“A bullet always tells the truth.” —Rayburn
Today’s quick review: Man on Fire. John Creasy (Denzel Washington), a washed-up ex-government assassin, finds new meaning in life when he takes a job as a bodyguard for Lupita Ramos (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of a wealthy businessman, in Mexico City. But his worst fears are realized when kidnappers take Lupita and leave him in critical condition. Recovering his strength, Creasy goes on the hunt to find the kidnappers and take his revenge.
Man on Fire is an action thriller starring Denzel Washington. What starts as just a job turns personal when John Creasy becomes friends with the girl he’s supposed to protect. Her kidnapping spurs him into violent action as he uses his skills as a killer to find out who took her. Half revenge flick and half tale of redemption, Man on Fire is a well-balanced thriller that has the character development and violence it needs to make its premise work.
In spite of an action-oriented premise, Man on Fire accomplishes the most when it comes to its story. John Creasy makes for a nuanced protagonist, a retired killer driven to alcoholism by what he has done. His grudging relationship with Lupita pulls him back from the brink and gives him a reason to live again. The story may be predictable, but the acting quality makes it effective just the same, and it’s a great setup for the second half of the film.
However, there are a few aspects of Man on Fire that will be hit-or-miss. The film’s direction fits right in with other action movies from the 2000s, using screen distortion, audio distortion, and a skewed color palette to ratchet up the tension on certain scenes. Creasy’s quest for revenge includes some explicit torture that might be a little much for some viewers. The other main point of contention is the long introduction before the action starts.
While these aspects of the movie may not appeal to everyone, they are deliberate decisions that do not detract from the movie’s overall quality. Man on Fire remains a satisfying thriller with a robust story and an unusually well-developed protagonist. Action fans will find it to be a worthwhile watch in spite of its slow start and lengthy run time. Give it a try when you’re in the mood for something serious and violent but not without hope.
For a rescue mission that’s bleaker, gorier, and packed with more action, try Rambo: Last Blood. For a gut-wrenching mystery about a kidnapped child, try Gone Baby Gone. For a less ambitious action movie about a man who picks up the pieces of his life to save a kidnapped girl, try Safe. For an even darker brush with organized crime in Mexico, try Sicario. For a more focused action thriller in the same vein, try Wanted.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for solid action and a cleanly executed story.