theaters; well done, John.
For the paper, I think I'm going to write about "Rouge", and explore the topic of National Cinemas. I'm interested in exploring the influences that a rapidly-changing Hong Kong had on the film and its style.
I agree with your points that it is an enjoyable movie. An interesting note is that while John Woo tends to stick to his foundations (modern stylized gunplay), his more recent films are based in ancient China. Red Cliff is an example of this.
DeleteDirected by John Woo, “The Killers” is a highly stylized, fast paced, and abundantly clichéd film. Throughout the film, Woo makes multiple attempts to appeal to pathos. Such appeals to emotion are prominent in the clichés: Jeff severely wounds Jennie and ends up falling in love with her. The only innocent bystander victims are females—the woman who died of a heart attack and the little girl—which is a deliberate attempt to induce sympathy.
ReplyDeleteThe film also emphasizes friendship, moral values, and redemption. While Li and Jeff are adversaries in the beginning, we begin to note Jeff’s redeeming qualities when he saves the girl and helps Jennie. The scenes of Jeff going to church after finishing a hit job exemplify that everyone is viewed as equals in the eyes of God. Eventually, even Jennie’s role subsides to allow friendship to become the key theme. At the end of the film, Li and Jeff both are absorbed in each other’s conversations and seemingly forget about Jennie. The emphasis on Li and Jeff’s blossoming friendship combined with the reduced emphasis on Jennie makes the two male character’s relationship seem homoerotic.
After reading the article “Enough to Make Men Weep,” I agree with the notion that Woo was torn between two genres. While Woo wants to amuse people, he also wants to depict heavy violence. These two perhaps conflicting ideas are particularly evident in “The Killers.” For instance, the scene where Li visits Jeff at the nearly blind Jennie’s house is fairly comical. Both men point guns and engage in a rather stylized dance while also trying to preserve Jennie’s obliviousness to the situation. This scene of rivaled teamwork is parallel later to when Li and Jeff become friends and simultaneously work together in an attempt to defeat the men at the church. Rather than pursuing a comical perspective, Woo makes the last scenes of the church filled with highly stylized shootings and violence.
Im assuming by jeff you mean john? I thought that Woo mixed the right amount of comedy in there. It was entertaining and also wasnt too much to turn the movie into a comedy.
DeleteThe scene you use to highlight Woo's conflict between the comedy and action drama is a terrific example. I personally really enjoyed the film and think that even though Woo is "torn" between two genres, I think it worked. The movie was both funny and entertaining. I could see it attracting a lot of different types of audiences, but I could also see critics upset because Woo couldn't decide between the two dramas. I'm interested to see what people have to say about the film tomorrow.
DeleteIn “The Killer,” John, a trained assassin, is targeted after he revealed himself while doing one of his jobs. Catching the eye of Li, a trigger happy cop who accidently injured a woman trying to catch a man. John shows another side of him when he goes out of his way to save a young child when he was ambushed on a beach after an assignment.
ReplyDeleteFriendship seems to be a reoccurring theme throughout the movie. Sidney, John’s friend, who was the one who told him about the job is spared by John after he tricks him with a briefcase of fake money and his henchmen tries to kill him. In sparing his life, John gains a friend who vows to get John what he was promised for the job. He goes multiple times begging at one point and going in outnumbered just to get John the money. Another unlikely friendship arises between John and Li, which formed from literally pointing their guns at each other whenever they meet. Eventually they find a common enemy and begin working together and watching each other’s back. As a testament as to how close they became towards the end of the film. Li promised his deceased friend that he will kill John for what he did, but could not do it in the end. Both seem to realize, though john was the first, that a life is precious, and those who they save could become an important part of their lives.
