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Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken, Giancarlo Giannini, Radha Mitchell ... see more see more... , Marc Anthony , Rachel Ticotin , Mickey Rourke , Jesus Ochoa , Angelina Peláez , Gustavo Sanchez Parra , Gero Camilo

A man whose ideals have been shattered for the last time is out for violent justice in this thriller. Creasy (Denzel Washington) is a former United State intelligence agent-turned-mercenary who has se... read more read more...en too much of the violence and corruption in the world and has become jaded and withdrawn. Creasy is hired to act as a bodyguard for Lupita (nicknamed "Pita", played by (Dakota Fanning), a ten-year-old girl whose wealthy family (a Mexican father and American mother) currently lives in Mexico City, where kidnapping has become a near epidemic. While watching over Pita, Creasy becomes fond of the girl, and finds himself regaining some of his faith in humanity. But things take an ugly turn when Pita is abducted by gunmen who shoot Creasy and leave him to die in the streets. Enraged beyond reason, Creasy recovers and sets out to find the men responsible for kidnapping Pita, no matter who he has to kill along the way. Man on Fire is based on a novel by A.J. Quinnell, which was previously filmed in 1987 with Scott Glenn as Creasy. Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Giancarlo Giannini, and Mickey Rourke highlight the supporting cast for this remake. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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89% liked it

391,382 ratings

Critics

39% liked it

158 critics

R, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: Tony Scott

Release Date: April 21, 2004

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DVD Release Date: September 14, 2004

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Stats: 25,320 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (25,320)

  • cosmo313
    May 5, 2012
    cosmo313
    Tony Scott takes a typical story of redemption and turns it into one of his typical, albeit entertaining stylish frenetic action romps.

    John Creasy is a burnt out, depressed, alcoholic ex-CIA agent turned mercenary who gets a new lease on life after he agrees to become the body... read moreguard to a precocious little white girl named Pita living in Mexico City with her affluent "new money" parents.

    Slowly but surely, Pita starts to rehumanize Creasy and bring him out of his slump. He goes over the edge and returns to his violent past life however, when she gets kidnapped and held for ransom. And, as you might expect, there's a twist (like always) and the film is heavy doses of both heart, mayhem, and splattered wall to wall with both blood and religious iconography/symbolism.

    Basically this is a lot like Taxi Driver in many repects, though not nearly as competantly made, memorable, or brilliant. It's solid, sure, but Scott's stylistic tendencies are a bit overbearing and distracting here. I know he included them as a way of trying to set this routine story apart from other films of this ilk, but it doesn't work out for him nearly as much as it should.

    The dialogue is clunky, the film isn't quite as balls to the wall in some places (as it should have been), and, even though I am a fan of heavy religious symbolism, it feels way too forced here. Also, the subtext involving corruption in Mexico is a little trite and really glossed over instead of being insightful and full of depth.

    I do like htis movie though. I mean, it's Denzel Washington kicking ass and taking names...what's not to like? Walken put in an okay supporting performance where he doesn't paly a villain this time, and yeah, this is the breakout film for little Dakota Fanning who does a decent job with the amount of screentime she's given.

    All in all, this is passable, but overwhelmingly underwhelming in it's lack of focus and over the top with it favoring of style over substance. B-.
  • phubbs1
    April 3, 2012
    phubbs1
    Based on a novel which I didn't know and actually a remake of an earlier film from 1987, pretty much the same deal accept its set in Italy as at the time there were many kidnappings there.

    This time Scott sets the film in Mexico City for its high scores in kidnapping and the gro... read moreunded Washington takes on the role as Creasy. First thing I have to mention is how good this film looks, the Scott brothers know how to make films look sweet and this is no exception. You really get a hot humid, sweaty, sticky feel for this setting, you can sense the tension and stress on 'Creasy's' shoulders merely from the weather that swirls around him.
    Mexico City is a vibrant colourful place and Scott makes full use of this with his camera angles and uneasy sequences which he seems to almost blur when combined with the native soundtrack and fast movements of the action, everything feels uncomfortable as you wait for the inevitable to happen.

