A dazzling film

Rating: 10/10 (31 March 2019)

You've never seen a kidnap film done like this before. Director Tony Scott's flashy gem is more than the action extravaganza that it implies. Essentially a film of two halves, the first dealing with the father and daughter like relationship between Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, the second dealing with Denzel's invigorating revenge after Dakota is kidnapped and presumed dead. Scott impressively takes his time with the first half developing a real bond between the two leads. Denzel gives one of the greatest performances of his career. He begins as a burnt out alcoholic haunted by his past as an assassin who's soul begins to heal due to his bonding with Dakota only to be forced back into his old ways demonstrating how ruthlessly efficient he can be. Sound familiar? This could have more in common with a western than anything else. Dakota is a revelation and there is great support from Christopher Walken. The Equalizer should have been called Man On Fire 2.