The Head Hunter (1982)
A taut Hong Kong crime thriller starring a young Chow Yun-Fat as a hitman whose deadly assignment becomes a dangerous love story.
The Head Hunter - Movie Information
- Original Title: 獵頭
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Lau Shing-Hon
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 25, 1982 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: The Long Goodbye (US), 獵人 (HK)
- Production Companies: Seasonal Film Corporation
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Head Hunter - Plot
Former Vietnamese soldier Nguyen Dich (Chow Yun-Fat) comes to HK after the Vietnam war, as a professional killer for a gang leader. Here he meets and falls in love with Vicky Lee (Rosamund Kwan). He is ordered to kill her father, and later given the order to kill her too as she started to suspect him. She then discovers that he is responsible for her fathers death...
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The Head Hunter - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lau Shing-Hon
Main Cast
- Chow Yun-Fat
- Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam
- Wan Chi-Keung
- Philip Chan Yan-Kin
- Ko Chun-Hsiung
- Tang Ching
- Melvin Wong
- Flora Cheong-Leen
- Ng Hong-Sang
- Lo Wai
Writers
- Lau Shing-Hon
- Sze-To Cheuk-Hon
Producers
- Kung Chuan-Kai
- Law Hing Man
The Head Hunter - FAQs
What is The Head Hunter about?
The Head Hunter follows Nguyen Dich, a former Vietnamese soldier who reinvents himself as a professional hitman for a Hong Kong crime boss. When he falls for Vicky Lee, the daughter of one of his targets, loyalty and love collide in a tense, emotionally charged thriller that puts both their lives at risk.
Does The Head Hunter have a tragic ending?
The film builds toward a deeply dramatic conclusion. Vicky eventually discovers that Nguyen Dich is responsible for her father's death, creating an almost impossible rift between them. The story doesn't shy away from the consequences of a life built on violence and deception, making the ending emotionally devastating.
Where can you stream The Head Hunter?
You can watch The Head Hunter for free on Tubi TV, Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. It's also available on FlixFling with a subscription or as a rental or purchase. Plenty of options depending on how you prefer to watch.
Is The Head Hunter an early Chow Yun-Fat film?
Yes, The Head Hunter is one of Chow Yun-Fat's earlier film roles, released in 1982 before he became an international icon through films like A Better Tomorrow and The Killer. It's a fascinating look at a young Chow already demonstrating the charisma and screen presence that would define his career.
Who directed The Head Hunter?
The Head Hunter was directed by Lau Shing-Hon, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Sze-To Cheuk-Hon. Lau brings a gritty, grounded sensibility to the film's Hong Kong crime setting, balancing action sequences with the emotional weight of the central love story.
Is The Head Hunter based on a true story?
The Head Hunter is a work of fiction, though it draws on the real historical backdrop of the Vietnam War and the wave of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants who arrived in Hong Kong during the late 1970s and early 1980s. That context gives the story a grounded, socially aware edge.
What are some films similar to The Head Hunter?
If you enjoyed The Head Hunter, you'll likely appreciate A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon, which shares its Vietnam War backdrop, as well as The Mission and Infernal Affairs III for their Hong Kong crime atmosphere. Dog Bite Dog and Vengeance are also worth exploring for similar gritty action.
What language is The Head Hunter in?
The Head Hunter is a Cantonese-language film, produced in Hong Kong by Seasonal Film Corporation. For viewers unfamiliar with Cantonese, most streaming versions include subtitles, making it accessible to international audiences interested in classic Hong Kong cinema.
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