    The only issue I had with the film is its really quite predictable even if you have never seen the first film or read the book, Washington is stoic and owns his role but you know what's gonna happen at every turn. The film is also a bit slow really as we see 'Creasy' gradually gain 'Lupita's' trust and friendship which is needed of course but basically the fun doesn't kick in until she is stolen away, until then your just watching filler as it were.

    I think the film wants to be epic but doesn't really make it, the cast is certainly aimed at a thriller epic and the musical score really really wants you to feel the emotion as it builds towards the end but I personally just didn't feel it. I think Tony tries to nick his brothers idea from 'Gladiator' with the haunting score towards the end, the kind of 'Clannad' type sounds do seem rather familiar.

    Its a solid film with good performances but not as stand out as you would hope for, quite bleak and dirty with a real gritty essence but ends up becoming a typical vengeance thriller, better than most but nothing grand.
  • fb1463751009
    March 9, 2012
    fb1463751009
    Sporadic and over-the-top editing is "Man On Fire"'s protruding feature that makes it stand out from the rest of familiar movies of this type of genre. Do I needa add anything we know about Denzel? He's a beast. End of story.

    The first half of "Man on Fire" is simply dedicated t... read moreo the character development between Denzel's character, Creasy, and Pita, played by Dakota Fanning. Regrettably, it doesn't pan out to be much of a palpable or interesting story arc, but once the action picks up, it's entertaining. Not much more, not much less. There's unique ways to Tony Scott decides to subtitle certain lines, even when its spoken in english. It's stylish and creates a certain artistic style for the movie. The same goes with the editing style. By the time the movie ends, we just kinda go, "Okay, I guess that was the ending." In terms of the narrative, it's obvious there is a solid conclusion, but there isn't a satisfaction of a well-rounded movie. Nevertheless, it's entertaining.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    May 11, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    When it comes to conceiving an action film few can match director Tony Scott, sure the man has made a few duds, but which director hasn't? When Tony Scott and Denzel Washington get together, they always make something terrific. Man On Fire is one of those films. Supported by an i... read morencredible , Man On Fire is the story of a man hired to protect a girl from would be kidnappers in Mexico. When she's kidnapped he vows to get her back to her parents. Man On Fire is one monumental action film that blends elements of a Thriller and Revenge film into one package. The cinematography is well done, and it becomes a character in it's own right. Man On Fire is a well plotted and executed film that delivers top notch acting and a great story. One thing that seperates Man On Fire from action films is the genuine human emotion and unfolding drama of it's story. The film is superbly well executed and is quite different from usual revenge films action due to the fact of the believable drama that unfolds on screen. You really end up sympathizing with some of the characters especially Rika Balleto and John Creasy. Of all the films that I've seen with Denzel Washington, Man On Fire is one of his best, and one of my personal favorites. Washington is exciting in the lead of John Creasy as he uses his skills as a trained killer to hunt the kidnappers of his employers daughter. Some other talents include Micky Rourke and Christopher Walken. Tony Scoitt has made an intense film that possesses everything you'd expect from an excellent action film. A one of a kind thrill ride.
  • crunchbunch
    January 12, 2011
    crunchbunch
    OK. So the formula for this film may be along the lines of textbook kidnapper flick but, and its a big BUT, it is excellent.

    I found this film thought provoking, intense and actually quite emotional to watch. Sure its predictable as hell, but watching Denzel Washington play J... read moreohn Creasy, a role he seemed born to play sure was entertaining.

    The relationship between John Creasy, the bodyguard and little Lupita, the girl he is protecting is captivating as the washed up ex CIA agent fights with alcoholism and discovers a reason to start living again. If thats not enough for you, Rachel Ticotin (Con Air, Total Recall anyone?) puts in a good supporting role as a reporter out to help John Creasy as he attempts to find the kidnappers.

    Go watch it, Go Buy it.
  • MeetMeinMontauk
    November 16, 2010
    MeetMeinMontauk
    I think Mr. Scott has proved that there is such a thing as being too artsy. To the point of disrupting story telling and that is bad thing. It had the feel of a bad music video. And what was with the subtitles? Anyway, in the end I was a little confused on what exactly had happen... read moreed, but oh well.
    Either way, I expected better.
  • bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    July 29, 2010
    bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    B+
  • EightThirty
    July 6, 2010
    EightThirty
    04/07/2010 (DVD)

    Finally! I have made time to watch this and I am so glad I did, it's really good.

    A real vengeful flick that fuels rage and turns hope into determination making it quite an emotional experience.

    I must admit though, there were a few camera tricks that was sor... read moret of annoying but otherwise a very decent film.
  • allan913
    February 19, 2010
    allan913
    A pulse-pounding and red hot edge of your seat action-thriller. It sets the screen on fire. It's riveting, powerful, incredible and totally unforgettable. A revenge movie classic filled with gun play, suspense and compelling characters. Director, Tony Scott's work is astonishing.... read more A masterpiece. Dazzling, very well-crafted and superbly performed. Stylish, thrilling and exhilarating. A gripping, extraordinary, intense and emotional powerhouse. It takes you on a journey of redemption and revenge like you wouldn't believe. This is one unforgettable adrenaline rush. Denzel Washington gives an explosive performance. Dakota Fanning is the heart and soul of the movie. A wonderful and effecting performance. Christopher Walken is terrific.
  • ythelastman89
    January 11, 2010
    ythelastman89
    It's definitely one of Denzel Washington's better roles, in that he actually played a different character. The film itself is very impressive, Tony Scott's style is very unique and a lot of elements are quite original. The story was interesting and unique, even though kidnapped c... read morehildren is not exactly a new subject.

View All Man on Fire Reviews

Critic Reviews

Rex Reed
April 29, 2004
Rex Reed, New York Observer

Suffice it to say nothing about this pumped-up, hyperthyroidal Tony Scott revenge flick makes sense, but it takes two hours to kill off as many people and demolish as many vehicles as Charles Bronson ... Full Review

David Ng
April 27, 2004
David Ng, Village Voice

Intentional or not, Man on Fire's over-the-top evocation of Christian retribution goes a long way to making this otherwise standard revenge fantasy watchable. Full Review

Richard Roeper
April 26, 2004
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

I'm recommending Man on Fire for that bold style, its unapologetic comic book story arc, and the great performances from Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken and young Dakota Fanning. Full Review

Stephanie Zacharek
April 24, 2004
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

This movie isn't just about a kidnapping; it is a kidnapping, and we're the hostages. Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
April 23, 2004
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

Despite a red-hot performance by Washington as the antiheroic, self-annihilating title character, the film as a whole, while possessing a kind of vicious beauty, feels as cold and as embalmed as a cor...

Desson Thomson
April 23, 2004
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

A predictable, gruesome piece of business that tries to ennoble one-man vigilante justice with the star power of Denzel Washington.

Peter Howell
April 23, 2004
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Long and torturous. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
April 23, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

This is garbage, but it's entertaining garbage. Full Review

Joe Baltake
April 23, 2004
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

Trash is trash, no matter how expensive or arty it looks, or how well-acted it is. Full Review

Jay Boyar
April 23, 2004
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

You'd have to call Man on Fire a mess, but at least it's an interesting mess. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Lupita Balletto: Creasy bear.
    • John Creasy: Forgiveness is between them and God. I just here to set-up the meeting.
    • John Creasy: Last wish? I wish...you had..more time.
    • Rayburn: A man can be an artist... in anything, food, whatever. It depends on how good he is at it. Creasey's art is death. He's about to paint his masterpiece.
    • John Creasy: I...WISH...you HAD...more time
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Man on Fire Trivia

  • In what movie did Denzel Washington say "Forgiveness is between them and God, I'm just here to help arrange that meeting."  Answer »
  • This actor/singer starred as Dakota Fanning's father in Man on Fire alongside Denzel.  Answer »
  • Which one of these movies was NOT based on a graphic novel?  Answer »
  • What actress was in "Pitch Black", "Silent Hill", and "Man On Fire"?  Answer »
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