Ever since John Woo had left Hong Kong (he came back and hopefully he will do a few more movies in Hongkong like "Red Cliff"), it seemed there was big hole left in the industry. Of course not only Woo had left Hongkong and had to make a van Damme pic, like every other Hong Kong director, see Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark. So where would all this go? I wasn't aware of anyone who would be able to succeed him. And along came Johnnie To. And while not really comparable to Woo, he made the Hong Kong action cinema his own.Fulltime Killer is only one of many exhibitions (which he has mixed up with a few other things, though he stays true to the action cinema). What makes the movie so great in my eyes, is the eye for details. Things that normally wouldn't be in an action movie, because producers would deem them as redundant and unnecessary. Like moments where you see a human side of Bodyguards or Killers for that matter.But don't be fooled by that. The action is also top notch. A great movie, with many more to follow. And I don't think there is a need for him to move to Hollywood any time soon (or ever for that matter)

Good production values, great photography, seamless editing, attractive young Oriental stars, and a puzzling plot leave you guessing to the very end what the outcome is. In the meantime enjoy relentless action in a realistic gorefest involving a competitive face-off between the 2 best hit men in the Far East, and some pretty smart and relentless police who are out to take them both down. It all takes place in many exotic locales around Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. What impressed me was that although my initial reaction to the two main protagonists was negative, I began to like and to root for each one to survive. It's not all bullets -- the gore is quickly passed over, and there's a lot of athleticism to add some interest, as well as some arty overtones by way of O's interest in photography, and even a brief, artfully-done sex scene. There are flashbacks and story-telling which confound the plot by taking you back and forth in time and back and forth between fiction and reality. I recognized Andy Lau, playing Tok, from House of the Flying Daggers. This movie is much better for its genre than a lot of the dreck coming out of Hollywood.

There's a plot in there somewhere about two assassins and a girl they both have feelings for. One of them wants to take the number one assassin title from the other. But really this film is just a exercise in style over substance. The thing is the style IS great and it's very fun to watch. Well at least it attempts to get serious. A few nice set-pieces though.My Grade: C+ DVD Extras: 25 minute Making of; 23 minute behind the Scenes; Bios for Andy Lau, Takashi Sorimachi, and Johnnie To; Theatrical Trailer; and Trailers for "The Believer", "the Last Minute" and "Scratch"

I would call this a playful mix of different influences. Of course there is always a downside to making a mix between already existing movies, you get the feeling you have seen all of it before. But this is still entertaining."O" (Takashi Sorimachi) is the coolest hit-man in Asia. If you need a professional hit done you call him for a clean and professional execution. Tok (Any Lau) is the new kid on the block fighting to become the best hit-man. He is becoming more and more irritated always hearing about how great O is. Soon the two assassins have a vendetta going.There are many obvious references and nods to other movies in "Fulltime Killer". And much of the movie is more or less stolen from already existing movies. But it's always done tongue-in-cheek and Tok even comments on what movies he like and how much he wants to be like a movie star. That's why this feels so playful, the film-makers never try to hide that they are inspired by existing movies.The action-scenes are well made and most of the time beautifully shot. The two main actors are both good and the assassinations are well thought-out and entertaining. Also the climax of the movie is quite original. So this is recommended for people who don't mind influences and are hooked on movies about hit men. I rate it 6/10.