Man on Fire Movie Review

Man on Fire is a violent movie that takes a close look at revenge. It delves into the morally complex issue of seeking justice through violence. Screenwriter Brian Helgeland and Denzel Washington deliver exceptional performances in this taut thriller. The film’s emotional core is formed around the bond between Creasy and Pita.

The Story

Man on Fire could have been just another revenge movie, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a powerful drama that explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. It also stars Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning who give amazing performances that make the film stand out from other action films.

The film is based on the book Man on Fire by A.J Quinnell and published in 1980. Although the events in the film are fictional, Quinnell took inspiration from two real-life incidents. The first was the kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl by mafia members in Italy and the second was the kidnapping of J Paul Getty’s grandson and his refusal to pay a ransom.

It’s not for the weak of heart as it’s loaded with bloody killing, gore, and torture. It’s also got plenty of profanity with 27 occurrences of the F-word alone.

The directing of the film is done by Tony Scott who’s responsible for many big budget hits. He knows how to tell a story and keeps the film moving along, never letting it become bogged down or boring. He’s able to take a violent, gritty story and turn it into something more palatable for mainstream audiences. The cinematography in the film is also amazing. The use of different film grains, erratically photographed scenes, and complex visual effects gives the thriller movie an edge that makes it stand out from other action movies.

The Cast

Denzel Washington gives it his all in this movie. He is growling, intense and completely believable in this role. It is clear that he truly loves this genre of movie and it shows in his performance.

Dakota Fanning, a newcomer to the acting world, is also fantastic. The two actors have great chemistry and you really believe that they are friends off-screen.

John Creasy is a burnt out ex-CIA operative who finds redemption in his job as the bodyguard for a young girl. When the girl is kidnapped, Creasy unleashes his own brand of justice on Mexico City’s underbelly. This is a fast-paced, hard hitting movie that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.

Director Tony Scott (brother of Ridley) does a good job with the action scenes but falters when it comes to the dialogue and the plot. The movie is overlong and has too many characters. It also features a lot of gratuitous violence, which is a little over the top.

Man on Fire has a great cast and some impressive action sequences, but the story is a bit over the top. It is still an entertaining movie that is worth watching. If you are a fan of Denzel Washington or action movies, then Man on Fire is definitely worth seeing. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking or original.

The Visuals

Man on Fire is a thrilling movie that takes viewers into the seedy and dangerous underworld of Mexico City. It is a gripping story of revenge and redemption, starring Denzel Washington in an outstanding performance as John Creasy. The film also features a talented ensemble cast, including Radha Mitchell, Dakota Fanning, and Christopher Walken.

Director Tony Scott has infused the film with his signature visual style, creating a compelling and captivating cinematic experience. The action sequences are well-choreographed and packed with adrenaline. The use of multiple camera angles and creative editing techniques further enhances the film’s overall visual appeal.

Moreover, the film’s soundtrack is well-composed and adds to the overall tone of the movie. The film also features a variety of stylistic effects, such as choppy slow motion and strange lighting. These techniques may distract the viewer from the plot and create confusion.

The film is also criticized for its excessive violence and lack of character development. Nevertheless, the acting skills of Washington and Fanning are undeniable. The film’s moral palette is never quite broad enough to make it anything other than a simplistic celebration of revenge.

Despite its flaws, the movie has earned a dedicated fan base for its intense storytelling and gripping action sequences. Moreover, the cast delivers remarkable performances and explores the themes of sacrifice and redemption.

The Action

Man on Fire has a lot of action in it but it’s not the non-stop action that you would expect from a movie with the title “Man on Fire.” What is really exciting about this movie is the way it gets you involved with the story and the characters. The film doesn’t fall into the trap of cheap cliches but rather allows you to see a real human struggle with faith and justice.

The movie also delves into deeper themes about redemption and the power of the bond between a protector and the child they are entrusted with. It raises the question of whether or not taking justice into one’s own hands is ever justifiable.

Director Tony Scott abandons much of the restraint he displayed in Spy Game, and there is plenty of gore and suffering that will make you squirm in your seat. Creasy tortures his victims in order to extract information from them and even dismembers a couple of them before killing them. While this may seem cruel it’s important to remember that the main character in the movie is not out for revenge but justice. He doesn’t take pleasure in brutalising his victims but rather only does what is necessary to find out the truth about the kidnapping. A powerful and gripping film that showcases the talent of Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning.