John Woo returns to French cinemas after over fifteen years with “The Killer,” a remake of his own 1989 film. The original, featuring Chow Yun-Fat, achieved a score of 3.8 on AlloCiné and remains a fan favorite, notably overshadowed by his 1997 hit “Volte/Face.” Celebrated for its unique plot and thrilling action, “Volte/Face” showcases memorable performances from John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, each earning praise for their dynamic roles in this iconic action film.
It’s been over fifteen years since John Woo last graced French cinemas with a film. His last release, The 3 Kingdoms, debuted on March 25, 2009, with his more recent works, like Silent Night, making their way to viewers through platforms such as Prime Video.
Now, Woo returns with The Killer, a remake of his own 1989 classic, which initially hit French theaters in 1995. The original starred the iconic Chow Yun-Fat and received an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 on AlloCiné, making it one of Woo’s notable works, although his American period films generally performed better critically.
It’s no surprise that Volte/Face stands out, boasting an impressive average rating of 3.9 out of 5, matching other films like Une balle dans la tête and À toute épreuve. However, the sheer volume of ratings—32,217 for Volte/Face as opposed to 1,088 and 1,434—gives it an edge in popularity.
Released in 1997, Volte/Face is celebrated for its thrilling action sequences, albeit with some overly apparent stunt doubles. The plot revolves around a CIA agent and the terrorist he’s pursuing, who swap faces—and lives—in a high-stakes game. This offers John Travolta and Nicolas Cage the chance to give unforgettable performances, raising the bar for any potential sequel or remake.
Highlights from Reviews of ‘Volte/Face’
HawkMan: ‘John Woo has crafted the ultimate action film: a gripping tale of a cop and gangster exchanging both faces and lives, propelled by stellar performances, particularly from Nicolas Cage. The film’s adrenaline-fueled action is surreal and unforgettable.’
bobmorane63: ‘An outrageous and exhilarating action spectacle from John Woo, showcasing his mastery of the genre. The dynamic between Travolta and Cage, who convincingly navigate their roles as adversaries turned allies, adds a layer of depth to the film.’
RENGER: ‘A relentless action ride! John Woo expertly guides two exceptional actors through a labyrinth of thrilling twists, ensuring that this film continues to be a cherished part of our DVD collections—its impact seemingly timeless.’
scrat28: ‘As one of the finest in action cinema, Volte/Face delivers nonstop excitement and a gripping narrative, highlighted by the captivating duel between Nicolas Cage and John Travolta.’
moket: ‘An outstanding film! With a well-structured script and impressive direction, the performances, especially Cage’s ability to seamlessly shift from hero to villain, are simply remarkable.’
Kevin T: ‘One of the most thrilling showdowns ever! The tension-filled chase scenes and the climactic face-off are nothing short of brilliant, supported by an outstanding score and a remarkably inventive script.’
What are your thoughts? Did Volte/Face leave you in awe?