Alright, fellow tape travellers, let’s rewind to 1998. The video store shelves were still groaning under the weight of action flicks, and amidst the Hollywood blockbusters, you’d often find these electrifying imports from Hong Kong. Sometimes the covers were wild, the dubbing questionable, but the promise of kinetic, physics-defying action was always there. And nestled amongst them, you might have found a tape called Hitman, or maybe Contract Killer – same film, different box – starring the one and only Jet Li. This wasn't your typical heroic Jet Li role, though. This time, he was Fu, a skilled mainland soldier down on his luck, drawn into a deadly underground game.
### The Reluctant Killer and the Lovable Scammer
What immediately sets Contract Killer (original title: Sat Sau Chi Wong or King of Killers) apart is the dynamic between its leads. Jet Li, fresh off a string of iconic hero roles and just about to explode onto the Hollywood scene with Lethal Weapon 4 that same year, plays Fu with a quiet intensity and an almost naive honesty. He’s unbelievably skilled in combat, yes, but he’s fundamentally a good guy caught in bad circumstances, needing money to help his village. Enter Eric Tsang as Ngok Lo, a fast-talking, utterly shameless con man who stumbles upon Fu’s potential and sees dollar signs. Tsang, a veteran powerhouse of Hong Kong cinema known for both comedy and drama (like his intense role in Infernal Affairs years later), is pure gold here. His Ngok is greedy, cowardly, and manipulative, yet somehow, impossibly, endearing. Their odd-couple chemistry, the earnest warrior and the hustling parasite, forms the surprisingly effective heart of the film.
### The "Justice Fund" Game
The plot revolves around a bizarre scenario: a Japanese tycoon sets up a massive "Justice Fund" as bounty for the assassination of the man who killed his crooked son. This naturally attracts a rogue's gallery of international hitmen, all vying for the title of "King of Killers" and the huge payday. Fu, reluctantly pushed by Ngok, enters the fray, not for glory, but out of necessity. Tracking them all is the determined Hong Kong cop Chan Kwan, played with stoic cool by another HK legend, Simon Yam. The setup allows for a series of escalating confrontations, showcasing diverse fighting styles and weaponry. It’s pure late-90s Hong Kong action plotting – slightly convoluted, a bit silly, but ultimately a fantastic excuse for high-octane set pieces.
### Action Forged in Fire (and Sweat)
Let's talk about that action, because that's why we rented these tapes, right? Directed by Tung Wai, himself a veteran stuntman, actor, and key member of the legendary Sammo Hung Stunt Team (Tung even pops up in classics like Project A), the action here feels grounded despite the occasional flourish. This isn't the wire-fu ballet of some of Li's period pieces; it's faster, more brutal, with a focus on practical stunts and hard-hitting choreography. Remember how real those gunfights felt back then? The squibs exploding, the debris flying – it had a weight that modern CGI often smooths over. Jet Li is, of course, phenomenal. His speed and precision are mesmerising, whether he's disarming opponents in close quarters or navigating chaotic shootouts.
One particular retro fun fact: Hong Kong filmmaking in this era was notorious for its demanding stunt work. While specific details on Contract Killer's stunts aren't widely documented like some bigger productions, the general approach involved performers taking real risks for the shot. The falls, the car hits (even minor ones), the intricate fight sequences – they carried a palpable sense of danger that translates directly to the screen intensity. Tung Wai's background ensured the action was not just spectacular but also coherently staged and shot, letting Li's skills shine. It wasn’t about fancy camera tricks hiding the action; it was about capturing the performance.
### More Than Just Punches and Punchlines
While the action delivers, the film surprisingly works thanks to its tonal blend. It manages to swing between thrilling gunfights, impressive martial arts displays, and genuinely funny character comedy, mostly thanks to Eric Tsang's relentless scheming. Some of the humour might feel a bit broad or dated now, typical of Hong Kong comedies of the period, but Tsang's commitment sells it. It provides breathing room between the intense action sequences and deepens the relationship between Fu and Ngok. Was the film a massive critical darling? Not exactly, earning a respectable but not record-breaking HK$10.3 million at the Hong Kong box office. But for fans seeking solid action with a charismatic cast, it definitely hit the spot. It represents that specific flavour of late 90s HK action-comedy that was trying to find its footing as major stars and talent started looking towards Hollywood or mainland China.
### Final Verdict
Contract Killer isn't Jet Li's most iconic film, nor is it the absolute pinnacle of Hong Kong action cinema. But slipping that tape into the VCR back in the day (or finding it streaming now) offered, and still offers, a genuinely satisfying ride. It boasts fantastic chemistry between Li and Tsang, slickly directed action courtesy of Tung Wai, and that tangible, practical grit that made 90s action feel so immediate. The plot is a bit goofy, sure, and the humour might be an acquired taste, but the core components work beautifully together.
Rating: 7.5 / 10
Justification: The rating reflects the strong lead performances, excellent practical action sequences choreographed and directed by a knowledgeable hand (Tung Wai), and the entertaining, if sometimes uneven, blend of action and comedy. It's held back slightly by a familiar plot structure and humour that might not land for everyone today, but it's a prime example of solid, enjoyable late-90s Hong Kong action filmmaking featuring Jet Li at the top of his game before his full Hollywood transition.
Final Thought: A perfect slice of late-era Hong Kong action-comedy, Contract Killer is the kind of movie that reminds you why tracking down those slightly worn VHS tapes felt like discovering treasure – reliably entertaining, packed with talent, and delivering action with a satisfying crunch. Still holds up for a fun Friday night viewing.