A HK movie which doesn't have over the top music, bad dubbing, over stylish direction or bad actors deserves to get a better mention. After watching the APPALLING "Black Mask" (directed by that unfortunately highly American influenced Daniel Lee) I didn't expect much from this. I was pleasantly surprised. Good acting all round (watch for Jet li's subtle quirks), standable music, nice sound, simple and unglorified directing (check out the fight with the guy with the lasers) good fight scenes, and a solid plot make this a good change of pace from most Jet Li movies. Don't watch it for a Martial Arts Flick, just watch it for a well made action movie and you won't be disappointed. 7.5 /10
43 Reviews
While not without its flaws, Contract Killer boasts some impressive fights.
tarbosh2200017 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A down-on-his-luck and financially strapped ex-soldier named Fu (Li) - is reluctantly is drawn into becoming a hit-man after moving from the country to try and make it in the big city of Hong Kong. Before a mega-rich Japanese businessman is mercilessly assassinated, he smartly planned ahead and offered a hundred million dollars to whoever captures his killer. A whole panoply of money-grabbers come out of the woodwork to try and claim the loot by catching the wily killer, including the murdered tycoon's son Eiji (Sato). While Fu and a charismatic underworld type named Norman (at least in the U.S. version his name is Norman) (Tsang) are trying to work their way through the precarious situation they find themselves in, with the help of Kiki (Leung), a cop named Chan (Yam) is trying to prevent any more bloodshed. Who will find - or become - the "King of the Killers"? Find out today...
We've always been big Jet Li fans, and Contract Killer is a solid showcase for his talents. It was fun watching him go from a thrifty ragamuffin to a dapper killer, but while still continuing to be a good guy at heart, of course. He even helps a group of children win stuffed animals at a carnival, including one lucky kid who gets a Big Bird and a Cookie Monster. Pretty sweet. Much of the transformation of Fu's character was done using a classic shopping montage, which we always love to see.
Director Wei Tung, who is primarily known for being an actor and stuntman, turns in a well-shot, professional-looking product, and the U.S. DVD is in widescreen, which reinforces that. Unfortunately, it's English-dubbed only, with no option for the original spoken language. Another frustrating thing about the DVD presentation is that a lot of annoying rap music is shoehorned in all over the place. In many scenes, funky-fresh beats just randomly start playing, and of course it's all over the opening and closing credits. The lyrics even appear if you turn on the closed-captioning. Here's a prime example, and we quote: "contract killer, yo." Our question is: WHY? Is there someone out there who would enjoy the movie exactly as it is, but the fact that there isn't rap on the soundtrack every two minutes cause him to lose faith and interest in the film? Would that really be a dealbreaker for someone? Of course, the main reason to watch Contract Killer is for the Martial Arts fights, and there are some absolute killers on display. It really is a pleasure to watch Jet Li work his magic. We definitely felt these high-quality and extremely well-executed fights should have lasted longer, and there should have been more of them. But what we do get is top-notch stuff. Not to belabor the point, but watching these beautifully choreographed battles with some piped-in hip-hop is like spray painting over fine art. But honestly it's not really reason enough to avoid seeing this movie, especially considering it's available dirt cheap and is widely accessible.
While not without its flaws, Contract Killer boasts some impressive fights, and is one of the last pager-era Martial Arts extravaganzas.
We've always been big Jet Li fans, and Contract Killer is a solid showcase for his talents. It was fun watching him go from a thrifty ragamuffin to a dapper killer, but while still continuing to be a good guy at heart, of course. He even helps a group of children win stuffed animals at a carnival, including one lucky kid who gets a Big Bird and a Cookie Monster. Pretty sweet. Much of the transformation of Fu's character was done using a classic shopping montage, which we always love to see.
Director Wei Tung, who is primarily known for being an actor and stuntman, turns in a well-shot, professional-looking product, and the U.S. DVD is in widescreen, which reinforces that. Unfortunately, it's English-dubbed only, with no option for the original spoken language. Another frustrating thing about the DVD presentation is that a lot of annoying rap music is shoehorned in all over the place. In many scenes, funky-fresh beats just randomly start playing, and of course it's all over the opening and closing credits. The lyrics even appear if you turn on the closed-captioning. Here's a prime example, and we quote: "contract killer, yo." Our question is: WHY? Is there someone out there who would enjoy the movie exactly as it is, but the fact that there isn't rap on the soundtrack every two minutes cause him to lose faith and interest in the film? Would that really be a dealbreaker for someone? Of course, the main reason to watch Contract Killer is for the Martial Arts fights, and there are some absolute killers on display. It really is a pleasure to watch Jet Li work his magic. We definitely felt these high-quality and extremely well-executed fights should have lasted longer, and there should have been more of them. But what we do get is top-notch stuff. Not to belabor the point, but watching these beautifully choreographed battles with some piped-in hip-hop is like spray painting over fine art. But honestly it's not really reason enough to avoid seeing this movie, especially considering it's available dirt cheap and is widely accessible.
While not without its flaws, Contract Killer boasts some impressive fights, and is one of the last pager-era Martial Arts extravaganzas.
