Review of Man on Fire (2004) by Greg L — 18 Jul 2011
Staggeringly razor sharp action drama. Denzil Washington is at the top of his game as a burnt out former CIA who is on a self-destructive path with no sign of redemption, nor looking for redemption. His regrets have been burnt into his conscience, wrestling between and a bullet and a bottle of whiskey every night.
When asked to protect a rich Mexican family the daughter (played brilliantly by the ever relaible Dakota Fanning) befriends the reluctant agent. He refuses to let her in but by becoming her coach, he becomes her mentor and surrogate father.
The film could have played out the frienship with the forced numbers game of other films but here it feels natural, so when she is kidnapped, you are behind him when he relentlessly persues the kidnappers in a brutal path of vengaence.
Arguably one of Denzil's best, next to The Hurricane. Training Day was ok but a blatant 'we-are-not-racist' Hollywood apology (Note: Hale Berry won in the same year. Enough said). Make this one to add to your library!
This review of Man on Fire (2004) was written by Greg L on 18 Jul 2011.
Man on Fire has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
