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Mark Dacascos, Julie Condra, Tcheky Karyo, Masaya Kato, Rae Dawn Chong ... see more see more... , Mako , Yôko Shimada , Byron Mann

Based on a popular Japanese comic, this stylish, romantic French-Canadian actioner features many exciting pyrotechnic effects, elegantly executed murders, and some nifty-doodle gadgets, but very littl... read more read more...e on-screen bloodshed as it follows the adventures of Yo, one of the world's greatest hit men. Yo works for a mysterious Chinese organization and has been given the dubious honor of being called Freeman, the name the tong gives to its chief enforcer. Yo doesn't want the honor, but there is little he can do; obligation is more important than personal want. Still, after each killing, Yo sheds a few tears for the victims. One day he bumps into Emu O'Hara, a beautiful painter who has avoided people after mobsters killed her father, who was a rigidly honest judge determined to wipe out crime. Emu witnesses Yo's killing three Yakuza on a rugged stretch of California coastline where she is painting. Yo sees her see him, and though they never speak, both know that necessity dictates she be his next victim. Following the police investigation of the killings, Emu goes back to Vancouver, BC. Yo has also been sent there to kill her and a Yakuza don. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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71% liked it

5,491 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 41 min.

Directed by: Christophe Gans

Release Date: January 1, 1995

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Flixster Reviews (249)

  • phubbs1
    November 14, 2011
    phubbs1
    Probably Mark Dacascos finest hour in this highly stylised adaptation of a classic manga character and graphic novel. This is where I first saw and heard of Dacascos and I really dug the guys talents, he was lean, athletic and he could do both Karate and Kung Fu styles, its just ... read morea shame that since this excellent film he went very much down hill with low budget action films.

    As for this adaptation its really very good considering its one of the first major comicbook films along side 'The Crow' which went for a serious adult approach just like the original source. To clear things up this is not a balls out action fest with killing and guns galore, its quite a thought provoking slow builder which does have some fantastic sequences but not chock full.

    Allot is based around both the Japanese and Chinese underworld which for anyone interested in the East and its customs, such as myself, is always a pleasure, plus it always seem to look really good on film too hehe. There is some gun porn here of course alongside some samurai sword fighting, martial arts, neat explosions with a few stunts and the now over used slow motion death sequences but it all looks very lush and sharp.

    Odd mix of folk for casting it must be said, due to some changes from the source material a few characters are now Western instead of Eastern and being directed/produced by both French and Canadian sources you have a real worldly blend going on, sort of.

    I myself had long forgotten about this film and I'm glad I checked it out again as its well worth your time if you enjoy martial arts of course. The film was never released in the US at first, unsure if its available now, so maybe many have missed this cracking assassin flick?
  • DragonEyeMorrison
    October 14, 2011
    DragonEyeMorrison
    I remember being quite dissapointed with this one, both as a fan of the manga and as a fan of action cinema. Gans clearly knows his hong kong cinema, but he's no Woo, To, Lam or Hark. Needs a rewatch for sure.
  • deano
    August 26, 2007
    deano
    Mark Dacascos makes amazing performance as the title role based on the Magna comic book with his martial arts, guns and swords scenes.
  • 76Majikat
    August 22, 2007
    76Majikat
    Anime fans will be disappointed with this film, in comparison it doesn't even touch the anime version. The only impressive thing in this film was the main character's physique. It's just about a watchable film.

    REVIEW: Watch it if it comes on tv, but do not rent or buy
  • rhysfrench
    February 16, 2009
    rhysfrench
    Tripe! This film has all the subtely and feeling of a cheap porno! As a newby to the series I immediately saw the potential of the story, and the possible opportunities with some of the great set pieces and settings. However this is all largely wasted by a technically incompetan... read moret film which leaves you feeling cold and on the outside of the action. Note to film maker: Samurai swords good. Guns Bad.
  • halloweenjake
    July 5, 2007
    halloweenjake
    Feels like a made for TV special. Needless nudity, and the set pieces lack oomph. But did learn that the way to smuggle weapons through airports is to pack them in clay and a big lead case.
  • thundertyrant
    March 12, 2007
    thundertyrant
    Gives you a outline for who freeman really is, but desn't follow the Anime version and cuts itself short... No sequels planned I'm afraid.
  • sloan013
    March 11, 2007
    sloan013
    Based on a famous manga of the same name the Crying Freeman is the worlds most lethal assassin created by a mixture of arcane and occult means by international crime cartel the 100 Dragons.Our "hero" formly an artist is honed into the killer that never fails...but his inner artis... read moret causes him to shed tears after every killing, during a mission he falls for a beautiful young painter.If you follw the manga you know whats next!CHAOS!..the film dosen't follw the manga as close as "d like but its still a good little action flix -check it out.
  • flynnparadox
    September 19, 2006
    flynnparadox
    Diluted version of the anime series, this is still worth checking out. Gans certainly knows how to make a good looking movie. Get the uncut version, though.
  • stevendapcevich
    August 16, 2006
    stevendapcevich
    I havent seen this but I have been wanting to for over ten years. I couldnt find it in Alaska. I would give my eyeteeth for a copy of it!!!

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Critic Reviews

Leonard Klady
March 27, 2009
Leonard Klady, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Dragan Antulov
April 4, 2003
Dragan Antulov, rec.arts.movies.reviews

No review available.

June 24, 2006
Time Out

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November 13, 2001
Empire Magazine

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Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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    • Freeman: Chairman Gate is an enemy of chairman Blade, and freeman's head is a slave of the sons of the dragon.
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