Dip huet seung hung [The Killer] (1989)
(On VHS, June 1998) Before coming to America and directing Hard Target, Broken Arrow and Face/Off (each much better than the previous), John Woo was already a famous movie-maker in his native Hong Kong. There, he wrote are directed several action movies that are now coming over to North American video stores. The Killer is reportedly one of his best efforts. The film might seem a bit unpolished by Hollywood standards, but still contains a native energy that is amazing to watch. The gun battles are even more over the top than almost any other movie. The story, while not perfect, works. In its own way, The Killer is as preposterous as any Jackie Chan movie, but made dramatic rather than comedic. A quirky choice, but memorable.