Tuesday, October 9, 2007

THE HITMAN


I haven't seen a movie this interesting in a long time. Surprising and fairly recent, THE HITMAN (1998) reels you in so that you are constantly wondering what will happen next, and are even more dumbfounded when the next scene starts to play out.
I can't even begin to understand how someone wrote a script with this much irony and dry humor built in, but they did. The whole premise of the movie is based on just that, a juxtaposition of irony and humor culminating in start to finish consistency in theme. It was unbelievable to watch.
Jet Li stars as a rookie hitman who can't seem to find any work, has a mother to support, and worst of all is possessed of a kindly character. (see, the irony already begins by positioning killing as an acceptable, commonplace profession). The humor begins when Jet Li is paired with his would be 'agent', and enters a race to find another killer (ironically enough), with $100,000 hanging in the balance, while being ruthlessly pursued by other professional hitmen and a police inspector (Simon Yam, of KILLZONE) who won't let up.
Excellent action, great humor (although subtitled) and a mesh of rich culture and charm so rare in Kung Fu movies, THE HITMAN delivers a solid front for anyone who loves real Hong Kong action style movies.

Add to Technorati Favorites

Blogroll Me!

No comments: