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Man on Fire

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for Man on Fire R Released Apr 21, 2004 2h 25m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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38% Tomatometer 167 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
In a Mexico City wracked by a recent wave of kidnappings, ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) reluctantly accepts a job as a bodyguard for 9-year-old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of wealthy businessman Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony). Just as Creasy begins to develop a fondness for the young girl, a bloodthirsty gunman (Jesús Ochoa) kidnaps her. Now, Creasy must pick off a succession of corrupt cops and criminals to reach his ultimate object of vengeance.
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Man on Fire

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Critics Consensus

Man on Fire's solid action and top-shelf cast are undone by a relentlessly grim story that gets harder to take the longer it goes on.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrea Gronvall Chicago Reader Washington has chosen wisely, and he hasn't had to wait long. Rated: 3/4 Apr 17, 2019 Full Review Nathan Rabin AV Club Scott's latest exercise in assaultive excess nevertheless lingers for two and a half hours, like a drunken houseguest who won't leave. Apr 17, 2019 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Extremely violent; not for kids. Rated: 1/5 Dec 25, 2010 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies At almost two-and-a-half hours the film really needs more meat on its bones. Rated: 2.5/5 Aug 24, 2022 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com This is a merely average film that had much more potential. Rated: 2.0/4.0 Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Fernando Lopez La Nación (Argentina) A film that ends up being tedious due to its excessive duration, annoying by its formal lack of control. [Full Review in Spanish] Apr 17, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ralph R 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/21/25 Full Review John R What can I say I love a good revenge movie, and tales of heroism make me cry.  Not sure what they could’ve done to improve on this masterpiece.  Denzel and Walken are supreme entertainers but so too was the writer and director of this film, and many others involved.  When I watch a movie I just want to be entertained and if it provides an emotional impact as well, then bravo! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/25 Full Review Jeffrey S This is my favorite movie of all time Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/25 Full Review Jay G I dont understand it's a near perfect film. How is it at 33%? This proves to me that this site has no idea what it's talking about Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/25 Full Review Richard S this action thriller is absolute cinema. this tony scott flick is everything good about a revenge movie (like john wick) the epileptic seizure like editing works for a movie that goes over the top and extreme with the violence. denzel washington,dakota fanning and christopher really stepped up their game for this action classic. and to top it all off the script made by brian helgeland is tough as any tony scott film. this movie is a must watch for the hardcore action movie fans. 10/10 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Aleksandar D Makes me cry every time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Man on Fire

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Movie Info

Synopsis In a Mexico City wracked by a recent wave of kidnappings, ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) reluctantly accepts a job as a bodyguard for 9-year-old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of wealthy businessman Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony). Just as Creasy begins to develop a fondness for the young girl, a bloodthirsty gunman (Jesús Ochoa) kidnaps her. Now, Creasy must pick off a succession of corrupt cops and criminals to reach his ultimate object of vengeance.
Director
Tony Scott
Producer
Arnon Milchan, Lucas Foster, Tony Scott
Screenwriter
Brian Helgeland
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Regency Enterprises, Fox 2000 Pictures, Scott Free Productions, New Regency Pictures
Rating
R (Strong Violence)
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 21, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$77.9M
Runtime
2h 25m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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