by Henry Pham
This movie is not part of the Fast & Furious franchise. Instead, it’s a new English-language Chinese action-martial arts film set in Southeast Asia. The Furious follows Wang Wei, a father whose daughter is kidnapped by a criminal empire. Receiving no help from corrupt police, Wei takes matters into his own hands and teams up with Navin, a determined journalist whose wife has also disappeared. Driven by furious vengeance, Wang Wei and Navin battle the child kidnappers to rescue his daughter and the other abducted children in this explosive martial arts showdown.
Xie Miao (My Father is a Hero) stars as Wang Wei, a mute Chinese tradesman and devoted father. Joe Taslim (Fast & Furious 6, Mortal Kombat films) plays Navin, the husband of missing reporter Matia Pham (Jeeja Yanin), who is investigating the disappearance of several children. Both actors deliver action-packed performances, with Miao standing out for his warmth, determination, and portrayal of fatherhood. Taslim serves as Wang Wei’s right-hand man, translating sign language for the audience. Yang Enyou is also pivotal as Wang Wei’s daughter, Rainy, whose role significantly advances the plot.
The film’s themes include fatherhood, child trafficking, human trafficking, and police corruption. Directed by Kenji Tanigaki, known for his action choreography in Blade II and Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, The Furious features both brutal, relentless, and comedic fight sequences. Each scene is executed with precision and intensity, showcasing the skill of the cast, crew, and choreography team. The villains are slick and compelling, while the main heroes (Miao, Taslim, and Enyou) deliver engaging (though bloody) performances. The cinematography, inspired by the style and color palette of the John Wick franchise, is particularly breathtaking (while also relentless at the same time).
Cinematically speaking, this martial arts film surpasses many recent Hollywood productions, with the exception of the John Wick franchise, likely due to its strong pacing and script. The intensity and originality of the action take this film to a whole new level, breaking new ground for an ordinary martial arts movie genre. It is top-notch in every way-gritty, powerful, and visually stunning. Please note that the film is rated R for graphic violence and is not suitable for children.
The Furious fuels up the blood-pumping action, filled with bloody slapstick and impressive fight choreography. You have to admire the commitment and dedication the filmmakers and acting cast have put into it. At first, when I heard about this, I thought it would be terrible, but man, this is truly bonkers (and bone-crunching). I’m glad I got to see this movie. Most viewers, especially film critics and Anime lovers, did not know what they were missing. It is one of the rare martial arts films that completely won me over. If you’re looking for an awesome movie that features brilliant fight scenes, here it is. You’ll definitely be blown away by this one and getting your jaws dropped. It clocks in at 114 minutes long and is a must-watch for many martial arts and action movie lovers.
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