The problem with most revenge films is that due to the poor build-up and bad developed characters, there's hardly any emotional involvement with the main characters, which leaves a lot hanging when it comes to the final check on the revenge list, and therefore doesn't give the satisfaction it's supposed to. However, in Man of Fire, they take the time to build up the story, they take the time to let the characters and their relationship get known.

[spoiler]Creasy is a depressed, alcoholic ex-soldier who asks his best friend Rayburn whether God will ever forgive them for their numerous sins, to which his friend replies: Not Us. The same friend persuades Creasy to take on a job as a bodyguard for a young girl. Creasy reluctantly does this, but after a while he starts to enjoy it because the girl, Pita, opens his heart that has been closed for years and shows him that life can be beautiful too.[/spoiler] The natural chemistry between Washington and Fanning is a pleasure to watch, and portrayed in a captivating way. With this, director Tony Scott creates a bond between the characters and the viewer, at least, if it allows that.

As soon as the plot kicks off and the revenge journey starts, the film drastically changes directions. Creasey becomes a human Terminator that doesn't care about anything or anyone; with a whole arsenal of weapons he goes hunting for everyone who has had something to do with the abduction. Fortunaly Washington gives this revenge machine dignity and an appearance as not many could, with which he actually takes the whole movie to a higher level. This especially applies to the second half of the film, in the first half Fanning is the girl that needs to be protected, and absolutely steals the show. She knows how to indulge and movie, and with her charm she gives the film a warmth that otherwise wouldn't have been, and definitely fuels the latter half. As soon as her character disappeares, the film immediately gets heavier. Christopher Walken also has a (too small) supporting role in which he delivers a tough speech about what Washington's character entails.

The montage and editing of the movie is absolutely terrible and all over the place, which is nothing short but disturbing. Althought the regularly chaotic and busy image changes in the second part of the movie can be called appropriate, but definitely ruins the better (and most other) moments of the first half. A more relaxed style would've definitely been welcome. But it seems Tony Scott couldn't make a film in that time period without some flashy and unnecessary editing and camera techniques, which is a pity, especially in the action scenes. These are so unclear and confusing most of the times, making the scenes have less impact than they should've had.

The film sticks the landing with a solid ending, with an expected twist and a poor execution. It's slightly disappointing, but on the other hand realistic. Furthermore the film is a strongly developed action film with the necessary drama, in which Scott paid good attention to the main characters who are more emotionally charged than usual.

Although there are some incongruities in the script, the film is an exciting ride from start to finish, despite the horrible editing. It's a shame , it would've been a very solid movie if that was handled differently. It would've been a great action film, unfortunaly, that's not what happened and clearly knocks the movie down a peg, it's a decent action film with highly skilled actors.

Thanks to, among other things, cleverl dialogues and perhaps the toughest and best portrayed revenge characters from this niche genre. Definitely one of the better revenger films.

**7.4/10**