The Hitman (1991) is a gritty action crime thriller starring Chuck Norris in one of his darker, more emotionally charged roles. Directed by Aaron Norris, the film casts Chuck as Cliff Garret, an undercover cop left for dead by his corrupt partner. After surviving a near-fatal shooting, he’s reborn with a new identity — Danny Grogan — and sent deep undercover by the FBI to infiltrate the brutal criminal underworld of Seattle.

Norris tones down his usual stoic heroics to play a more morally conflicted character. As Grogan, he must balance maintaining his criminal cover while protecting a young boy from neighborhood bullies and racists, leading to one of the film’s most tender subplots. While the movie doesn’t reinvent the action genre, it offers plenty of gunfights, brutal beatdowns, and vigilante justice — all trademarks of Chuck Norris’ brand.

The film explores themes of redemption, identity, and corruption. Norris fans will find satisfaction in the slow-burning tension and explosive confrontations. Its mix of gangster drama and hard-edged action, plus a decent emotional core, makes The Hitman stand out among Norris’ filmography.

Although it didn’t achieve box office glory or critical acclaim, it remains a cult favorite for fans of early ’90s action cinema — especially those who appreciate Chuck Norris playing against type as a silent, shadowy avenger rather than a clean-cut hero.