The Killer

Blending action with moral dilemma, this action classic is a reference point in the Hong Kong genre of “heroic bloodshed”, combining highly stylised choreographed shootouts with emotional drama and exploring themes like honour, friendship and redemption. Ah Jong (Chow Yun-Fat), a professional hitman about to retire, accidentally injures a singer during a gunfight. Racked with guilt, he plans a final hit to pay for her surgery and repair the damage he has caused. John Woo has said The Killer is his tribute to Jean-Pierre Melville and Martin Scorcese, and the film has gone on to influence other filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.