If you ask me: what is your favorite the type of movie? I will determine the answer is action movies. In an action movie, the killer is definitely one of the representative works. In "The killer", this killer is Ah Jong and police Li Ying. The so-called killer, not in the system busters; while the police, the maintenance system. This should be the two opposite sides, but in order to moral, in order to deal with the common enemy, came together. In such a seemingly not the sense of the movie, Johnwoo portrays a classical arena, let me obsessed with. John woo, one of my most love action movie director, some people say that John woo is the true cooler of a hero. He use " A Better Tomorrow " to create a hero type, borrow "The killer" reach career peak, one even he is insurmountable peak. I basically agree with this view. I remember Zhou Runfa interview, the reporter asked him Johnwoo is it right? Gay, otherwise why his movies are always so attention between men and men's feelings. Hair Aberdeen still grinning said, because in Chinese culture, the man is dominant in society, between man and man, is down to business. In John Woo’s film is in the middle of the men and men's friendship embodied most incisive
ReplyDeleteThe killer began in the church then at the end of the church.The climax of film ，which is Danny Lee and Chow Yun Fat in the story should be on the river that wound treatment, the two heroes can finally so close communication with heart to heart, also the director want to express the comprehensive embodiment
But when it comes to love most is Chow Yun Fat . In the movie"The killer ",Ah jong is after the maturity of the pony elder brother, is an acme, gun a cold to life, a full of tender feelings with Jeanne; an old fashioned gun homicide fierce a moment ago, calm on the boat away, after a moment to save the little girl at danger; the face of a friend betrayal, he painfully choose to forgive, because he is a nostalgic person; and representatives of Justice Police to catch the thief Freemasonry as mission and to repulse the enemy
Finally, Ah jong's death is the another climax of the film, a kind of tragic beauty, starring Zhou Runfa in the movie, basically will battle to death, but also because of his starring role as a hero, but heroes personality, often die to complete the final judgement, i.e.. In his work with Johnwoo in the film, be this kind of death pushed to the extreme, Johnwoo like slow motion, taken from multi angle and camera flash back to create this kind of death ceremony, as the hero finally completed. Its magnificent here hero death, caused by the audience empathize, emotional catharsis, spiritual sublimation
I didn't notice that the movie began and ended in the church. That's a great observation! The reading highlighted that Woo had a Christian upbringing, and based on my own observations from this film, I think that Woo's religion was very influential in his film-making career. As a Christian myself, I can definitely see Woo touching on themes that are very popular in the Christian religion. Examples of such themes are forgiveness and friendship.
DeleteThe Killer is a 1989 John Woo classic starring Chow Yun-Fat as Ah Jong, a hitman, who tries to escape his life of crime. During his final job, he accidentally blinds a nightclub singer, Jenny, in a gunfight. Of course, we expect the soft-hearted assassin to make things right again. He falls in love with Jenny and promises to get her eyes fixed with his hit money, but things go awry when his pay remains undelivered. The story is a bit convoluted, but you can observe different themes of love, compassion, loyalty, and ethics put into rotation during the course of Ah Jong’s journey. With Jenny, love is the obvious motivation. Compassion is preached with the scene in which Ah Jong tries to get the wounded little girl to the hospital. The story also preaches loyalty, which is imbued into the character Fung Sei, who risks his life to get Ah Jong the money needed for Jenny’s surgery. Meanwhile, detective Li Ying wrestles with his own sense of moral ethics in deciding whether he ought to help Ah Jong, or to arrest him. Many of these scenes are a bit cheesy, and I think that the lack of subtlety is a disservice to the story.
ReplyDeleteAs with many of John Woo’s early action flicks, The Killer is a crime drama filled with well-choreographed, slow motion gunplay which were revolutionary for its time. It is enjoyable despite being over the top. The drawn-out action scenes tend to wear on me, however, with the constant exchange of gunfire and a seemingly endless supply of ammunition. The beach scene is an example of this; we see detective lee fire his 6-chamber revolver more than he realistically could have without reloading. The last scene of the movie is interesting in that it takes place in the same church that is introduced at the beginning of the movie. The ending was written poorly though, in my opinion, as there was inadequate closure with the death of Ah Jong.
The ammunition is a great aspect to look at. Where did all that ammunition come from and those long shots zipping, almost whistling, by well after it hit the person intended for. The love in the story also is evident and is a means to keep living and fighting. Maybe that is why he took that last job when he really did want to stop killing, so that he could pay for Jenny's surgery.
DeleteJohn Woo's film, the "Killer" is a tale of Ah Jung, a man who is paid large sums of money by various strangers to kill people. During what was supposed to be his last job, he accidentally blinds a singer, Jenny. Jung falls in love with Jenny and ends up accepting more killing jobs in an effort to pay for a cornea replacement surgery for Jenny. His final job is to kill a famous leader, which he successfully accomplishes until he is nearly caught by a policeman who he later befriends in the movie. The reading titled "Enough to Make Strong Men Weep" notes that Woo often makes his films more heroic in comparison to the majority of Hong Kong films (99). The reading also notes that Woo's technique is to "hyperstyle" characters, scenes, and actions. He exaggerates movements to make them more dramatic. For example, during the flashback at the beginning of the movie, there is a scene which recaps the accidental blinding of Jenny. Portions of the scene are shown in slow motion, which gave the scene a more dramatic effect.
ReplyDeleteAnother characteristic of Woo that makes his films stand out from others is his "unrestrained approach." My take on this term, which was also mentioned in the reading on page 99, is that Woo is not afraid to try new things. It's almost as if he does not filter his ideas, but instead, just makes stories up as they come to mind. This sort of effect can be illustrated by the friendship formed between the Killer and the policeman. Although this sort of friendship is not very realistic, it is nonetheless still intriguing and entertaining. The idea of a killer and cop being friends is so ironic, but it works in the context in this film. It was fitting that the killer found a new friend after his first good friend died, even if it was a cop, and this friendship allowed Woo to touch on the themes of forgiveness and friendship, which could have been influenced by his Christian upbringing.