Best Action Drama of the Millennium

Rating: 10/10 (25 March 2005)

Character development is flawless. Denzell Washington as John Creasy is a tragic but endearing ex government operative who has fallen into a suicidal alcoholism, and questioning his very existence. While employed by a Mexican family as a bodyguard for a delightful nine year old girl, Creasy, begins to emerge, and enjoy life again. When the inevitable kidnapping takes place, and Creasy is almost mortally wounded, he vows in a poignant scene with the young girl's mother to bring justice to those who were involved in any way with the crime. Beautiful Radha Mitchell as the mother gives a moving performance , and Dakota Fanning as the kidnapped girl is superb. More kudos to Giancarlo Giannini as Mexico's top cop, Rachel Ticotin as a reporter bent on breaking the hold that corrupt police have in Mexico City, and Christopher Walken as Creasy's friend. This is a long but intriguing drama with plenty of action after the first hour.