John Woo, a renowned filmmaker, was born in southern China, but his journey in the film industry began in Hong Kong, where he started his career as an assistant director in 1969, working for the prestigious Shaw Brothers Studios. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career, which would span over five decades.
Woo's directorial debut came in 1973, and he went on to work in a wide range of genres, honing his craft and developing his unique style. However, it was his 1986 film, A Better Tomorrow, that cemented his reputation as a master filmmaker, particularly in the realm of ultra-violent gangster films and thrillers. The film's elaborate action sequences, shot with breathtaking precision and panache, left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Woo's cult following in the US, particularly with his 1989 film, The Killer, eventually led to him being offered a Hollywood contract. Today, he continues to work in the US, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.