Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Denzel Washington

A wave of kidnappings has swept through Mexico, feeding a growing sense of panic among its wealthier citizens, especially parents. In one six-day period, there were twenty-four abductions, leading man...( read more  read more... )y to hire bodyguards for their children. Into this world enters John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative/assassin, who has given up on life. Creasy's friend Rayburn brings him to Mexico City to be a bodyguard to nine-year-old Pita Ramos, daughter of industrialist Samuel Ramos and his wife Lisa. Creasy is not interested in being a bodyguard, especially to a youngster, but for lack of something better to do, he accepts the assignment. Creasy barely tolerates the precocious child and her pestering questions about him and his life. But slowly, she chips away at his seemingly impenetrable exterior, his defenses drop, and he opens up to her. Creasy's new-found purpose in life is shattered when Pita is kidnapped. Despite being mortally wounded during the kidnapping, he vows to kill anyone involved in or profiting from the kidnapping. And no one can stop him.

Flixster Users

89% liked it

238,223 ratings

Critics

39% liked it

153 critics

R, 2 hrs. 26 min.

Directed by: Tony Scott

Release Date: April 21, 2004

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: September 14, 2004

Stats: 24,093 reviews

Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Your Rating



clear rating
Share on: Facebook Twitter

Flixster Reviews (24,093)


  • January 22, 2008
    An action-packed tale of vengence that grabs you and never lets go.
  • September 18, 2009
    ..or, Kindergarten cop 2! Only joking, its shot typically beautifully by Scott but I think it?s a watch only once type film.
  • July 16, 2009
    A pulse-pounding and red hot edge of your seat action-thriller. It sets the screen on fire. It's riveting, powerful, incrediable and totally unforgettable. A revenge movie classic filled with gunplay, suspense and compelling characters. Director, Tony Scott's work is astonishing....( read more) A masterpiece. Dazzelling, very well-crafted and superbly performed. Stylish, thrilling and exhilerating. A gripping, extroadinary, intense and emotional powerhouse. It takes you on a journey of redemption and revenge like you wouldnt belive. This is one unforgettable adreniline rush. Denzel Washington gives an explosive performance. Dakota Fanning is the heart and soul of the movie. A wonderful and effecting performance. Christopher Walken is teriffic.
  • May 1, 2009
    An ex-special forces bodyguard's revenge on a Mexican kidnapping gang that abducts a nine-year-old girl he was hired to protect...an awesome cast and a fantastic imagery...A MUST SEE!!!
  • January 17, 2009
    Good story and a great performance from Denzel. Not a fan of Tony Scott's ludicrous film style as always...but it's a good yarn.
  • November 4, 2009
    It is a m kind of a movie .... humans are weak when it comes to the great relationship no matter who you are (Drama, Relationship, Touching ...plus some action as well
  • November 4, 2009
    Godfather Part I was the top movie of all time until this movie came out. Now Man on Fire with Denzel Washington is the top movie of all time, in part because it is based on a true story.
  • October 31, 2009
    I love that little girl!!!
  • October 28, 2009
    perfect movie.you better to see it
  • October 27, 2009
    I haven't seen the 1987 original that inspired this excellent and brilliant 2004 remake. But after seeing this one I don't think I want to see the original. Tony Scott has, in my opinion, finally crafted an emotionally soaring and brilliant intense action film that blends t...( read more)he both drama and mind blowing action sequences into one seamless and beautifully crafted film.



    Man on Fire is as smart as it is ruthless and cunning. It's got the great style of all Tony Scott films but with the smarts and emotional depth of character that make this one of his best ever, while not as hip and as cool as most of his earlier work it boast a very dark and unique visual style that is fantastic and must be admired. It's a great film for fans of revenge/action films and should go down as one of the best.


    Denzel Washington(who blows my mind in this one.) plays the distraught and revenge driven anti-hero like no other. He pulls no punches to make his performance is fantastic and something to admire and watch. Christopher Walken(who is almost always good in all his films.) is amazing as the friend of Washington, he plays it with such style and quirky charm. Dakota Fanning(Who is going to get an Oscar sooner or later.) Is amazing in this film as the savior of Washington and the main reason for his rampage trough Mexico City. She is a real, true site to see. But nine the less the cats does amazing in this amazing action thriller.





