Review of Man on Fire (2004) by Sean P — 11 May 2014

This was a critically dismissed film that the audience seemed to love, and, honestly, I don't understand either reaction. First of all, this is hardly an action film. It's a drama that has an action-filled ending.

And that's actually what makes the film. The relationship between Denzel and Fanning is very well put together, but the film doesn't do enough to explain Denzel's personal problems, and certainly doesn't do enough to resolve them.

I really don't buy that ending. Audiences like sacrificial anti-heroes and heroes (another example is Blood Diamond), but this film doesn't make the lead likable enough and kind of leads you to expect him to give up his own life.

Worth a watch, but not a buy.