Watch Man on Fire

Man on Fire is a 1987 action thriller directed by Elie Chouraqui and based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A. J. Quinnell. The movie stars Scott Glenn as John Creasy, a former soldier and CIA operative who becomes a bodyguard for a young girl named Samantha (Jade Malle) in Italy. Samantha's parents, wealthy industrialists, have hired Creasy to protect their daughter from potential kidnappers, a common threat in the country.

Creasy is initially reluctant to take the job, having lost faith in himself and his abilities after a failed mission years before. However, he soon forms a bond with Samantha and becomes fiercely devoted to her safety. He develops a close relationship with her parents as well, who see him as a savior for their daughter.

Despite their precautions, Samantha is eventually kidnapped by a group of terrorists led by an enigmatic figure known only as "The Voice" (played by Joe Pesci). Creasy is injured in the botched rescue attempt and left for dead, but he survives and begins to hunt down the kidnappers one by one, fueled by his grief and desire for revenge.

The rest of the movie follows Creasy as he navigates the criminal underworld of Italy and tracks down The Voice, while also trying to protect Samantha's family from further harm. Along the way, he partners with a journalist named David (Jonathan Pryce) who helps him uncover the truth behind the kidnapping.

Man on Fire is a tense and gritty thriller that explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and vigilante justice. Glenn delivers a powerful performance as Creasy, portraying a tortured and complex character who is both brutal and vulnerable. Pesci is also memorable as the cunning and ruthless villain, adding a layer of psychological depth to the film's action-packed plot.

The movie's direction is stylish and atmospheric, with moody lighting and a haunting score that heightens the tension and emotional weight of the story. The action scenes are well-choreographed and intense, balancing explosive violence with quieter moments of reflection and character development.

Overall, Man on Fire is a gripping and entertaining thriller that stands out for its strong performances, striking visuals, and nuanced exploration of complex themes. It manages to be both thrilling and moving, offering a satisfying blend of action and emotional resonance that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Man on Fire is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.