What one can expect from a Hong Kong action flick
The-Sarkologist28 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
It seems that there is little to differentiate this movie from the 1991 Aaron Norris version, but when I come to think of it, the real name is probably something like "King of Killers" or "Punishment Angel" or something like that. The thing is that the movie was released on Chinatown video with this name so this is that name that I am using.
As I said before, this movie could be called "The King of Killers" namely because it is about an assassin called the King of Killers. He kills for free and only kills people who deserve it. As such he kills a high profile Japanese business man and upon his death a fund is activated to go to those who are the first to bring down the killer. Unfortunately, and this is the twist, somebody else was paid some money upon the businessman's death, and upon discovery, they think he killed him.
The movie is basically an action packed adventure where at first it looks like a bumbling idiot and a naive mainlander are trying to hunt a professional killer, but it turns out that the idiot is trying to make sure that nobody thinks that he is the killer, which is true since he is a real idiot. What makes the movie cool is not the in-depth plot, or strong themes, but rather the cool action sequences. This movie has one of the best elevator shoot-outs that I have ever seen, and the final battle is one worth waiting for. What this movie is is a Hong-Kong action flick, and as one, it delivers.
As I said before, this movie could be called "The King of Killers" namely because it is about an assassin called the King of Killers. He kills for free and only kills people who deserve it. As such he kills a high profile Japanese business man and upon his death a fund is activated to go to those who are the first to bring down the killer. Unfortunately, and this is the twist, somebody else was paid some money upon the businessman's death, and upon discovery, they think he killed him.
The movie is basically an action packed adventure where at first it looks like a bumbling idiot and a naive mainlander are trying to hunt a professional killer, but it turns out that the idiot is trying to make sure that nobody thinks that he is the killer, which is true since he is a real idiot. What makes the movie cool is not the in-depth plot, or strong themes, but rather the cool action sequences. This movie has one of the best elevator shoot-outs that I have ever seen, and the final battle is one worth waiting for. What this movie is is a Hong-Kong action flick, and as one, it delivers.
I liked it
m0rg1623 February 2003
From the cover of the movie, with Jet Li dressed up in a full Swat-like body armor, swinging in a rope, I didn't really expect much. It seemed pretty cliché if you ask me. But I watched it, and boy, was I surprised. Ok, so it was dubbed. And dubbing is always bad. But the story was quite interesting, and carried out well throughout the movie.
In the opening scene a mafia boss is killed by a hitman, along with a bunch of his bodyguards. His family puts a bounty on the hitmans head (100 million dollars, to be exact... That's alot!), and they call upon all the assassins of Hong Kong to find this hitman, and kill him.
Jet Li's character, Fu, is a rookie hitman who's low on cash. He's thrown out by his roommates for not paying the bill and is wandering the streets when he hears of the 100 million dollar award for the one who finds the killer of the mafia boss. He also finds a new friend, who finds a few hits for him. However it seems that Fu isn't really that great of a hitman. Sure, he is fast, strong and well trained in the martial arts, but he's to sensitive.
They end up getting in trouble, because everyone thinks Fu's friend is the one who killed the mafia boss, and they have to run from some of Eiji's (the badguy in the movie... But is he really bad? What did he do that's so bad? Well, its obvious that he is meant to be the badguy, anyway) assassins. The end is pretty predictable (but the identity of the killer who killed the mafia boss is probably supposed to come as a surprise. It didn't.) but all in all its a good movie. Entertaining, and much, much better than most Hollywood action movies.
I give it a 8, interesting characters, plot, fights and pretty much everything. But I suppose it could have been better on some minor points. It just doesn't feel like a 10, heh.
In the opening scene a mafia boss is killed by a hitman, along with a bunch of his bodyguards. His family puts a bounty on the hitmans head (100 million dollars, to be exact... That's alot!), and they call upon all the assassins of Hong Kong to find this hitman, and kill him.
Jet Li's character, Fu, is a rookie hitman who's low on cash. He's thrown out by his roommates for not paying the bill and is wandering the streets when he hears of the 100 million dollar award for the one who finds the killer of the mafia boss. He also finds a new friend, who finds a few hits for him. However it seems that Fu isn't really that great of a hitman. Sure, he is fast, strong and well trained in the martial arts, but he's to sensitive.
They end up getting in trouble, because everyone thinks Fu's friend is the one who killed the mafia boss, and they have to run from some of Eiji's (the badguy in the movie... But is he really bad? What did he do that's so bad? Well, its obvious that he is meant to be the badguy, anyway) assassins. The end is pretty predictable (but the identity of the killer who killed the mafia boss is probably supposed to come as a surprise. It didn't.) but all in all its a good movie. Entertaining, and much, much better than most Hollywood action movies.
I give it a 8, interesting characters, plot, fights and pretty much everything. But I suppose it could have been better on some minor points. It just doesn't feel like a 10, heh.
A good movies makes it to America via Jet Li
bluzman13 January 2003
This is a good movie that may have never made it to the American market if not for the success of Jet Li in the U.S. Eric Tsang is a very successful actor in the Hong Kong market, but has virtually no following here -- which is too bad. He may have even been listed as the star of the movie in the original Chinese version.
Eric is a Chinese blend of Danny DeVito and Joe Pesci. He can portray the wormy character of DeVito in the Romancing the Stone/Jewel of the Nile movies. And he also does a great blending of the Home Alone/Lethal Weapon Joe Pesci character. People should rent this movie to see him render his role.
As for the movie, itself, this is a little different than most Jet Li fare -- maybe because he is not the clear star. There is a little less of the martial artist and a little more of the actor. It is a pleasant change.
Eric is a Chinese blend of Danny DeVito and Joe Pesci. He can portray the wormy character of DeVito in the Romancing the Stone/Jewel of the Nile movies. And he also does a great blending of the Home Alone/Lethal Weapon Joe Pesci character. People should rent this movie to see him render his role.
As for the movie, itself, this is a little different than most Jet Li fare -- maybe because he is not the clear star. There is a little less of the martial artist and a little more of the actor. It is a pleasant change.
Style Clash
no-skyline13 January 2006
Jet Li (Hero, Black Mask etc.) and Erik Tsang (Infernal Affairs) star in this wire fu action flick with an identity crisis. We start in kind of Jackie Chan territory with plenty of humour with Li a bumbling incompetent hit-man and Tsang a small time crook getting involved in a multi-million dollar 'hit'. As the film goes on all the comedy moments are forgotten and we begin to move into a serious action flick involving a bit more gun play than the usual Jet Li film, in fact it comes across at times as a cross between a Jet Li film and a John Woo heroic bloodshed type affair.
The action sequences are all to the high standard expected of Jet with a few added gun play sequences. Li is very likable in the lead role and Tsang is very good in his sidekick role showing a different persona to his performance in Infernal affairs.
Overall a fairly good hong kong action flick but the differing styles clash at times 6/10
The action sequences are all to the high standard expected of Jet with a few added gun play sequences. Li is very likable in the lead role and Tsang is very good in his sidekick role showing a different persona to his performance in Infernal affairs.
Overall a fairly good hong kong action flick but the differing styles clash at times 6/10
It's not a Jet Li classic, but there's little to fault here.
alunrichards19 December 2000
Hitman is a good solid action comedy which calls upon Jet Li to do a little more acting than usual. The cast is good, with Eric Tsang standing out particularly, and Heiji Sato making a decent debut as the nasty Japanese guy (there seem to be a lot of these in Hong Kong movies). Action scenes are relatively thin on the ground but what's there is of a good standard - although you might expect better from "Hong Kong's greatest action export".
What's most refreshing about this film is its understatement. The plot isn't anything special but it's pretty water-tight, and the action is all pretty believable if unspectacular.
One thing I particularly liked about Hitman was the way that different languages were used throughout the film (without using dubbing as in The Black Sheep Affair). This contributes to the overall realistic feel of the film and is something I would like to see more on screen. This aside, there is nothing particularly innovative here, but nothing worth criticising either - a film I could recommend to people who don't usually enjoy foreign martial arts movies.
What's most refreshing about this film is its understatement. The plot isn't anything special but it's pretty water-tight, and the action is all pretty believable if unspectacular.
One thing I particularly liked about Hitman was the way that different languages were used throughout the film (without using dubbing as in The Black Sheep Affair). This contributes to the overall realistic feel of the film and is something I would like to see more on screen. This aside, there is nothing particularly innovative here, but nothing worth criticising either - a film I could recommend to people who don't usually enjoy foreign martial arts movies.
a change in character
ballazrus20 July 2002
Jet Li plays a hitman in this movie but lacks too much of the characteristics of a hitman, instead he is overwhelmed with morality and sympathy.
The plot wasn't all that great, a Japanese Tycoon has put on his death will to award 100 million dollars to whoever kills his assassins as he suspects he will be assissinated.
What disappoints me most in this movie is the fighting choreography, as much as i hate to say it, this movie really lacks of wire used fighting. However, the movie is still worth to watch because this is somewhat a change of a movie when it comes to Jet Li. But if you are interested in really good fighting scenes with Jet Li, i'd suggest you watch Twin Warriors (Tai Chi Master) or Fist of Legend, which has just about enough wire fighting scene work, and nonetheless a pretty good story as well.
The plot wasn't all that great, a Japanese Tycoon has put on his death will to award 100 million dollars to whoever kills his assassins as he suspects he will be assissinated.
What disappoints me most in this movie is the fighting choreography, as much as i hate to say it, this movie really lacks of wire used fighting. However, the movie is still worth to watch because this is somewhat a change of a movie when it comes to Jet Li. But if you are interested in really good fighting scenes with Jet Li, i'd suggest you watch Twin Warriors (Tai Chi Master) or Fist of Legend, which has just about enough wire fighting scene work, and nonetheless a pretty good story as well.
See Jet kick and jump in his prime.
Pierre_Kirby28 October 2008
The Contract Killer is one of Jet Li's best films. Besides the cool action sequences, the movie has effective humor (courtesy of Eric Tsang), and well... more action sequences. Not to mention the movie has one of the most rubbish scripts ever in the history of Kung-Fu/Action cinema. The script is so bad, the sub-villain is a guy with lasers on the tip of his shoes. And the villain eats his diseased grandfather's ashes. Yeah.
