In 1998, while Jason Statham was still selling counterfeit fragrances in the black market, the “Quentin Tarantino of the foggy Albion” Guy Ritchie recognized his acting potential. Thanks to his involvement in two iconic projects led by the director, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000), the talented actor quickly gained widespread recognition, becoming the most sought-after action star.
For this reason, “Wrath of Man”, the film marking the reunion of these two names after more than 16 years, has aroused considerable curiosity among cinema enthusiasts.
The film revolves around “H” (Jason Statham), a tough security guard at the cash truck company Fortico. Despite being new to the job, he quickly makes a name for himself by protecting the cash truck from daring robbers and single-handedly eliminating them. However, no one at the company knows that H is there to seek revenge for the murder of his son.
With its unique setting and compelling revenge story, the film reveals the harsh and rule-bound environment of the high-end cargo transportation industry, a setting rarely explored in movies. Many viewers might have thought this was an easy, high-paying job, as it only involves sitting quietly in a heavily armored vehicle.
However, “Wrath of Man” will change their perspective, as every minute in that truck is tense and fraught with danger: “We’re not the hunters, we’re the prey.” Danger lurks around every corner, and if it strikes suddenly, the security team often finds themselves in a vulnerable position, with no time to plan their defense, they must improvise within the confined and cramped space. Moreover, with well-planned tactics combined with advanced technology “toys,” the robbers in the film easily outmaneuver the transport team, breaking through steel doors or forcing those who resist to flee the truck.
Despite having a straightforward plot, under the skillful direction of Guy Ritchie, “Wrath of Man” still manages to deliver many shocking twists. For example, the film deceives the audience by initially portraying the protagonist H as a typical righteous hero, only to reveal the shocking truth about this middle-aged man and his allegiances.
Different from the typical revenge hero trope, H’s journey of settling his blood debt leaves viewers both bewildered and intrigued, unsure whether to sympathize or find comfort in the extreme and unique circumstances he faces.
Guy Ritchie, often dubbed the “Quentin Tarantino of the foggy Albion,” is renowned for his non-linear storytelling and penchant for violent, bloody action, reminiscent of the legendary Kill Bill. If you’re a fan of his distinctive British crime films, you’ll find that “Wrath of Man” follows a similar formula.
Using a chaptered structure, the film gradually unfolds seemingly unrelated stories and characters, which eventually converge at one point, leading to a series of intense events culminating in a bloody, violent action extravaganza.
Compared to Guy Ritchie’s previous works, the narrative in “Wrath of Man” is easier to follow. Each chapter of the film possesses its own color, from pure action to criminal gangs to conspiracy.
Emphasizing the theme of revenge, Guy Ritchie’s latest directorial venture tones down many elements that have made his name, such as the highly entertaining filmmaking style, energetic use of rapid cuts, dense yet humorous dialogue with underlying sarcasm, and the celebration of masculine, elegant attire.
Throughout its nearly 2-hour runtime, “Wrath of Man” focuses on depicting a tense, oppressive atmosphere. While it may have a dark and suffocating tone, this atmosphere accurately captures the inner turmoil of the protagonist at that time: filled with rage.
Unlike the chaotic, frenetic gunfights typical of street gang clashes, the action sequences in this film lean towards precision and strategic planning. Both H and the antagonists are trained marksmen, yet their encounters still carry a heavy dose of violence, ensuring satisfaction for loyal fans.
The film exceeds expectations with its quality, maintaining Guy Ritchie’s unique style while being innovative. If you’re a fan of action movies, this is a film worth watching during the upcoming holidays, right from the comfort of your home.