The 2004 film Man On Fire, starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, has been hailed as the ‘best revenge film ever made’ by fans and is set to air on Channel 4.
The action-packed thriller, which features an unexpected twist, has been lauded as some of Denzel’s finest work and has earned numerous awards and nominations.
Among the accolades, the film received nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Denzel and Outstanding Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards. Young star Dakota Fanning was also recognised with nominations for Best Performance in a Feature Film and Leading Young Actress at the Young Artist Awards, as well as Best Young Performer at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Set in Mexico City, the plot revolves around a CIA operative named John Creasy (Denzel Washington) who battles alcoholism, depression, and guilt. He reluctantly takes on a job as a bodyguard for nine year old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of wealthy businessman Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony).
Despite initial friction between John and Lupita, he grows fond of her, only for her to be abducted by a vengeful gunman (Jesús Ochoa). This triggers a relentless pursuit by John, who will stop at nothing to retrieve the girl.
The 2004 release proved a box office hit, grossing roughly $130.8 million worldwide. It opened with takings exceeding $22.7 million and was produced on a budget of $60-70 million, reports the Mirror.
Yet despite these impressive figures, critics delivered lukewarm verdicts, with the film managing just 39% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences, however, have urged others to ‘ignore the critics’ and give it a chance, heaping praise on the production. One viewer said: “This is the movie that highlights how out of touch the critics are. A near perfect story of regret, redemption, revenge and sacrifice. It is long though.”
Another echoed this sentiment, writing: “One of my favourite movies of all-time… what are critics thinking? ? ?”.
“Why this movie only got a 39% rating is beyond me. Everything and everybody in this movie is greatness. Denzel just put the icing on the cake,” a third added.
A further review encouraged people to watch, describing themselves as “glued” throughout. They said: “Wow, this movie is exceptional. The cast, the plot, the direction was perfect. It’s not only a high-action film, it’s also so touching how the protagonist comes alive through one encounter. I don’t want to give away the plot so I won’t say more. But really, watch it. I was glued from the beginning to the end. A masterpiece! Denzel Washington and Dakota Jackson were brilliant.”
Man On Fire airs on Channel 4 at 11.45pm on Sunday 9 November.