Anyways, long story short, Jet and Eric must find the killer of old mafioso don Tsukamoto, in order to receive a 100 million dollar reward. Everything else is action and buddy comedy.
It is important to recognize the talent and agility Jet demonstrates in his fighting scenes. Although they are far from being his best, the work he puts in here is astounding; heavily inspired by most of Jackie Chan's work as a matter of fact. Jet isn't a killing machine here, or a spiritual white robbed man with a bad haircut. He is but a skillful martial artist that doesn't want to hurt anyone badly, therefore, he resorts to use his surroundings most of the time. Like Jackie in most of his films.
It is also important to recognize Eric Tsang. The man is very good in this one; funny, enjoyable and overacted (but in a tasteless way of course). I also liked the musical score and requisite Hip Hop soundtrack.
Statement: You are not a Jet Li purist if you haven't seen Contract Killer. I also highly recommended this to anyone that wants to laugh and see some large amounts of ass kicking at the same time.
5.3/10
Anyways, long story short, Jet and Eric must find the killer of old mafioso don Tsukamoto, in order to receive a 100 million dollar reward. Everything else is action and buddy comedy.
It is important to recognize the talent and agility Jet demonstrates in his fighting scenes. Although they are far from being his best, the work he puts in here is astounding; heavily inspired by most of Jackie Chan's work as a matter of fact. Jet isn't a killing machine here, or a spiritual white robbed man with a bad haircut. He is but a skillful martial artist that doesn't want to hurt anyone badly, therefore, he resorts to use his surroundings most of the time. Like Jackie in most of his films.
It is also important to recognize Eric Tsang. The man is very good in this one; funny, enjoyable and overacted (but in a tasteless way of course). I also liked the musical score and requisite Hip Hop soundtrack.
Statement: You are not a Jet Li purist if you haven't seen Contract Killer. I also highly recommended this to anyone that wants to laugh and see some large amounts of ass kicking at the same time.
5.3/10
Jet Li can act!!! :O
kampbell_kid14 April 2000
Out of all of Jet Li's films... this one shows off his acting talent than his martial arts. This film focuses way to much on the bland plot which is why your left only to deal with his acting which isn't that bad for someone that went from wushu champion to the acting gig.
Out of all the movies in my Jet Li collection... I don't suggest this one to anyone thats looking for a hardcore fighting film. Granted the last fight scene is very intense but it's only the last 10-15 mins of the film and it's full of patented Jet Li trademarked moves like his belt as a weapon and his hilarious 'bitch slaps' to the face. Most of the film is plot and slapstick humor.
Out of all the movies in my Jet Li collection... I don't suggest this one to anyone thats looking for a hardcore fighting film. Granted the last fight scene is very intense but it's only the last 10-15 mins of the film and it's full of patented Jet Li trademarked moves like his belt as a weapon and his hilarious 'bitch slaps' to the face. Most of the film is plot and slapstick humor.
Hitman: Absolution.
morrison-dylan-fan20 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Despite greatly enjoying his performance in Yimou Zhang's 2002 film Hero, (one of my most memorable cinema visits) I for some reason have never got round to seeing Jet Li's Hong Kong action flicks. In a local DVD shop,I saw two Li DVDs at a good price,which led to me contacting the hitman.
View on the film:
Doing his own dubbing for the first time in his last Hong Kong flick,Jet Li gives a very good performance as Fu (!),with Li holding the impression that Fu is always one step ahead. Whilst not making them a buddy duo, Li and Eric Tsang's lively performance as Ngok Lo catches the empathy they both share,and makes their partnership one that flows with ease. Offered up high-quality stunt work from Li and the team, director Wei Tung & cinematographer Arthur Wong chop it away for poor artistic ambition.
Sticking a big poster of Three Colours: Blue on the screen a number of times, Tung and Wong give the long scenes of Fu and Ngok making attack plans a crisp,glowing appearance which undermines the grit that could be on show in the tale. Closely working with editor Ka-Fai Cheung, Tung presents the action scenes horribly, via the constant use of speeding up footage and jump-cuts that don't let the viewer to follow the battles or give the fights breathing space (you don't need 80 jump-cuts to show Li throwing a simple punch.) Kicking off with an enticing assassination, the writers kick the action and danger aside to instead focus on the timid buddy team-up,which makes this a failed hit.
View on the film:
Doing his own dubbing for the first time in his last Hong Kong flick,Jet Li gives a very good performance as Fu (!),with Li holding the impression that Fu is always one step ahead. Whilst not making them a buddy duo, Li and Eric Tsang's lively performance as Ngok Lo catches the empathy they both share,and makes their partnership one that flows with ease. Offered up high-quality stunt work from Li and the team, director Wei Tung & cinematographer Arthur Wong chop it away for poor artistic ambition.