    Man on Fire is not your usual revenge film it's extremely dramatic and heartfelt. Tony Scott crafts a brilliant and amazing film with a mind blowing visual style, brilliant performances and straightforward dialogue and amazing action It's a great film to enjoy and admire. But none the less Man on Fire is one flame you don't want to put out till the very end.

Critic Reviews


April 24, 2004
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

This movie isn't just about a kidnapping; it is a kidnapping, and we're the hostages. full review

April 23, 2004
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

Overlong, off-putting and at times sadistic. full review

April 23, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

This is garbage, but it's entertaining garbage. full review

April 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Tony Scott's Man on Fire employs superb craftsmanship and a powerful Denzel Washington performance in an attempt to elevate genre material above its natural level, but it fails. full review

April 22, 2004
David Edelstein, Slate

Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson made the vigilante the true urban cowboy. But I think even they would blanch at the hero of Man on Fire. full review

April 22, 2004
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Overblown, hyperactive. full review

April 21, 2004
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine

Its callous fixation on violence is merely a lame pose meant to distract us from its soggy redemptive core. full review

April 21, 2004
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

[Scott's] fondness for intrusive, fake-stylish camera tricks -- jump cuts, speeded-up montages, abrupt changes in light, color saturation and focal depth -- has overwhelmed whatever story sense he onc... full review

View more Man on Fire reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • mkFred
    July 12, 2009
    Una palabra....very sentimental and the one by Lisa Gerrad,very good sound tracks.
    Dakota and Denzel are a good combination
  • IZELUSAJOB
    April 12, 2009
    Superb action drama movie!Ilove Denzel.
  • opiyo3
    March 25, 2009
    maybe I should say there is something so unique about Denzel Washington that most pple dont really understand. I guess his role in all movies is guided by how he was brought up. Possibly his inspiration to stand out is more of a revelation of a note he presented during an interview with Ophra. If you watch that then no doubt you will believe me. The guy is extraodinary.
  • cimarron00715
    December 15, 2007
    Wow...A tour de force. It makes you stand back and flinch everytime Creasy annihilates someone & at the same time, touches your heart for the duty and care he has shown for Pita.. Allows you think that a man who's capable of despicable acts may also be capable of good & heroic doings..
  • knightsangel07
    August 31, 2007
    Denzel was superb in this movie... Fantastic movie & could watch it a thousand times.. Never tire of it!
  • titavimahi1
    August 12, 2007
    This is an awesome movie!Eventhough I cried at the end of it I still think undoubtedly this is one of the best movie ever!!!!!
  • fb656895426
    June 1, 2007
    one of the best drama movies i ever saw
  • vasmoc
    May 15, 2007
    I jus love this movie. One of the best movie ever!!
  • im2cute4u32
    February 22, 2007
    THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE I LOVE IT great acting and great action it is overall the best movie i have ever seen!!! :)
  • ydgaynor
    February 20, 2007
    There's not to many good black movies where the bad guy goes out on top. Any movie that Denzel's in good guy or bad he alwayz goes out on top...I LOVE THIS MAN!!!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Official Trailer

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Ring
    The Ring (33%)
  • 10 Things I Hate About You
    10 Things I Hate About You (40%)
  • Deja Vu
    Deja Vu (67%)
  • Children of Men
    Children of Men (56%)

Theater Showtimes & TV Listings


Man on Fire Trivia


  • In what movie did Denzel Washington say "Forgiveness is between them and God, I'm just here to help arrange that meeting."  Answer »
  • This actor/singer starred as Dakota Fanning's father in Man on Fire alongside Denzel.  Answer »
  • Which one of these movies was NOT based on a graphic novel?  Answer »
  • What actress was in "Pitch Black", "Silent Hill", and "Man On Fire"?  Answer »

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin