The Killer (1989)
Story overview
In this 1989 Hong Kong action thriller, Jeffrey is a highly skilled mob assassin who views his profession as a calling. When a nightclub singer named Jennie is accidentally blinded during one of his hits, Jeffrey decides to retire after one final job to fund her sight-restoring surgery. However, when he's betrayed during this last assignment, he reluctantly teams up with a rogue police officer to seek justice and make amends.
Parent Guide
A stylized Hong Kong action film with intense violence, moral complexity, and themes of redemption. Not suitable for younger viewers due to graphic action sequences and mature themes.
Content breakdown
Frequent and intense gun violence throughout, including shootouts, assassinations, and bloody injuries. Characters are shot, stabbed, and killed. Some scenes show blood and wounds. High peril with characters in life-threatening situations. Violence is stylized but graphic by action movie standards.
Intense action sequences with sudden violence may be frightening. The accidental blinding of a character is emotionally disturbing. Themes of betrayal and moral conflict create tension. Some suspenseful chase and confrontation scenes.
Some strong language including profanity. The original Cantonese dialogue includes strong expressions, and English subtitles may contain equivalent strong language.
Minimal sexual content. Some romantic tension between characters. Nightclub scenes with performers in revealing outfits. No explicit nudity or sexual scenes.
Social drinking in nightclub and restaurant scenes. Characters smoke cigarettes. No prominent drug use or substance abuse depicted.
High emotional stakes with themes of guilt, redemption, and moral conflict. The protagonist's journey from assassin to seeking redemption creates emotional complexity. Scenes of betrayal and sacrifice carry emotional weight. The accidental injury of an innocent person drives much of the emotional narrative.
Parent tips
This film contains intense action violence with frequent gunfights, blood, and perilous situations. The protagonist is an assassin, though the story explores themes of redemption and moral conflict. There's some strong language and scenes of emotional intensity. Best suited for mature teens who can handle stylized violence and complex moral themes.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What did you think about the main character being an assassin? How did you feel during the action scenes?
- Why do you think Jeffrey wanted to help Jennie after hurting her? What does that say about his character?
- How does the film's stylized violence compare to real violence? Does it make violence seem exciting or scary?
- What moral dilemmas does Jeffrey face? Do you think his redemption is believable?
- How does the film explore themes of honor among criminals versus corruption in law enforcement?
- What commentary might the film be making about violence as a profession or calling?
Where to watch
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Trailer
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