Sticking a big poster of Three Colours: Blue on the screen a number of times, Tung and Wong give the long scenes of Fu and Ngok making attack plans a crisp,glowing appearance which undermines the grit that could be on show in the tale. Closely working with editor Ka-Fai Cheung, Tung presents the action scenes horribly, via the constant use of speeding up footage and jump-cuts that don't let the viewer to follow the battles or give the fights breathing space (you don't need 80 jump-cuts to show Li throwing a simple punch.) Kicking off with an enticing assassination, the writers kick the action and danger aside to instead focus on the timid buddy team-up,which makes this a failed hit.
Violence, acting, and bananas... Oh my!
John Book31 July 2000
When I saw the cover for this, I wondered if it was some weird Chinese comedy with Jet Li. All of the stars are holding guns except for Eric Tsang, who is holding a banana. Why is Gigi Leung giving us a wink? And how come Simon Yam has one gun to his head? If anything, I knew I was in for "something" and this is one film where you can say "don't judge a DVD by its cover".
The acting is great, especially Jet Li who is normally known as a kung fu master or shoot 'em up guy. He combines both of these elements, but also shows he can be a romantic guy, when it comes to Miss Gigi Leung. No wonder the girls love him.
But Eric Tsang outshines everyone as the money-hungry guy who will do anything to make a buck, and is successful in every transaction except when it comes to having a relationship with his daughter (Leung).
The movie centers around the assassination of a Japanese businessman. Jet Li's character, Fu, comes to Hong Kong from the mainland and finds that he is unlike his money hungry friend, but knows he has to do something to survive. Somehow, the former military soldier meets up with a man named Ngok Lo (Tsang), who encourages Fu to join him in finding the killer for the reward money that's being offered. The action picks up from that point on, and the great thing about it is that it has enough kung fu and gunplay to keep you on your toes, but it doesn't go overboard either way. Inbetween this, Fu bumps into a lady (Leung) and eventually finds out she is related to his new boss. Combine that with the police investigating the murder case, and some hilarious moments from Tsang (Hong Kong's Joe Pesci?), and you have one of the best movies to come out of Hong Kong in some time. Well written, nice cinematography, and the acting is on the money. Just when you think they couldn't add any more elements to this film, they do.
The acting is great, especially Jet Li who is normally known as a kung fu master or shoot 'em up guy. He combines both of these elements, but also shows he can be a romantic guy, when it comes to Miss Gigi Leung. No wonder the girls love him.
But Eric Tsang outshines everyone as the money-hungry guy who will do anything to make a buck, and is successful in every transaction except when it comes to having a relationship with his daughter (Leung).
The movie centers around the assassination of a Japanese businessman. Jet Li's character, Fu, comes to Hong Kong from the mainland and finds that he is unlike his money hungry friend, but knows he has to do something to survive. Somehow, the former military soldier meets up with a man named Ngok Lo (Tsang), who encourages Fu to join him in finding the killer for the reward money that's being offered. The action picks up from that point on, and the great thing about it is that it has enough kung fu and gunplay to keep you on your toes, but it doesn't go overboard either way. Inbetween this, Fu bumps into a lady (Leung) and eventually finds out she is related to his new boss. Combine that with the police investigating the murder case, and some hilarious moments from Tsang (Hong Kong's Joe Pesci?), and you have one of the best movies to come out of Hong Kong in some time. Well written, nice cinematography, and the acting is on the money. Just when you think they couldn't add any more elements to this film, they do.
Doesn't Really Know What it Wants to Be, But Jet Li is Great
monkeysgalore11 April 2020
It's an ok Jet Li vehicle, but nothing more. This is an example of a great premise that's wasted by mediocre storytelling and execution. Hitman (Contract Killer) never really rises above average.
It's about two hitmen teaming up to take down the biggest, baddest assassin around. It should've been way more awesome than it was.
Don't be fooled by the title and cover. This is probably not the kind of film you're expecting, and you may be sorely disappointed if you watch it without this knowledge. It's an action comedy first of all, and the action is spaced out and there's not actually a ton of it. It's a slower movie that gets bogged down in the middle by its story, and it spends way too much time focusing on other characters. It seems to forget that we came for Jet Li, and we get tons of background and development for Eric Tsang's character who is obnoxious and unlikable. Jet Li isn't even a hitman, which I actually liked, as I usually dislike assassin protagonists since they're so hard to root for.
Jet Li is this movie's saving grace. Had there been more action and more of Li onscreen, I would've given it at least four stars. Unfortunately though, there are basically four long action scenes, with like, two other small fight scenes. While that sounds like a lot, the movie manages to make you feel cheated. The action is excellent, but the film is let down by everything else.
The action scenes are great, though. The carnival scene was cool, the apartment chase and fight was well done, the second apartment fight was really cool, ending in an elevator shaft, and the final battle was very well done. There is some major stunt work on Li's part, as usual, and the action doesn't disappoint when it comes.
It's only for Jet Li fans, or I guess just Hong Kong film enthusiasts, but just know what you're in for. It kind of becomes a dramedy midway through, with not enough emphasis on action or Li's character. Li was the only reason I watched it, but his action scenes sure are on point. I would much sooner recommend one of Li's other 90s films, Shu dan long wei (1995) over this one.
It's about two hitmen teaming up to take down the biggest, baddest assassin around. It should've been way more awesome than it was.
