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Directed by: Johnny To, Ka-Fai Wai Starring: Andy Lau, Takashi Sorimachi, Simon Yam Based on a novel by Cheung Ping Ho, 2001's Fulltime Killer (Chuen jit sat su) is the chronicle of a heated rivalry between two assassins: Tok (Andy Lau), a flamboyant newcomer to the assassination game and "O" (Takashi Sorimachi), a veteran more emotionally detached from his work. Caught between them is Chin (Kelly Lin), O’s housekeeper whom he secretly loves that also gets courted by the outgoing Tok, and two Interpol agents investigating this deadly game being played by the two killers. Fulltime Killer is an arty, postmodern, perhaps even experimental take on the hitman genre that uses narration, a combination of both realistic and comic book-esque elements, acknowledging references to popular movies such as Leon and Point Break, and an interesting twist on the narrative by presenting it as a story without all the facts and a fixed ending. For the most part this approach works, resulting in some intriguing and original scenes, though expect a couple that definately seem a little "odd". Andy Lau and Takashi Sorimachi make good leads with their contrasting portrayals of Tok and O, and Simon Yam is compelling as an agent who's constantly on their tail. The film also features a number of very stylish action sequences, that while lacking the intensity of earlier Hong Kong gunplay movies still end up being somewhat exciting with an intense escape from an apartment block being a highlight. Fulltime Killer also features a couple of interesting plot twists, though the basic story is still all too familiar to fans of the genre. Although some might be put off by the arty approach and the mix and match of elements, Fulltime Killer is still a rather solid action movie that delivers in the entertainment stakes. 3.5/5 PROS: An interesting take on the hitman genre. CONS: Some might be put off by the approach to the material. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286635/ mrkillboy fucked around with this message at 09:11 on May 12, 2004 |
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May 12, 2004 08:59
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| # ? Apr 26, 2024 06:59 |
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This movie was a letdown. Technically well made, but it was seriously lacking in ideas. The plot that is very run-of-the-mill for an HK action movie and the antagonist is annoying an not believable. The screenplay may have been fished from John Woo's trashcan. 2.5/5
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May 24, 2004 09:16
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I disliked it, mostly for aesthetic reasons. The gunplay looked force and too underchoreographed, though I did appreciate all the homages to lesser-appreciated movies (Point Break, Desperado, etc.). 2/5
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May 25, 2004 02:07
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