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Man on Fire is a 2004 American action-thriller film directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, and Dakota Fanning. The movie is based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A. J. Quinnell. Denzel Washington plays John Creasy, a former CIA operative who is trying to overcome alcoholism and depression. He takes up a job as a bodyguard for nine-year-old Pita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of a wealthy businessman in Mexico City. Despite his initial reluctance to get close to the girl, Creasy soon forms a strong bond with her.

However, things take a dark turn when Pita is kidnapped by a group of men who demand a ransom from her father. Creasy is shot and left for dead, while Pita is taken away. Devastated by the loss of the girl he had grown to love, Creasy vows to take revenge on those responsible for her abduction. With the help of his friend and former colleague Rayburn (Christopher Walken), Creasy embarks on a violent rampage through the streets of Mexico City, determined to get Pita back and bring her captors to justice.

As Creasy begins to unravel the complex network of corruption and crime that is behind Pita's kidnapping, he discovers that he is not the only one seeking revenge. The Mexican authorities, led by the corrupt police captain Ramos, are also on the trail of the kidnappers, and Creasy must navigate a dangerous web of alliances and rivalries in order to succeed in his mission.

Man on Fire is a tense and gritty thriller that explores themes of redemption, revenge, and the consequences of violence. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance as Creasy, a man haunted by his past who finds a sense of purpose in his mission to rescue Pita. Dakota Fanning is equally impressive as Pita, a young girl who is wise beyond her years and whose unshakeable spirit inspires Creasy to fight on.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast, including Christopher Walken as Rayburn, Creasy's loyal friend and confidant, and Giancarlo Giannini as Miguel Manzano, a lawyer who becomes embroiled in the kidnapping plot. The film's visual style is bold and experimental, featuring frenetic camera work, rapid editing, and a distinctive color palette that ranges from sepia-toned flashbacks to hyper-saturated action sequences.

In addition to its thrilling action scenes and complex plot, Man on Fire is also notable for its exploration of the cultural divide between the United States and Mexico. The film captures the rich tapestry of life in Mexico City, from its vibrant street markets and colorful festivals to the stark contrasts between rich and poor. At the same time, it also highlights the challenges faced by Americans working in a foreign environment, where language, custom, and tradition can create barriers to communication and understanding.

In conclusion, Man on Fire is a gripping and powerful film that showcases the talents of its talented cast and crew. It is a must-see for fans of action movies and thrillers, as well as anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story and dynamic visual style. With its heart-pumping action, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, Man on Fire is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Man on Fire is a 2004 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 47.