Don't be fooled by the title and cover. This is probably not the kind of film you're expecting, and you may be sorely disappointed if you watch it without this knowledge. It's an action comedy first of all, and the action is spaced out and there's not actually a ton of it. It's a slower movie that gets bogged down in the middle by its story, and it spends way too much time focusing on other characters. It seems to forget that we came for Jet Li, and we get tons of background and development for Eric Tsang's character who is obnoxious and unlikable. Jet Li isn't even a hitman, which I actually liked, as I usually dislike assassin protagonists since they're so hard to root for.
Jet Li is this movie's saving grace. Had there been more action and more of Li onscreen, I would've given it at least four stars. Unfortunately though, there are basically four long action scenes, with like, two other small fight scenes. While that sounds like a lot, the movie manages to make you feel cheated. The action is excellent, but the film is let down by everything else.
The action scenes are great, though. The carnival scene was cool, the apartment chase and fight was well done, the second apartment fight was really cool, ending in an elevator shaft, and the final battle was very well done. There is some major stunt work on Li's part, as usual, and the action doesn't disappoint when it comes.
It's only for Jet Li fans, or I guess just Hong Kong film enthusiasts, but just know what you're in for. It kind of becomes a dramedy midway through, with not enough emphasis on action or Li's character. Li was the only reason I watched it, but his action scenes sure are on point. I would much sooner recommend one of Li's other 90s films, Shu dan long wei (1995) over this one.
Maybe the worst movie of Jet Li
dasa1089 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
A good action flick, has a lot of problems when you want good martial arts. The movie is about a poor guy, trying to get some money. But has problems, and you see how some comedy appear, and in some moment, also the drama. I want to say that the typical movies from Hong Kong are fine, but this one has poor script, the action could be better, and the characters could be more developed. But considering the action movies from USA, is a masterpiece. Is a good choice if you are tired to see Steven Segal or Van Damme. Is a must for Jet Li fans, as myself. For those who want the bestest, see after this movie Hard Boiled by John Woo.
Mystery/action film starring Jet Li as a newbie hitman.
cypau5 August 1998
This film is unique among the Jet Li collection because, first, Jet's voice is not dubbed (i.e., viewers actually hear him speak accented Cantonese), and, second, Jet's character, Ah Fu, is rather inept, lacking the characteristic coolness common to most of Jet's other roles. Jet Li has certainly done better films than this, but Hitman is worth a watch simply because it is quite different from all the rest.
Not Jet Li's best, but entertaining
dworldeater20 September 2020
The Hitman is Jet Li's last movie he made in Hong Kong before making his US debut in Lethal Weapon 4. It has a good support cast with Eric Tsang and Simon Yam. This is light-hearted and sometimes goofy action flick with a convoluted plot and some out of place comedy in what should be a wall to wall action film. The action that is in it is awesome with Jet Li's usual super human kung fu skills as well as a heavy dose of gunplay. Had the film been a little more serious, it would have went a long way. However, the action here is awesome and is a better movie than the Chuck Norris movie of the same name. However, not by a lot, especially if you take the action out of it.
Jet Li is ...
kosmasp6 April 2007
... good, but also the main player here ... yeah OK you knew that. Not only because he's on the poster, or his name comes up first in the cast list. But I do guess that you've seen some (a few or many) of his other movies. And I say that because Hit-man isn't the first movie, someone will stumble upon, while he's/she's looking up Jet Li. Just because it's also not his best one ...
Still this is entertaining and if you don't expect any story you'll get your moneys worth ... concerning the action scenes! Suspension of disbelief is also needed (like in most action movies though) and Li's charisma isn't felt like in some other movies ... In two words: Light & fun!
Still this is entertaining and if you don't expect any story you'll get your moneys worth ... concerning the action scenes! Suspension of disbelief is also needed (like in most action movies though) and Li's charisma isn't felt like in some other movies ... In two words: Light & fun!
Very entertaining!=)
chowdr24 June 2000
This movie is one of my favorite Jet Li movie. This has a good story line, humour, and of course..... Action. This movie is kinda different than his other films like Fist of Legend or Black Mast because in this movie Jet uses a lot of guns instead of using hand to hand fighting. I say about a scale of 6/10, he uses guns, and the rest he uses his fighting skills. Still, this movie is very entertaining and you should watch it if your a Jet Li fan.
Jet set goofiness
kzintichmee17 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Contract Killer(Sat sau ji wong) has dynamite action scenes but they are too few and far between. Jet Li is teamed up with a guy who, I swear, could pass for John Belushi's long lost Chinese half brother. The dubbing is ludicrous in the version I bought. I found out that there is a better version known as Hit-man that is also six minutes longer. Anyway, the little fat guy even sounds like Belushi and is the comic relief as a con man. Jet Li is a wannabe hit-man and doesn't know the first thing about it although he kicks ass like crazy. A Japanese mobster is killed by the "King of Killers" and his family ponies up a reward of one hundred million dollars. Jet's character, Fu, and "Norman", the fat guy, con their way into the competition and mayhem ensues. The so called comedy is pretty lame but there are a few good jokes. The action, as I said is terrific and intense. The Japanese employ a tall, white guy as a body guard/killer and he is wicked bad. He has a neat gimmick with tiny, high intensity flashlights (lasers?) disguised as rings and in the toes of his shoes which he uses to temporarily blind his opponents so he can beat the bejesus out of them. There is a weird scene where the grandson of the slain Mr.Big eats some of grand pa's ashes. I think it was to gain his strength, or something like that. Anyway, it was bizarre and different, which is a good thing. I don't know who does the English voice overs on these movies but they should list those people on the credits because it is their hard work which you hear on the soundtrack. So, for good martial art ass kickery, this movie delivers. You will need to "fast forward" through the stupid stuff
What the HELL was the director thinking?
