The Furious Review: An Action-Packed Adventure with a Pan-Asian Twist
Action movies are a beloved genre, and The Furious is a thrilling addition to the genre that packs a punch. This film is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With a unique Pan-Asian production background, the film offers a fresh perspective on the action genre, blending Chinese, Indonesian, and South Korean influences.
The story centers around Wei, a Chinese father played by Xie Miao, whose daughter is abducted by child traffickers. Wei teams up with the husband of a missing journalist, played by Joe Taslim, to race against time to save the children. The film's plot is a race against time, with the duo facing off against a vicious and wide-reaching criminal ring. What makes The Furious stand out is its unique setting in an unnamed but palpably corrupt country where English is used as the lingua franca.
Miao's performance as Wei is a standout, with his physical presence and silent demeanor making for a compelling character. His character's inability to speak, due to a devastating head injury, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film. The film also features a talented cast, including Taslim, who brings charisma and a flair for languages to his role. The two leads plow through hundreds of bad guys in a relentless barrage of bone-crunching martial arts sequences, delivering jaw-dropping moments that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
While the film isn't without flaws, with clunky dialogue and apparent overdubbing, it makes up for it in sheer adrenaline and crowd-pleasing ferocity. The action sequences are dynamic and unrelentingly brutal, thanks to the direction of Kenji Tanigaki, best known as the fight choreographer behind SPL and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled City. The film is also propelled forward by a hard-driving soundtrack from Flying Lotus, adding to the overall thrill of the film.
In my opinion, The Furious is a must-watch for fans of action cinema. It's the kind of movie designed for high-fives in the theater, where you'll find yourself grinning like an idiot as wave after wave of mayhem unfolds on screen. While it may not reach the groundbreaking heights of The Raid, it's still a kick-ass, crowd-pleasing ride that will keep viewers entertained from start to finish. So, if you're looking for an action-packed adventure with a unique twist, The Furious is the perfect choice.
