Ex-Assassin on Fire

Rating: Null/10 (1 December 2004)

The film Man on Fire is based on a true story as kidnappings in Mexico increased. Creasy (Denzel Washington) is a suicidal, alcoholic ex-government assassin; and his close friend Rayburn (Christopher Walken) hires him to protect the child of a wealthy family in Mexico. At first, Creasy is barely civil to the little girl named Pinta (Dakota Fanning), but as time goes on, they create a bond and he does not mind driving her to school or piano lessons. But one afternoon she is kidnapped, and he is shot multiple times trying to protect her. As he lies in the hospital bed all bandaged and bleeding, Pinta's parents (Marc Anthony and Radha Mitchell) set up a ransom; however, the money gets stolen at the drop. Once he recovers, he turns to his friend Rayburn and a newspaper worker to help him gain revenge on Pinta's kidnappers.
The message portrayed in the film is never give up even when fate is not in a person's favor--the outcome might surprise them. Also, keep an open mind in any situation and do research before a person forms an opinion-miracles can happen. Be aware of whom to trust: they may not be who a person thinks they are. There is a large amount of emotion bringing the film close to the heart and home. Director Tony Scott tells the story with good camera work and visual effects to bring a suspenseful film full of violence to life. The film has a person questioning why something happens or what else could go wrong. The film also captures the audience's attention until its dramatic ending. Overall, this breathtaking film leaves me with an incredible feeling of emotion.