There are many films that do not get the critical support and the success of the public that they deserve when they are released in theaters. Surely we all can think of several titles that fit within that and today it’s time to make a stop at one of them, because at last the landing on Disney + of ‘The fire of revenge’ has taken place, the best film directed by Tony Scott for whom this writes.
Why is it essential?
I imagine that the first reaction to that comment by some will be to say that it is not, that the best of theirs is this other one. And I can understand it, because until not so long ago I myself opted for ‘red tide’, while another mythical title such as ‘The Last Boy Scout’ is not far behind. However, a more recent revision of ‘The Fire of Vengeance’ has dispelled any doubts I might have had.
For now, ‘The fire of revenge’ it is pure Scott when it comes to staging and editing. I can’t think of any other director who would have been able to endow the film with that visual energy, but he also does so with more top-quality ingredients to shape a thriller that is as vibrant as it is exciting.
The most important is to have Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanningbecause the chemistry that arises between the two is essential -I’m looking forward to seeing them together again in ‘The Equalizer 3’- for both the dramatic vigor of ‘El fuego de la vendetta’ and for the particular revenge that he later undertakes to have a reason for being that keeps us glued to the seat. And it has the perfect ending.
In addition to the base material, a book written by A. J. Quinnell which had already enjoyed a previous adaptation to the big screen in the 80s, also has enough hook to shine with that visual style of Scott so given the excess. To that you add more talent in the rest of the cast and what you have left is a hypnotic film that also knows how to reach the viewer’s heart.
Unfortunately, the critics were cruel to it at the time of its premiere and although it cannot be said that it was a failure either, it was it was a disappointment at the box office.
In Espinof: