The Furious: A Decent Action Film, But Not The Best Of The Decade
The Furious, a Hong Kong action thriller, has been making waves among cinephiles, with many praising it as the best action film of the year or even the decade. While I agree that the film's action scenes are exceptional, I believe it's important to take a step back and consider the bigger picture. The Furious is a decent action film, but it's not the best of the decade, and here's why.
The film's plot is generic and familiar, with a father on a relentless pursuit to rescue his kidnapped daughter. While the action sequences are brutal and visceral, the story itself is nothing new. The film's strength lies in its action choreography, which is raw, vicious, and exquisitely executed. The camerawork and editing enhance the impact of the fights, making them feel real and intense. However, the film's generic plot and lack of character development make it feel like a mere excuse for the action.
One thing that immediately stands out is the film's international cut, which is the version releasing in India. The Chinese cut, on the other hand, gives more prominence to the protagonist's character, even though he remains the central lead in both cuts. This raises a deeper question: is the international cut a watered-down version of the original, or is it a deliberate attempt to appeal to a wider audience?
In my opinion, the film's action scenes are its strongest point. The performers, including Xie Miao and Yang Enyou, are phenomenal during the action sequences, and the editing and camerawork ensure that the action feels real and intense. However, the film's generic plot and lack of character development make it feel like a mere action flick, rather than a truly great film.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the film's ability to evoke memories of cult classics like The Raid (2011). The visual aesthetic and setting, as well as the presence of Yayan Ruhian, create a sense of familiarity that is both comforting and intriguing. However, the film's lack of originality and character development make it feel like a mere imitation, rather than a true masterpiece.
In conclusion, The Furious is a decent action film with exceptional action scenes. However, it's not the best of the decade, and its generic plot and lack of character development make it feel like a mere excuse for the action. While the film's international cut may appeal to a wider audience, it's important to consider the bigger picture and not just the action sequences. Personally, I think the film's strength lies in its action choreography, but it's not enough to make it the best of the decade.
