The Reluctant Hero

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2007)

To begin with, this is an incredible movie! We have come to expect extremely high standards of Denzel Washington and once again he delivers all that and more. His amazing performance is coupled with that of Dakota. The film has employed unusual cinematography with flashbacks and memories which conveys Creasy's emotions very well. I especially enjoyed the ending with the image of the mountain as this is echoed first very early in the film. I think the viewer is drawn to Creasy because of his vigilantism and ultimately his sacrifice. We have to admire his pure determination at the retrieval of Dakota by any means possible.
It is amazing how people prefer to follow a hero with a major weakness or flaw. In this case Creasy's drinking is his vice and this is somewhat relevant to many people. We enjoy watching how he overcomes his weakness and perhaps imagine us doing the same. The 'fallen hero' theme is among the most popular in film-making and this film is a perfect example. To those who have yet to see this movie, it comes very highly recommended!
"He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than ten years of your courts and tribunals." - Rayburn