gridoon11 March 2004
Shaky, frenetic, inept camerawork and editing virtually destroy this movie. The director speeds up the fight scenes (as if Jet Li weren't already fast enough), cuts too quickly between shots, holds his camera too close to the actors and generally does everything in his power to make the action scenes difficult to see and enjoy; what begins as a serious martial arts movie becomes a laughable cartoon. Li is likable, Gigi Leung is excellent, but this film is not substantially better than ANY low-budget straight-to-video actioner you can find at the video store. A shame. (**)
As much an Eric Tsang movie as it is a Jet Li vehicle.
BA_Harrison12 January 2021
When an unscrupulous Japanese businessman, Mr. Tsukamoto (Kenji Sahara), is bumped off by the King of Killers, conman Ngok Lo (Eric Tsang) takes novice hitman Fu (Jet Li) under his wing and enters a competition between professional assassins to catch Tsukamoto's murderer, the reward being a cool $100million.
Contract Killer feels very much like one of those knockabout kung fu comedies from the mid-'80s, partly because it stars Eric Tsang of 'The Lucky Stars', but also in the way that it is structured: the first hour is mostly played for laughs, with only the occasional burst of action, but the best is saved for last - an excellent martial arts battle between the 'good' guys, the villains, and the mysterious 'King of Killers', whose identity I will keep a secret.
Fans of Jackie Chan's '80s/'90s comedic output (Project A, My Lucky Stars, Twin Dragons) will no doubt get a kick out of Li's attempt to follow suit, but I found the majority of the film rather tedious, the comedy not all that funny and the intermittent action in the first sixty minutes not very impressive. That said, it's worth staying the distance for the final fifteen minutes, where Jet finally gets to show us what we all know he is capable of.
4.5/10 (generously rounded up to 5 for the lovely Gigi Leung as Tsang's daughter, who makes things a little easier to bear). Needed less of the comedy, and more and better action set-pieces during the build up. Also, the US version that I watched has terrible rap music over the action, which really doesn't suit the film.
Contract Killer feels very much like one of those knockabout kung fu comedies from the mid-'80s, partly because it stars Eric Tsang of 'The Lucky Stars', but also in the way that it is structured: the first hour is mostly played for laughs, with only the occasional burst of action, but the best is saved for last - an excellent martial arts battle between the 'good' guys, the villains, and the mysterious 'King of Killers', whose identity I will keep a secret.
Fans of Jackie Chan's '80s/'90s comedic output (Project A, My Lucky Stars, Twin Dragons) will no doubt get a kick out of Li's attempt to follow suit, but I found the majority of the film rather tedious, the comedy not all that funny and the intermittent action in the first sixty minutes not very impressive. That said, it's worth staying the distance for the final fifteen minutes, where Jet finally gets to show us what we all know he is capable of.
4.5/10 (generously rounded up to 5 for the lovely Gigi Leung as Tsang's daughter, who makes things a little easier to bear). Needed less of the comedy, and more and better action set-pieces during the build up. Also, the US version that I watched has terrible rap music over the action, which really doesn't suit the film.
Other than 'Fist of Legend' this is Possibly Jet Li's best movie
lloydthegreat17 April 2003
I bought this movie on DVD for just £4.00 and im very impressed with it, what a bargain !
Its funny (very funny in some parts), fast and the guy who plays Li's friend in this movie is a hilarious hapless character.
This movie has some interesting, new aproaches to Hong Kong movies. Such as a bad guy who wears extremely powerful laser-lights to blind his enemy - sounds cheesy, but ill hear your opinion once you have seen it in action, its very effective.
Jet Li's performance in this movie is by far his best, although 'Fist Of Legend' is still his best movie all-round. This movie is still well worth anybodies Fiver' (or five bucks :) .
Its funny (very funny in some parts), fast and the guy who plays Li's friend in this movie is a hilarious hapless character.
This movie has some interesting, new aproaches to Hong Kong movies. Such as a bad guy who wears extremely powerful laser-lights to blind his enemy - sounds cheesy, but ill hear your opinion once you have seen it in action, its very effective.
Jet Li's performance in this movie is by far his best, although 'Fist Of Legend' is still his best movie all-round. This movie is still well worth anybodies Fiver' (or five bucks :) .
Typical 1990's Hong Kong action movie...
paul_haakonsen29 December 2015
As much as I do enjoy Asian cinema, it just pains me to my very soul whenever I get an Asian movie that has been released as an English dubbed version. And especially bad is it when the DVD doesn't even offer the option to change the audio track into the original language. And unfortunately "Contract Killer" (aka "Sat sau ji wong") is such a dubbed movie. And what perplexes me even more is that the dubbing voice actors never do a proper work. It is always done so poorly that it becomes laughable.
