Some people used to say (and maybe they still do) that Jet Li couldn't do anything but period movies. I guess it took some time for audiences to get used to him having hair. Anyway, "Hitman" is a good movie. The script manages to make Li's character a nice guy while the profession he's chosen isn't known for such sentiment. Likewise the film successfully balances its comedic and dramatic portions. There's a nice, funny montage of Li trying out clothes (wearing Chow Yun-Fat's look from "A Better Tomorrow" and Jean Reno's from "The Professional" -- potted plant and all).

The cast is quite good, too. Gigi Leung Wing-Kei makes for a pleasant romantic interest while the chemistry between Jet Li and Simon Yam Tat-Wah is terrific. The glances they exchange while trying to size up ne another are great. I only wish they had shared more scenes together. I've never been a big fan of Eric Tsang Chi-Wai, but he was fine here.

"Hitman" has nice action and some heart. Recommended.