The latest movie based on A.J. Quinnell’s novel of the same name is set in Mexico City and centers on the Latin American kidnappings that have become so numerous in the last few years. When Denzel Washington’s charge, Dakota Fanning, becomes the latest victim, avenging her becomes his personal mission. The film ties the kidnapping problem up too neatly but at least it highlights a form of terrorism usually overlooked here in the north.
Washington, Fanning, Christopher Walken, Rachel Ticotin, and Marc Anthony all give impressive performances. The direction by Tony Scott and score by Harry Gregson-Williams keep a frantic suspense going from the beginning. Beautiful and gritty shots of the city and innovative subtitling of Spanish dialogue add a pleasing texture without being distracting.
I recommend this film. The characters and the story are rich with depth and history, making it easy to lose oneself. Some may want to steer away from Man on Fire because of the extreme violence.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
good, clean, concise job Bryce, and now I want to see it - thanks and welcome!
2 - Mike Kole
Thanks for the review! I've been looking forward to seeing this for a long time, as I am a fan of the Quinnell novel, and the review brings it back to mind that the DVD is available.
It will be interesting to see how changing the setting from the novel's Italy/Mediterranean nexus to the film's Mexico City will affect the richness of the tale. Many of the best parts of the book revolved around the background of the Creasy character (Denzel) and his mercenary background with Luigi... who will not be Luigi in the film!
At the core, it's still a morally satisfying revenge story, and the setting won't matter in that regard.
3 - Mike Kole
Saw the DVD, and the story is still a good one, but I wasn't satisfied with the translation from novel to film. To be fair, I don't think anyone is ever satisfied with this transition.
What the film does surprisingly well is the cinematography. The film is relentlessly dark, even though much of it is shot in broad daylight. Mexico City, despite being a filthy city, shows up as that and yet very beautiful, thanks to several long shots of the city in its poluted haze. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but somehow it works.
It's still a very satisfying revenge-as-justice story, where the kidnappers and killers of children are eliminated by Creasy where a corrupt police force often are the kidnappers.