Anyone familiar with Hong Kong cinema will be thrilled to see Simon Yam, Eric Tsang, Gigi Leung and of course Jet Li in "Contract Killer". Simon Yam provides the serious acting, Eric Tsang provides the comical relief and Jet Li is of course doing the action.But they were being brutally butchered by a pathetic English dubbed audio track.
Story-wise then "Contract Killer" is very typical for the action movies that were coming out of Hong Kong cinema during the late 1990's. That being said, it is of course up to the individual viewer whether that is good or bad. I did find it entertaining enough for what it was, I just struggled to swallow that dubbing pill.
Aside from the dubbing horror, then the music in the movie was mostly very poorly selected; and here I'm thinking of the title track, the music played during the rather impressive elevator shaft fight scene and during the last fight scene.
"Contract Killer" appeals to anyone with a lifelong love romance with Hong Kong cinema. For newcomers there are far better Hong Kong action movies available. And as for it being a Jet Li movie, well don't get too excited, because it is not amongst his best work.
Anyone familiar with Hong Kong cinema will be thrilled to see Simon Yam, Eric Tsang, Gigi Leung and of course Jet Li in "Contract Killer". Simon Yam provides the serious acting, Eric Tsang provides the comical relief and Jet Li is of course doing the action.But they were being brutally butchered by a pathetic English dubbed audio track.
Story-wise then "Contract Killer" is very typical for the action movies that were coming out of Hong Kong cinema during the late 1990's. That being said, it is of course up to the individual viewer whether that is good or bad. I did find it entertaining enough for what it was, I just struggled to swallow that dubbing pill.
Aside from the dubbing horror, then the music in the movie was mostly very poorly selected; and here I'm thinking of the title track, the music played during the rather impressive elevator shaft fight scene and during the last fight scene.
"Contract Killer" appeals to anyone with a lifelong love romance with Hong Kong cinema. For newcomers there are far better Hong Kong action movies available. And as for it being a Jet Li movie, well don't get too excited, because it is not amongst his best work.
Jet Li Can Do Comedy!
Chrysanthepop28 April 2009
Wei Tung directs an entertaining film. 'Sat Sau Ji Wong' successfully mixes action, thriller and comedy. Jet Li seems to be more at comfort in most Chinese movies as I found him very wooden in his American movies. Here he gets to display a flair for comedy and he does not let his martial arts gift to overshadow his acting either. The brilliantly choreographed fights are a pleasure to watch. Gifted comedian Eric Tsang adds comic relief with great timing. Simon Yam doesn't get much scope. A charming Gigi Leung offers eye candy. The story is quite solid but at times the film does run the risk of derailing (though it quickly manages to come back on track). Overall, 'Sat Sau Ji Wong' impressed me and I'm glad to see a more humorous side of Jet Li. The actor shows potential in this genre and I wish he'd attempt more comedy. Perhaps Wei Tang can offer him more such projects in the future.
Jet Li looked lost! 4/10
leonblackwood19 December 2014
Review: The only thing that kept me interested in this film was the chemistry between Jet Li and his newly found agent. Apart from that, there isn't that much action but the storyline is half decent. The witty script was funny in parts but Jet Li didn't really show that much emotion throughout the whole movie. He seemed to look a bit lost most of the time, which is why his sidekick played a big part in keeping this movie interesting. After a big crime lord is mysteriously killed, a big wager is put on the table to find the killer. Once the murderer is revealed, he joins forces with Li to take down the crime lords, who didn't have any intention in paying out the big reward for finding the killer of his grandfather. I was hoping for big action scenes with different hit men, but I was quite disappointed with the direction that the director took the storyline. With all that aside, it's worth a watch just to see a different side to Li and some of the scenes are really funny. Average!
Round-Up: With only one movie left in my Jet Li season, I can't wait to start collecting the old Kung Fu movies because I have enjoyed some of the action, which doesn't have the crazy flying in the air scenes. As for Jet Li, I'm definitely impressed with his martial arts skills but I'm not that impressed with the movies that he has made lately. I've watched a few interviews with Jet Li which shows that he is quite a funny man who doesn't take life that seriously, which you can see in some of his films, but he really need to start making some better movies. Anyway, I found this movie funny but not that great in the action department.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their Jet Li movies about a down and out man who joins up with an agent to track down a murderer for a large amount of money. 4/10
Round-Up: With only one movie left in my Jet Li season, I can't wait to start collecting the old Kung Fu movies because I have enjoyed some of the action, which doesn't have the crazy flying in the air scenes. As for Jet Li, I'm definitely impressed with his martial arts skills but I'm not that impressed with the movies that he has made lately. I've watched a few interviews with Jet Li which shows that he is quite a funny man who doesn't take life that seriously, which you can see in some of his films, but he really need to start making some better movies. Anyway, I found this movie funny but not that great in the action department.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their Jet Li movies about a down and out man who joins up with an agent to track down a murderer for a large amount of money. 4/10
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
