Man On Fire (2004)

2004 • 146 minutes

About this movie

Hard-drinking, burnt-out ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) has given up on life--until his friend Rayburn (Academy Award winner Christopher Walken) gets him a job as a bodyguard to nine-year-old Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning). Bit by bit, Creasy begins to reclaim his soul, but when Pita is kidnapped, Creasy unleashes a firestorm of apocalyptic vengeance against everyone responsible.

Ratings and reviews

This movie is one of the few "revenge romp" types that actually feel vindicated. The intensity of the filmmaking & Denzel Washington's stunning yet heartbreaking performance left a lasting impact on me. Christopher Walken feels like an odd choice for a supporting actor on paper, but delivers in a rare but excellently done straight-faced, serious role. Dakota Fanning delivered despite her age at the time. A must-own.

Another great collaboration with Denzel Washington and the late great Tony Scott. Strong supporting cast as well. The movie plays out in 2 halves - one where Denzel's character seeks salvation from his past and the other where he uses his past to vow revenge.

Denzel makes another great performance but this film didn't have anything that different from most kidnapping movies I've seen before.