Man On Fire (2004)

7.5 /10

Directed by: Tony Scott
Written by: Brian Helgeland
Star Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, Christopher Walken
Running time: 146 minutes
Genre: Action, Thriller

Tony Scott's Man on Fire is the story of a former marine turned bodyguard John Creasy, hired by a rich Mexican businessman to protect her daughter Pita Ramos as the cases of kidnapping increase in Mexico. Creasy is an alcoholic. Haunted by his past, his life has now become apathetic. He's alive and dead at the same time. Whereas Pita is an enthusiastic, clever and lovable girl. When Pita got abducted, Creasy starts his search for the culprits and punishes each one of them in the most possible horrifying ways.

Both halves of the movie are totally opposite to each other. The first half is emotional, dedicated to relationship building between Pita and Creasy. Whereas, the second half is an action-packed drama. It's bloody and dark. As a shadowy cartel kidnaps Pita, Creasy's life is once again empty. These fucks took his life away from him. It's time to die now.

The script isn't perfect. Most of the time (still have some unexpected moments and twists), we know what is coming next, yet the movie is an audience pleaser. It is full of violence and mayhem.  Creasy tortures everyone associated with kidnapping, from criminals to corrupt cops to the mastermind. He chops off their fingers and blasts them with dynamite.

"Forgiveness is between them and God. It's my job to arrange the meeting."- John Creasy

Denzel Washington as Creasy, makes his character believable. Viewers get absorbed in his character and can feel his sadness. Creasy has lost all his hopes. His past has left him world-weary and cynical. We can judge his mental condition from this dialogue "Do you think God will forgive us for what we've done?"  Washington is once again outstanding.

Dakota Fanning as Pita is a lovely innocent girl. She's astonishing and natural with her heart-winning performance. She really marks her presence on the screen. She gave Creasy a motive to live again. He falls in love with her innocence. Director Tony Scott (Top Gun) beautifully crafted the father-daughter like relationship between Creasy and Pita.

Man on Fire isn't flawless but is compelling and powerful. It's explosive and gratifying. A Terminator-like hero who's only mission is destruction makes this film a mass entertainer. The ending of the film literally brought tears to my eyes. The film gives you everything you want from an action thriller film. It's one of the most entertaining revenge dramas I have seen to date. I would definitely recommend this film.

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