It is a performances centric movie

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Rivalry tale between an upcoming flashy assassin attempting to take the crown from Hong Kong #1 assassin . But things begin to get personal when the flashy assassin decides to seduce and take away the woman Mr. #1 has watched over for over a year ...Who will win the throne as top assassin and win the girl ???

Johnnie To carved out a niche for himself as an action director with stylistic flair, humour, and a penchant for plots that become incomprehensible during the movie's second half.Sometimes these ingredients are just right, as with his wonderful late '90s film "The Longest Nite". Other times the incomprehensible plot undercuts the film's impact, as with "The Mission" and "Running Out of Time". And finally, sometimes the movie's style is the clincher.Such is the case with "Fulltime Killer". Don't get me wrong, it's still a deliriously entertaining movie, but it is truly style over substance, which may or may not be a bad thing from your perspective.The plot is sillier than most of To's works: it involves two hired killers, one Japanese, the other Cantonese, who are out for each other's blood. There is a girl who comes between them, and the Cantonese assassin takes her under his wing. She doesn't seem at all put off by his profession and is firing high-powered sniper rifles in record time. Not bad for a video store employee.There is also a cop out to catch one or both of our anti-heroes. He is played by none other than Simon Yam. Does Yam always play cops in these movies? This movie doesn't get as confusing as most of To's fare. The script feels more like an excuse for style, which is has by the bucket-load. There are even shoot outs which are closer to Woo's "Hard-Boiled" than they are to To's generally more static gun fights."Fulltime Killer" is the kind of movie that you'll probably enjoy very much while it's on, but won't think about it much afterwards. And that may be the point.

In this film the director stays well ahead of us, pulling us into the baroque plot with a grin. Andy Lau and Takeshi Scaramachi are anti-heroes within a sexually charged subplot with Kelly Lin, cool and sexy with or without glasses. They work in the same field: assassination and soon they are seeking each other out for final termination. As with some stylish thrillers, ellipsis must be accepted. Oscar Wilde once said "The first purpose of life is to adopt a pose. The second purpose has not been discovered yet." This film revels in poses and extraordinary set pieces that are passionately beautiful. Beware how much you revel in the violence, stylized and chic as it is--even an assassin can feel sickened by his work. In some ways, the film parallels John Woo's "Face Off." A must see.

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.