The Killer Elite (1975)

60% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
32% of users liked it
(1,846 ratings)

This second-string Sam Peckinpah action film features James Caan as ex-CIA agent Mike Locken, who has retired due to injuries received at the hands of his ex-partner George Hansen (Robert Duvall). But Mike is lured out of retirement to protect Yuen Chung (Mako), an Asian political leader. There's a… More This second-string Sam Peckinpah action film features James Caan as ex-CIA agent Mike Locken, who has retired due to injuries received at the hands of his ex-partner George Hansen (Robert Duvall). But Mike is lured out of retirement to protect Yuen Chung (Mako), an Asian political leader. There's a contract out on Yuen Chung's life -- and the killer assigned to rub out Yuen Chung is none other than Mike's former partner, George Hansen. The confrontation between the two leads to a showdown on a decaying naval vessel between Mike's forces and a group of ninja warriors. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 2 min.
Directed By: Sam Peckinpah
Written By: Marc Norman, Stirling Silliphant
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Dec 17, 1975 Wide
On DVD: Feb 23, 1999
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Richard Eder, New York Times
Sam Peckinpah knows how to make movies but perhaps he has forgotten why.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The Killer Elite is directed and acted with a certain nice style, but it puts us through so many convolutions of the plot that finally we just don't care.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Solid action pic.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
A fable of self-romanticizing paranoia, acknowledged as a splendid private joke played from deep within a corporate potboiler
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Misunderstood at the time of its release, this is essentially a droll parody of espionage thrillers with plenty of chases and shoot-outs presented in an absurdist, mocking tone by director Peckinpah.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
An underrated CIA thriller directed by Sam Peckinpah with lots of quirky offhand moments.
Jonathan R. Perry, Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)
Shoe-leather tough but refreshingly low key for Peckinpah.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

You know a movie is dated when the most notable product placement is an AMC Pacer.
AJ V

There's some good action in this movie, but the story's not so great, and it's pretty boring for the most part. At least there are some good actors in it.
Stephen M

"It's a good show. It's not a great show, but it's a good show." That just about sums up Peckinpah's The Killer Elite. The first time you watch it, it seems convoluted as hell; second time, you wonder where all the… More
"It's a good show. It's not a great show, but it's a good show." That just about sums up Peckinpah's The Killer Elite. The first time you watch it, it seems convoluted as hell; second time, you wonder where all the plot went. Betrayed and grievously wounded by old 'buddy' Robert Duvall, James Caan's CIA sponsored agent claws his way back to fitness and sets out for revenge. Despite all the crosses and double crosses, the story is essentially a very simple one, but Peckinpah disguises this fact with dazzling editing, lots of cod philosophical dialogue and minimal exposition. As with The Osterman Weekend a few years later, the material isn't really worthy of the director's talent, though he does what he can with it and, consequently, the film is about as good as it could possibly be. There are several tense and brilliantly executed set pieces, plus good character performances from the likes of Arthur Hill, Burt Young and Bo Hopkins. On the downside, the film has not aged well, it's occasionally silly and it's vaguely misogynous.
alan j

A fine performance by James Caan is frittered away with a mediocre storyline. Supporting actors Bo Hopkins and Burt Young compliment what litle action there is. At times tense and involving, but as a whole the film feels outdated and bland; the ninja sequences are almost laughable… More
A fine performance by James Caan is frittered away with a mediocre storyline. Supporting actors Bo Hopkins and Burt Young compliment what litle action there is. At times tense and involving, but as a whole the film feels outdated and bland; the ninja sequences are almost laughable compared to the choreography of contemporaries such as Corey Yuen. A generic ending concludes this political commentary on government and corruption. This is certainly not one of Peckinpah's finest....but an ok watch.