May 6, 2020 (NYC)– Wrath of Man Is Riveting. Wrath of Man is the latest collaboration between Director, Guy Ritchie, and action star, Jason Statham. After nearly a decade and a half, the two have reunited for a film that is quite good.
Statham plays a father looking to avenge the death of his son. While this premise is simple, and unoriginal, the film is not. This is a unique and well made film. Wrath of Man is revenge film, wrapped in an action film, set in the backdrop of a crime drama.
While much of the early dialogue is bulky, the film redeems itself with its action, its characters, and its interesting visual appeal. There are several twists to this plot that were unexpected, and which I won’t reveal here, but were well integrated into the story. The film is engaging.
Wrath of Man is riveting filmmaking. Ritchie employs a form of storytelling which unfolds the plot through a fractured chronology of the events. We pick up the story in the middle and then revert back, throughout the film, until the circle of events is complete. Had Ritchie’s filmmaking not been so adept it would have been easy to get lost; however, Ritchie’s artful storytelling enhances the experience.
We have come to expect plenty of martial arts action and sarcasm in Statham films; however, this one varies from this formulaic approach. This was a gamble on Ritchie’s part, but it paid off. The film is deadly serious, but does not make the fatal flaw of taking itself too seriously. Jason Statham always plays a man of few words, but his presence looms large when he is on screen. He has a true movie star quality, in the tradition of Robert Mitchum and Clint Eastwood. He is uncharacteristically serious as “H” in this film, but he is very compelling in this role. His intensity is palpable. Similarly, while this is not a martial arts film, there is plenty of action. The action scenes are well choreographed and well filmed.
This film has the potential to elevate Statham from an action star to a classic movie icon. At the very least it leaves the audience hoping for future Statham-Ritchie collaborations. It is that good.
The supporting cast is essential to the success of this film. They are very good. Scott Eastwood, Holt McCallany, Darell D’Silva, and Andy Garcia are, particularly, good in supporting roles.
Wrath of Man is a very good film. I recommend it highly.
–by Marc Zirogiannis, Editor in Chief
FILM INFORMATION:
A mysterious and wild-eyed new cash truck security guard (Jason Statham) surprises his coworkers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, the marksman’s ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Screenplay by: Guy Ritchie and Ivan Atkinson & Marn Davies
Based upon the film: “Le Convoyeur” Written by Nicolas Boukhrief and Éric Besnard and Directed by Nicolas Boukhrief
Producers: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Bill Block
Cast: Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Josh Hartnett, Laz Alonzo, Raúl Castillo, Deobia Oparei with Eddie Marsan and Scott Eastwood
Rated: “R” for Strong Violence, Pervasive Language, and Sexual References
Run Time: 1H 58M
Opens: Wide Release May 7, 2021
