The Killer (2024)

Directed by John Woo

Initial release: August 23, 2024

John Woo’s 2024 remake of The Killer brings the legendary director back to the stylish action that made him a household name. However, while the direction remains sharp, the film struggles to capture the magic of his original 1989 masterpiece.

The plot follows a feared contract killer who refuses to murder a young blind woman, despite orders from her handler. This act of defiance sets off a cat-and-mouse game where the assassin is hunted by old colleagues and a relentless detective. On paper, it’s a classic Woo setup—a tale of honor, betrayal, and redemption wrapped in high-octane action sequences. But where the original The Killer blended explosive gunfights with deeply emotional storytelling, the remake feels like it’s missing that emotional core.

The action scenes are as polished as you’d expect from Woo. His signature slow-motion sequences, impeccable choreography, and intense shootouts are all there, reminding us of his visual genius. It’s easy to get lost in the thrilling spectacle, but despite the stellar direction, something feels lacking beneath the surface. The characters and relationships don’t resonate as deeply, and the tension that drove the original feels somewhat diluted.

I found myself wondering why Woo decided to remake his own classic. While this version is a serviceable thriller, it’s hard not to compare it to the 1989 film, which feels leagues ahead in terms of emotional weight and storytelling. The remake is a decent watch for a rainy day or a casual action movie fix, but if you’re debating whether to watch it, I’d recommend passing and revisiting the original instead. It’s a film that’s not just about action but about soul, something the 2024 version struggles to fully recapture.

In the end, The Killer (2024) is a solid action movie, but it doesn’t quite hit the high marks set by Woo’s earlier work.