The Trigger 2002
In *The Trigger (2002)*, a seasoned hit-man receives a high-stakes assignment that forces him to confront the moral weight of his profession when his girlfriend's pregnancy awakens dormant humanity.
Director: Alex Yang
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Trigger* (2002) about?
*The Trigger* follows a professional assassin hired for a final job before retiring to start a family with his pregnant girlfriend. But as the mission unfolds, his resolve falters, forcing him to weigh the cost of his violent career against the life he aspires to build.
Who directed *The Trigger*?
Alex Yang directed *The Trigger*, marking his debut as a feature filmmaker and drawing from his experience working with Edward Yang in earlier projects.
Who stars in *The Trigger*?
The film stars Ngai Man-Yin, Cai Xinghung, Su-Yun Ko, and Hsu Hui-Ni in its principal roles.
Is *The Trigger* (2002) worth watching?
*The Trigger* is a compelling, low-key thriller with a strong moral core, though its slow-burn pacing may not appeal to all audiences. If you enjoy character-driven crime dramas with a touch of melancholy, it's worth a look for its atmospheric storytelling and thematic depth.
How long is *The Trigger*?
The Trigger runs for 103 minutes.
About The Trigger (2002) — A Hit-Man's Last Stand Between Violence and Redemption
In *The Trigger (2002)*, a seasoned hit-man receives a high-stakes assignment that forces him to confront the moral weight of his profession when his girlfriend's pregnancy awakens dormant humanity. Tormented by the decision to eliminate a target or spare the life he's fighting to protect, he vows to walk away from the shadows—after this one last job. Taiwanese director Alex Yang crafts a tense, atmospheric thriller that blends urban grit with intimate drama, drawing inspiration from his mentor Edward Yang's signature style. With a raw, minimalist approach, the film explores themes of redemption, choice, and the fragile line between violence and love, all set against a bleak, rain-soaked cityscape.
The Trigger marks Alex Yang's debut as a feature filmmaker, showcasing his talent for blending noir elements with deeply personal storytelling. While the cast includes veteran actor Ngai Man-Yin alongside fresh faces like Cai Xinghung and Su-Yun Ko, it's the film's moral dilemma at its core that lingers long after the credits roll. A moody, introspective thriller that questions whether a man can ever truly outrun his past—or if some triggers are impossible to un-pull.