I honestly can’t remember if I’ve seen any movie directed by Guy Ritchie but boy, his direction on this one is clever. I can’t scream it enough. Henceforth, whenever his name pops up as a movie’s director, I’ll expect nothing but clever dialogue, stylized action and an underworld of gritty characters with a splash of dark humor. I know I shouldn’t conclude hastily but I’m sorry I just can’t help it.
This film I’m about to introduce in subsequent paragraphs is cold, slower-burning and brutal. And honestly? It works. That’s if you’re in the mood for a revenge thriller that doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
Synopsis
The story begins when a mysterious and steely man named H (played by Jason Statham), who takes a job as a cash truck driver after a series of violent armored car heists in Los Angeles. H barely speaks, but his deadly skills become evident when he single handedly takes down a group of robbers during an attempted hijack.
The film actually unfolds in non-linear fashion and it becomes clear to everyone that H isn’t who he appears to be. His true identity and the reason behind his employment at the armored car company slowly gets revealed through flashbacks and shifting perspectives. At the heart of it is a personal tragedy which is the murder of his son during a robbery gone wrong.
Review and Rating
First, let’s talk about Jason Statham. I am absolutely obsessed with him at this point. I mean he fits this role like a glove. H is quiet, brooding and absolutely lethal. What more could anyone ask for? There’s absolutely no charm or banter here, just a laser-focused thirst for vengeance. It was too refreshing to see Statham strip away the usual action-hero charisma and lean into something colder and more intimidating.
The film is divided into chapters which may seem a little confusing but if you pay attention enough you’ll get it. Each of these chapters goes back to a different layer of the story and offers perspectives from various characters, including the crew of ex-soldiers turned criminals led by a menacing Scott Eastwood. The non-linear storytelling actually works in the film’s favor as it adds a kind of complexity to what could have been a straightforward revenge flick.
Also, what really stood out was the atmosphere. The film feels heavy, almost oppressive, with a muted color palette and a brooding score that keeps the tension simmering. The violence is raw and sudden. The fun part of this whole thing that got me grinning is the glamorous shootouts. It’s not just about their ability to use guns but every bullet feels brutal and very personal.
Wrath of Man is an intriguing, revenge-driven thriller that leans more into grit than glam. It’s about a man with nothing left to lose, played with icy precision by Jason Statham.
Well I’ll rate this one a 5/5 because it really beat my expectations and gave me hours of excitement even after the credits rolled.
Go in expecting a dark and satisfying revenge tale.