The best scene in the film (imo)
With Woo, it's customary to pick one of the many high-octane action sequences that define his films as the standout scene. However, I love The Killer more for its human drama, as melodramatic and over-the-top it is at times.
For me, the best scene comes when Insp. Ying is scouting the nightclub. Jennie, seated at the piano player, is singing a mournful song while Ying looks on introspectively before approaching her. She confuses him with "her friend", after which he asks to her to continue singing the "beautiful" song for him. Saddened, she says she prefers to sing it only for Ah Jong. Ying turns and notices Ah Jong, the man he's after, leaning inside a doorway on the other side of the room, obscured by shadows. What commences isn't a chaotic foot chase or explosive shoot-out. Ling observes Ah Jong's unflagging loyalty to this woman he mortally wounded. Ah Jong, knowing he's being watched, vanishes.
It's a quiet, soulful moment that helps make The Killer possibly my favorite film from Woo. I love how the hunter and the hunted briefly bond through Jennie's singing. Despite the risks, Ah Jong simply needs to go hear her sing. Ling is bemused, and understands his quarry just a bit better.
Fantastic movie.
"...if that was off, I'd be whoopin' your ass up and down this street." ~ an irate Tarantino