Is Hitman the Cobra Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1987, Hitman the Cobra represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the War, Action category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into "The war has reached its peak; the entire country is suffering under the bloody and merciless occupation of enemy troops. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of War, Action are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: ""The war has reached its peak; the entire country is suffering under the bloody and merciless occupation of enemy troops. Innocent people are being tortured and ruthlessly executed. To put an end to this reign of terror once and for all, the local troops have received support from a handful of highly trained commandos. These commandos are led by the American elite soldier Gordon, who also has a very personal score to settle. The guerrilla troops are under the command of Mike, with whom he shares a gruesome past dating back to the Vietnam War. The day of deadly reckoning is drawing ever closer, and only one will survive." - DVD Back of the Box Description Hong Kong cut and paste edit of the 1984 Filipino War film "Kumander Sumulong" with new scenes."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Richard Harrison provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Godfrey Ho is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Hitman the Cobra truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of War, Action, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Hitman the Cobra explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 1987 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Godfrey Ho respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Hitman the Cobra is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Richard Harrison or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Hitman the Cobra is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.