Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?

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Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?

Summary

  • The Killer
    was

    released in 1989, and although rumors of an American remake were discussed for years, it would be a while before it was finally released.
  • The 2024 Peacock release falls short of capturing the original film’s palpable action and character connections.
  • The updated
    The Killer
    fails to replicate the chemistry and emotional depth of the original, proving the remake is a misstep.

As a long-time fan of John Woo’s work and someone who has seen The Killer multiple times, I must say that the 2024 remake left me feeling quite underwhelmed. Having grown up watching Chow Yun-fat’s performance as Ah Jong in the original, it was a letdown to see the chemistry between Zee and Sey fall short.

In a stunning demonstration of both action and emotional storytelling, the Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo showcases his skill in the 1989 thriller “The Killer.” This film was so successful that an American remake was planned for 1992. Unfortunately, due to issues such as thematic misunderstandings, script revisions, and scheduling problems, fans had to be patient for another 32 years before they could finally see the remake. It’s hard to believe it took that long!

Under Woo’s direction again, the contemporary adaptation of “The Killer” was ultimately unveiled on Peacock on August 23, 2024. While the action genre trailblazer certainly showcased his filmmaking style in this streaming-only release, lone assassins and skillfully arranged gunfights alone are no longer enough to carry a movie today.

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The Killer Can’t Evolve From Classic Action

Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?

American audiences have been fed variations of the heroic bloodshed genre for years now. Putting Woo’s international film credits aside (primarily for the sake of this argument), let’s look at just some of the theatrical trends that swept the nation between 1989 and 2024. We don’t have to dive far into that timeline to find something akin to Woo’s work. The John Wick franchise, which started in 2014, had its most recent installment just last year.

In the fourth film directed by Chad Stahelski within the series, there was a blend of action sequences involving cutting, chopping, and firing, accompanied by motifs of perseverance and ethics (Wick’s unwavering devotion to his late wife). Now, let’s consider Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer series. In the initial installment itself, the diversity of violent acts was impressive, and it revolved around protecting a young girl trying to escape a dangerous lifestyle. As we delve deeper into action-packed movies with strong protagonist backstories, such as the Bourne series, Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2, and The Boondock Saints, etc., it’s evident that what makes these films stand out is their unique elements — whether they were first watched in theaters or streamed at home. The effect of such films hinges on these distinctive aspects that differentiate them from others.

In this Peacock adaptation of “The Killer,” the bar for excellence was set high but unfortunately, it didn’t quite reach that mark. The chemistry between Zee and Sey, portrayed by Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy, was truly noteworthy. Despite the whole cast’s valiant efforts to breathe life into the narrative, something crucial from the original movie seemed to have been misplaced during adaptation. Specifically, the original’s emphasis on creating a tangible sense of action and forging emotional bonds between characters appears to be missing in this version.

The Killer Remke Was a Mistake

Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?Was The Killer Remake a Big Mistake From John Woo?

It remains a mystery as to how Woo believed he could recreate the success of The Killer in 1989. Chow Yun-fat, a formidable presence on screen, portrayed a hitman whose soft spot was his vulnerability – tears streaming down his face when faced with an unexpected luxury. He effortlessly communicated this internal struggle to the audience. Danny Lee, his detective counterpart, skillfully transitioned from adversary to friend of the hitman, doing so smoothly and naturally without appearing contrived or awkward.

As a dedicated cinephile, it’s my take that Emmanuel and Sy didn’t quite hit their stride yet or perhaps the script needed some tweaks – the authentic rapport we’ve come to expect from them was missing. The action scenes were also marred by excessive jump cuts, giving the Woo cinematic style an over-the-top feel, likely due to studio meddling who believed they understood the tastes of today’s audience. Yet, John Woo remains a director with a devoted fanbase.

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2024-08-28 05:01