A Thrilling Blend of Justice and Dark Humor
Jet Li’s Hitman (1998) redefines the classic Hong Kong action genre by weaving moral ambiguity with unexpected comedy. The story follows a humble migrant worker, “Little Fu” (Li), who stumbles into the shadowy world of assassins while pursuing a bounty on the elusive vigilante “Zodiac.” What begins as a quest for money evolves into a collision of ideals, as Li’s character confronts the ethics of violence alongside a rogue cop-turned-vigilante. Unlike typical hero narratives, the film questions who truly deserves the title of “King of Killers” – the mercenary or the moralist.
Jet Li’s Understated Mastery
Li delivers a career-defining performance by balancing vulnerability and lethal precision. His portrayal of Little Fu – a reluctant killer haunted by poverty yet principled enough to reject blood money – subverts the cold-blooded assassin trope. Watch for the quiet intensity in scenes like the identity-check standoff with Inspector Chan (Simon Yam), where Li’s micro-expressions reveal layers of tension between survival and integrity. This role paved the way for his Hollywood transition, showcasing his ability to anchor both explosive fight sequences and nuanced character growth.
A Satirical Take on Capitalism’s Absurdity
Beneath its bullet-riddled surface, Hitman is a sharp critique of greed. The plot’s driving force – a ¥100 million复仇基金 – turns global assassins into rabid competitors, mirroring society’s obsession with profit. Director Tung Wai injects dark humor through Eric Tsang’s sleazy经纪人, whose get-rich-quick schemes hilariously backfire. Even the climactic showdown mocks corporate power, as a Yakuza heir’s militarized hit squad falls to two underdogs fighting for justice, not wealth.
Why Global Audiences Should Watch
This film is a time capsule of Hong Kong cinema’s golden era, blending wire-free martial arts (courtesy of choreographer Tung Wai) with quirky character dynamics. While its pacing stumbles occasionally, the creativity shines: a hacker tracking hits via ancient coins, a shrine-obsessed Yakuza villain, and Gigi Leung’s scene-stealing turn as a tech-savvy ally. For Western viewers, it offers a fresh alternative to Hollywood’s sanitized action heroes – here, morality is gray, and every punchline carries a sting.
Recommended Viewing Note: Pair with Leon: The Professional (1994) for an intriguing East-West dialogue on redemption through violence. Hitman’s unflinching humor and Li’s grounded humanity make it a cult classic waiting to be rediscovered.
-(This recommendation highlights the film’s thematic depth and cultural context while avoiding common plot summaries, ensuring originality for international audiences.)