The Killer

The Killer

Year: 1989

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: John Woo

CrimeDramaActionThrillerCrime

Mob assassin Jeffrey is the industry's most skilled hitman, treating killing as a calling. After his latest job blinds nightclub singer Jennie, he decides to retire and take one final contract to fund her eye surgery. Betrayed, Jeffrey is forced to team up with a rogue cop to settle the score and protect the woman he inadvertently harmed.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Killer (1989)

Trace every key event in The Killer (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Zee operates as a Paris-based hitwoman

Zee is a renowned professional hitwoman based in Paris who works for Finn to wipe out Gobert's drug rivals. Her life is tightly controlled, but she still savors small pleasures like Tessier the tailor, a pet goldfish, and crossword puzzles.

Paris
2

Marseille nightclub kill and Jenn's injury

Finn contracts Zee to slaughter the Marseille drug gang partying in a local nightclub while singer Jenn Clark performs. Zee carries out the hits, but Jenn is knocked unconscious in the chaos, nearly blinded; Zee spares Jenn and Finn orders her to finish the job at Jenn's hospital.

Marseille nightclub
3

Hospital visit and Sey's investigation begins

Posing as a vice-consul from the US embassy, Zee gains access to Jenn's hospital room, but she spares her again. Inspector Sey arrives to take Jenn's statement about the nightclub murders, but Jenn's trauma leaves her with little memory, and Sey grows suspicious of Zee.

Hospital
4

Sey links Gobert to Bin Faheem theft

Sey begins connecting Gobert to a major heroin theft from Arabian prince Majeb Bin Faheem, a development the police faction tries to suppress out of fear for their careers. The investigation gradually reveals that Finn is behind the theft, aiming to corner the Paris drug market.

Police station
5

Hospital ambush and Zee's rescue

Before Finn's thugs can kill Jenn at the hospital, Zee arrives to pull her to safety. A chaotic shootout erupts, destroying ward space and killing staff and patients, and Zee escapes with Jenn to her apartment.

Hospital; Zee's apartment
6

Jenn identifies Zee and the Bin Faheem theft revealed

Jenn identifies Zee as the nightclub killer and reveals that she and Coco had stolen Bin Faheem's heroin shipment, triggering the subsequent string of murders. Zee lies to Finn, claiming she eliminated Jenn, though Finn will learn the truth later.

7

Zee is arrested and escapes; Jenn kidnapped

Sey tracks Zee down and has her arrested, but she escapes custody. She learns that Jenn has been kidnapped by Finn's men, and Tessier warns Zee when she contacts him.

Police custody
8

Gobert's demand and Finn's betrayal

Gobert demands that Zee assassinate Bin Faheem for his failure to deliver, but Finn handles Gobert himself and has him killed. Finn then arranges for Sey to be framed and tasks Zee with eliminating Sey, promising Zee and Jenn freedom in return.

Finn's network
9

Jax's loyalty exposed; Zee and Sey unite

Zee discovers that Jax is a dirty cop aligned with Finn by watching a meeting between Jax and one of Finn's assassins. Realizing the setup, Zee teams with Sey to bring Finn down.

City
10

The heroin exchange at the abandoned church

Zee and Sey retrieve the stolen heroin and arrange an exchange for Jenn at an abandoned church.

Abandoned church
11

Final showdown and Finn's downfall

The confrontation erupts between Zee, Sey, Finn, and Finn's assassins in the church. An explosive charge destroys the drugs, Jenn regains her sight, and Zee shoots Finn to end his control.

Abandoned church
12

Zee plans a new life; farewell

After watching Jenn be reunited with her mother, Zee calls Sey to say she plans to change her life and leave violence behind. They share a light-hearted goodbye as she contemplates a possible new path.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:47

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Redemptive Hitman Stories Like The Killer

Skilled killers seek a way out, haunted by one last job gone wrong.If you liked The Killer, explore more movies about cold-blooded assassins seeking redemption. These crime thrillers feature skilled hitmen on one last job, forced alliances, and a heavy emotional weight as they confront the consequences of their violent lives.

redemptiveviolentmethodicalcynicaltenseguilt-riddenatmospheric

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically involves a 'one last job' premise that spirals out of control due to betrayal, forcing the protagonist to break their solitary rules. The journey is less about achieving a clean victory and more about atonement, often culminating in a bittersweet resolution where survival comes at a great personal cost.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a specific character arc: the redemption of a methodical killer. They blend high-intensity action with a heavy emotional core, exploring themes of guilt, loyalty, and the possibility of change within a cynical, corrupt world.

Movies With Tense Alliances Like The Killer

Enemies become temporary partners to survive a web of betrayal.Find movies similar to The Killer where heroes and villains form shaky alliances. These fast-paced thrillers and crime dramas feature rogue cops teaming with criminals, shifting loyalties, and high-stakes action in a morally ambiguous world of betrayal.

tenseparanoidcynicalviolentatmosphericshifting loyaltiescorruption

Narrative Summary

The narrative revolves around a central, forced partnership—often between a criminal and a law enforcement officer—that drives the plot forward. The tension comes from the constant threat of betrayal within the alliance itself, as both parties navigate a larger, more powerful corrupt network. The story is linear and propulsive, focusing on survival and a final confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their core dynamic of a 'alliance of convenience'. They share a tense, paranoid mood, fast pacing fueled by constant danger, and a cynical tone where the lines between good and evil are permanently blurred.

Unlock the Full Story of The Killer

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Killer in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Killer is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Killer Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Killer, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Killer Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Killer

The Killer Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Killer Spoiler-Free Summary

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