Alright, let's talk "Man on Fire." You know I dig a good revenge flick, and this one delivers, even if it takes its sweet time getting there. The plot's simple: guy protects kid, kid gets snatched, guy goes on a rampage. It's the Tony Scott package, right? So, visually, it's a trip. Those fast cuts, the color flashes, it's like he's trying to give you a headache in the best way possible. Some people hate it, but it's pure Scott. Cinematography matches that intensity, gritty and in your face. Denzel, man, he just is Creasy. That quiet, simmering anger? Perfect. Dakota Fanning holds her own too, especially considering her age. The script isn't Shakespeare, but it gives Denzel enough to work with. And that soundtrack? Haunting. Those vocals from Lisa Gerrard, mixed with Gregson-Williams' score, really stick with you.
Now, it's not a perfect movie. The first act drags a bit, setting up the relationship, but it's important for what comes later. It's a slow burn that explodes. It's also heavy. Really heavy. This isn't a light watch. It's dark, violent, and it doesn't hold back. But that's what makes it memorable. It's about redemption, even if it's a messy, brutal kind of redemption.
Bottom line, "Man on Fire" is a solid action-thriller with a lot of style. It's got that classic Denzel intensity, a killer soundtrack, and a visual style that's definitely unique. If you like your action movies with a bit of emotional depth and don't mind a bit of visual chaos, give it a shot. Just be ready for a movie that's more about the feeling than the finesse.