Okay action movie lovers you know and love Liam Neeson in Taken right? The whole "I will find you and I will kill you" thing? Totally iconic. But have you ever checked out Man on Fire starring the legend himself Denzel Washington ? If you are a Taken devotee you seriously NEED to add this movie to your watchlist pronto.
Man on Fire: Think Taken But Even Grittier and More Emotional (Plus Denzel!)
Now when you think Denzel Washington action star might not be the first thing to pop in your head. But trust us this guy can bring the pain when he needs to. He has done some killer action flicks over the years like The Equalizer series and Safe House. But Man on Fire? This one is different. It is the movie that really cemented Denzel's action hero status and guess what? It actually came out BEFORE Taken and beat it to the whole "ex-special forces guy saves someone" storyline. Plus Man on Fire? It packs a serious emotional punch.
What's the Fire About? Plot of Man on Fire You Should Know
Man on Fire story is based on a book of the same name. Denzel plays John Creasy a former operative who is a bit lost in life dealing with some inner demons and a drinking problem. His friend Christopher Walken yeah THAT Christopher Walken suggests he takes a job in Mexico as a bodyguard. Creasy ends up protecting Pita Ramos Dakota Fanning a young girl from a wealthy family.
Here's where it gets interesting. Creasy who was pretty closed off starts to bond with Pita. She is innocent and curious and they really connect. But then tragedy strikes Pita gets kidnapped. And the kidnappers want a cool ten million dollars ransom. Things go south and Creasy goes into full on revenge mode. He becomes a force of nature trying to get Pita back. He is not playing around. The movie gets dark like REALLY dark. Think torture brutal violence and some scenes that are not for the faint of heart. Seriously this is Tony Scott at his darkest.
Denzel vs. Liam: Humanizing the Action Hero in Man on Fire
What makes Man on Fire stand out from other revenge thrillers even Taken? It messes with some of the usual action movie stuff. Usually action heroes are like invincible right? They might get a scratch but they always come out on top. Not Creasy. In his first big shootout he gets SHOT. Like really shot and starts bleeding out. There is this intense scene where he jumps into a pool to try and clean his wound. It's raw and real and shows that even though he is skilled he is still just a human.
Compare that to Taken. Liam Neeson's Bryan Mills is a badass for sure but he rarely faces any real danger. Man on Fire feels more grounded in that way. It is not just about the action it is about a flawed man pushing through pain and fighting like hell. It's refreshing to see.
The Heart of the Fire: Denzel and Dakota's Powerful Connection
Beyond the action though the real heart of Man on Fire is the relationship between Creasy and Pita. Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning are amazing together. Their scenes are what make you care. You see their bond grow he teaches her to swim she names a teddy bear after him. It is sweet and genuine and it makes Creasy's mission to save her feel truly personal. It is not just a job for him it is about someone he deeply cares about.
Fair warning this movie will make you feel things. Even though Creasy is tough as nails he is also human and vulnerable. The ending scene between him and Pita is a tearjerker be prepared. Denzel himself praised Dakota Fanning back then calling her a "sweetheart" and "a joy to be around". They even reunited years later for The Equalizer 3 showing their lasting connection.
Taken vs. Man on Fire: It's Personal Stakes That Ignite the Screen
Both Taken and Man on Fire are about rescuing loved ones but it is that personal connection that makes them work so well. In Taken it is Bryan Mills and his daughter Kim. Even though Bryan and Kim's mom are divorced he is a dedicated dad. When Kim gets kidnapped in Paris Bryan unleashes hell to get her back. He warns one of the traffickers "It was all personal to me" right before taking him down.
Like Taken Man on Fire is full of intense action but it is the emotional core the "personal stakes" as they say that really grabs you and keeps you hooked. It is not just about the violence it is about love loss and what someone will do when pushed to the limit.
Man on Fire: More Than One Way to Tell a Fiery Tale
Tony Scott's Man on Fire might have gotten mixed reviews at the time but even the book's author A.C. Quinnell was a fan. He felt Denzel and Scott captured his vision for Creasy. And Tony Scott wasn't the first to bring Man on Fire to the screen. There was a 1987 version with Scott Glenn and even a Bollywood version called Ek Ajnabee. Shows how powerful this story is right?
Even Netflix is jumping on the Man on Fire train with a new TV series starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. But for many the Denzel Washington Dakota Fanning and Tony Scott version remains the definitive take. It is a thriller that is worth your time a movie that is both brutal and yes surprisingly moving. And for fans of Taken? It is a must-see. Plus you can stream it right now on Tubi. What are you waiting for?
Why Taken Fans Will Love Man on Fire: Top Reasons to Watch
- Similar "Rescue Mission" Premise: If you love the "skilled operative saves a loved one" story of Taken, Man on Fire delivers the same intense setup.
- Denzel Washington as Action Hero: Witness Denzel Washington in a powerful and brutal action role, showcasing his range beyond typical expectations.
- Grittier and Darker Tone: Man on Fire takes the action thriller to a darker and more realistic level with brutal violence and moral complexities.
- Emotional Depth: The strong bond between Creasy and Pita provides a powerful emotional core, adding weight to the action and revenge.
- Subverts Action Tropes: Unlike typical invincible action heroes, Creasy is shown as vulnerable and human, adding a layer of realism and tension.
- Available to Stream: You can watch Man on Fire right now on Tubi making it easily accessible for your next movie night.