Movie of the Decade: ‘Man on Fire’

By in Decade in Review, Entertainment,

Best picture Oscar winners since the year 2000 include "Gladiator," "A Beautiful Mind," "Chicago," "Lord of the Rings": The Return of the King," "Million Dollar Baby," "Crash," "The Departed," "No Country for Old Men" and 'Slumdog Millionaire".,It is hard to pick a single movie that embodies the best film qualities of the decade. There have been so many outstanding films released since the year 2000.

Best picture Oscar winners since the year 2000 include "Gladiator," "A Beautiful Mind," "Chicago," "Lord of the Rings": The Return of the King," "Million Dollar Baby," "Crash," "The Departed," "No Country for Old Men" and 'Slumdog Millionaire".

My pick for best movie of the decade did not win a prestigious award. However, "Man on Fire" is a fast paced action film that allows viewers to get close to the characters and events, but never lets them get too comfortable.

Released in 2004, this film is a remake of the 1987 version of the film "Man of Fire," based on AJ Quinnell's 1980 thriller novel "Man on Fire."

Denzel Washington brilliantly fills the role of John Creasy, an ex CIA operative, hired to bodyguard nine-year-old Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning) in Mexico City due to reported and ongoing kidnappings.

Creasy's tough front is quickly broken by Pita's warm demeanor. Although once a chore, his job leads to his rising appreciation of Pita Ramos.

Creasy's admiration of her becomes clear when he voluntarily takes on training her in swimming, ultimately improving her swim competition times.

This action packed thriller drew audiences in with its admirable and relevant plotline and kept them on edge until the very end of the hunt. The film's twisted ending stunned audiences.

"Man on Fire" wins my pick for film of the decade due to its ability to encompass the film's issues through an action oriented and touching presentation that keeps audiences guessing.

advertisement


advertisement

Also in Decade in Review