It’s been declared ‘near-perfect’ by film fans, many of whom list it as one of their favourites of ‘all time’, and now this Denzel Washington thriller is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Released in 2004, the ‘exceptional’ Man on Fire has stood the test of time with viewers, despite critics giving it just 39% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Set in Mexico City, the plot follows a CIA operative with a dark past of alcoholism, depression, and guilt.
John Creasy (Washington) reluctantly accepts a job serving as a bodyguard for nine-year-old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of a rich businessman named Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony).
While they clash at first, Creasy later becomes fond of the girl, only for her to be kidnapped by a gunman (Jesús Ochoa), who is out for blood.
What follows is an all-consuming fury for Creasy, who will stop at nothing to get the girl back.
Man on Fire had a budget of $60-70million (£44.7m-52.1m) and grossed an impressive $130.3m (£97m) at the box office.
It also received various nominations for prestigious accolades, but film critics weren’t massive fans.
At the time of its release, it was described as ‘relentlessly grim’, and while Washington’s performance was commended, the project as a whole was given fairly average reviews and low star ratings.
But thankfully for the cast and director Tony Scott, thriller fans took it under their wing and made it their mission to rewrite Man on Fire’s legacy.
Consequently, its RT score from audiences sits at a far more respectable 89%, which is a stark contrast to what critics deemed it worthy of.
Among the reviews are plenty of glowing compliments, with audiences demanding to know: ‘What were critics thinking?’
Gary S argues that ‘this is the movie that highlights how out of touch the critics are’, while Gio P says: ‘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’.
Junek K echoes: ‘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.’
‘Terrific – top notch. emotional but great action and story. hugely entertaining’, adds Nick C.
‘One of the greatest revenge films of all time. It might even be the best. An awesome story, unique executions, and a powerful performance by Denzel’, Matt C pens.
Benjamin H further describes it as ‘breathtaking’, while Richard S says it is the definition of ‘absolute cinema’.
So, it’s safe to say action movie fans saw something critics did not with this one.
Other cast members of the fast-paced flick include Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, and Mickey Rourke.
Speaking previously about Man on Fire, Washington, now 70, admitted he needed some convincing to sign on.
‘Well, when I first read [the script], I did not think it was all there, so I sat down with Tony (Scott), and he was so passionate about it,’ the Oscar winner told Phase9 shortly after the film’s release.
‘He walked me through it and made it clear that we could work on the script, as he also wanted to get it right.
‘Tony was originally meant to have done this film a long time ago, but at the time, it was not possible. He was worried about me portraying a “heavy”, I just told him to concentrate on the camera and leave the rest up to me!’
Man on Fire was never given a sequel, despite being based on A. J. Quinnell’s novel of the same name, which was turned into a series.
However, in recent years, fans have reignited hope that the return of Creasy might be possible, due to Washington’s time in the Equalizer franchise ending and how the original books follow the CIA operative over several years, opening up the window for a younger actor to portray him also.
Man on Fire is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.