Truly Amazing-Two Films in One

Rating: 10/10 (25 August 2008)

Tony Scott's masterpiece plays like two films in one: a heartfelt drama and a scorching revenge saga.
The first half enters John Creasy (Washington) into a violent world of kidnappings and corruption. He is a former assassin who is bored of life and is an alcoholic. By his friend's suggestion, he becomes a bodyguard to a young child named Pita played fantastically by Dakota Fanning. His alcoholism and crankiness would chide most children away from befriending him, but the relentless Pita defrosts his heart and makes him feel like a person again. He puts down the bottle and picks up the Bible. And laughs. And smiles.
But one day, corrupt police officers attack him. Being outmanned, Creasy is left for dead as Pita is kidnapped before his eyes. A negotiation occurs between the kidnapper and the family, but the result is heartbreaking, and destroys Creasy's world of happiness.
Creasy puts the Bible down and picks up the gun. Assisted by a reporter and a police official, he swears to destroy every last person who had anything to do with Pita's kidnapping. Thanks to his experience in the military and covert operations, he goes on a murderous rampage against the brotherhood, La Hermandad, notching an incredible body count. He leaves few people still alive and many dead. Creasy is relentless in finding the truth behind the failed negotiation and Pita's kidnapper. And no one can stop him.
Watch this film if you get the chance. It is brutal yet brilliant, bloody yet beautiful. Wonderful acting and a good script highlights this masterpiece of an action movie. You won't be sorry for the two and a half hours you've spent.