Man on Fire

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2:24

Man on Fire

R

2004

2h 25m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

166 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In a Mexico City wracked by a recent wave of kidnappings, ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) reluctantly accepts a job as a bodyguard for 9-year-old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of wealthy businessman Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony). Just as Creasy begins to develop a fondness for the young girl, a bloodthirsty gunman (Jesús Ochoa) kidnaps her. Now, Creasy must pick off a succession of corrupt cops and criminals to reach his ultimate object of vengeance.

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Critics Consensus

Man on Fire's solid action and top-shelf cast are undone by a relentlessly grim story that gets harder to take the longer it goes on.

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Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

04/17/2019

3/4

Washington has chosen wisely, and he hasn't had to wait long.

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Nathan Rabin

AV Club

04/17/2019

Scott's latest exercise in assaultive excess nevertheless lingers for two and a half hours, like a drunken houseguest who won't leave.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/25/2010

1/5

Extremely violent; not for kids.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Jul 20

1.5/4

Don’t miss the concluding title card assuring viewers that Mexico City, seen as nothing but a haven of murder and corruption for over two hours, is actually "a very special place"!

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/24/2022

2.5/5

At almost two-and-a-half hours the film really needs more meat on its bones.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

09/15/2020

2.0/4.0

This is a merely average film that had much more potential.

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Dennis B

@RT05072423 Aug 2

It is stunning how wrong critics are about Man on Fire. This is a heartfelt view into conflicting cultures, goals, and demographics. Washington is at his vulnerable best - Fanning's performance is supernatural - even the rest of the cast is perfect. Don't listen to cheesy self-important critics. This film is brilliant

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Dr R

@DrRodrigo Jul 31

A really solid action flick. Great set up, main character back story, clear moral goal, ruthless action to set the world to rights. Denzel perfect for this role.

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Paul B

@PaulDBrazill Jul 29

Brutal flash trash, with a great central performance.

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Wink D

@RT22905158 Jul 28

This movie is highly underrated. The character development from beginning to end is what the "art" is for. It's someone who had a problem and didn't like kids and then will go to any length and eventually death, to get that friend/kid back. It also shows that the end result doesn't always turn out like you'd hope and despite wanting a good ending, not everything turns out for the best. However, is life better for Creasy or is it better that he dies so he no longer has to feel the pain of living? He did save the girl and became a good guy before they made him do bad things.

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Fiona H

@FionaHayden Jul 25

Man on Fire is much more than an action thriller. The bond between Creasy and Pita gives the story real emotional weight, making the revenge feel earned rather than just exciting. Denzel Washington is outstanding, delivering one of his most memorable performances, while Dakota Fanning is excellent alongside him. Tony Scott's visual style is bold and sometimes chaotic, but it suits the film's intensity. It's emotional, gripping, and surprisingly heartfelt.

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Patrick K

@padragon Jul 25

Cinematic masterclass movie that so underrated. Music is amazing as well. Makes me cry! Genius authentic child acting by Dakota Fanning. Denzil is a MOVIE STAR. BEST action movie star next to Tom Cruise.

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Tony Scott

Director

Denzel Washington

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Dakota Fanning

Pita

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Synopsis

In a Mexico City wracked by a recent wave of kidnappings, ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) reluctantly accepts a job as a bodyguard for 9-year-old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of wealthy businessman Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony). Just as Creasy begins to develop a fondness for the young girl, a bloodthirsty gunman (Jesús Ochoa) kidnaps her. Now, Creasy must pick off a succession of corrupt cops and criminals to reach his ultimate object of vengeance.

Director: Tony Scott
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Lucas Foster, Tony Scott
Screenwriter: Brian Helgeland
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Scott Free Productions, Fox 2000 Pictures, New Regency Pictures, Regency Enterprises
Rating: R (Strong Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $77.9M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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