"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Rating: 10/10 (9 April 2005)

Revenge is a word most of us are all-too familiar with. Rarely do I comment on movies, but today -- as I compose this message at 2:30AM -- I feel compelled to do so. Judging the proverbial book by its cover, one might suspect "Man On Fire" is a movie based solely on personal revenge. This particular movie, however, is a far-cry from such. Throughout the movie, there is much more to learn (or, for some of us, to be reminded of): 100% selfless acts of kindness, acts of pure love. Once you check out this movie, you'll surely realize the devotion that the main character (played by Denzel Washington) has for his young companion. Regardless of pain or suffering, and without personal gain, "Creasy" takes on battles with enemies, once-friends, and even himself in order to not let the death of his friend lie in vain.
During and after watching this movie, I have the overwhelming sensation of cold loss paired with the warmth of friendship and devotion -- a devotion that eventually led to death. If, for one breathing moment, all of humankind could possess the selfless, endearing characteristic such as this -- this eternal promise to one another -- I truly believe the world would indeed morph into a surrealistic, incredible heaven full of kindness for and acceptance of one another . As movies these days rarely do, "Man On Fire" reminds us all of the sacrifices we must endure, the pains we must withstand to ensure the survival of ourselves and our friends, and the comfort of knowing that -- somewhere, somehow -- somebody is as faithful to us as "Creasy" was to "Pita."
That is the brilliance (and the essence) of entertainment.