Hitman (1998)

Frothy buddy assassin movie

Hitman was a light-hearted assassin movie with a high body count. A strange combination, but it worked for the most part. Jet Li was in his prime and though there was wire-work, there was also plenty of fast kung fu action.

Fu is working for a low rent gangster and applying for hitman work. The only problem? He has too kind a heart. But he’s also desperate for money. When he hears about a job that will pay handsomely for hunting down a wealthy man’s assassin, he attends the funeral of the shady Japanese businessman hoping to get hired. Petty conman Nor Lo sees Fu in action when he disables security at the funeral and takes him on as a client. Also at the funeral is Eiji, the dead man’s grandson. We know Eiji is dangerous because he usurps control of the company when he eats grandpa’s ashes in front of his father. He wants revenge and the reward. A who’s who of scuzzbag assassins are all on the hunt for the King of Killers and willing to eliminate anyone who might beat them to the prize.

Much of the acting was average. The story had some holes to the murder mystery and identity of the King of Killers. The momentum would occasionally fizzle out. The writers ham fistedly threw in an adult daughter, played by Gigi Leung, to humanize the selfish Nor Lo and maybe for a hint of romance for Fu. Even with the limitations, Jet Li and Eric Tsang had a nice buddy hitman vibe. Sato Keiji as Eiji provided the ruthless opposition for the duo despite his motivations being nebulous. Simon Yam as Officer Chan played the mysterious officer with a twinkle in his eye. Kim Yip had the pivotal role as the greedy but somewhat even-handed revenge fund officer.

With well-choreographed action and Jet Li in his prime, the fights were quite entertaining. Fu had a fight with a grenade carrying priest and a giant with disorienting laser rings all while trying to safely wheel an old man out of an apartment complex (if only we had a wheelbarrow!). An elevator fight was also exciting as well as the finale when a surprise guest showed up.

Hitman showcased a hitman that would rather be playing with children, had light comedy that didn’t veer into slapstick, heartwarming moments, and a few exhilarating fights. Nothing too memorable but not a bad way to spend 90 minutes if you are a Jet Li fan or need a break from darker martial arts flicks.

16 March 2024

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