No assembly RequireD

Anything can be a weapon if you want it to be. That seems to be one of the mottos behind THE FURIOUS. A film where a fist is more powerful than a bullet and two bicycles can be used to dual as if they were knives. Action films as of lately often struggle to emphasize on the main word of their genre. Sure the action films of American franchise “John Wick” wants to bring back the spark of old school shoot em’ up style films, but its emphasis on world building often stilts the pure adrenaline rush from one person just punching another. Kenji Tanigaki, director of THE FURIOUS does not have this problem. As an entertainer he knows exactly how much story to bring in before fists start to fly and as a filmmaker Tanigaki has crafted something so poetically brilliant that it even in its most brutal you are left in awe of its cinematic kinship between performers and crew. THE FURIOUS doesn’t just deliver one of the most exciting action films in decades in sets a standard that others may be afraid of but if they truly have the fight in them they too will follow in its steps.

Somewhere in Southeast Asia a great evil is occurring. The topic of human trafficking especially involving children is never an easy watch nor should it be, but THE FURIOUS sets the stage of a clear line of good vs evil. A Chinese father named Wang (Miao Xie) and his daughter Rainy (Enyou Yang) live a quiet life with Wang working as a repair man still feeling the effects of a previous head injury. His daughter wants to stay with him even though she is set to return to China. For Rainy her father needs to be protected being that the “fight” seems to no longer be in him. All that turns out to be false when Rainy is kidnapped by traffickers setting off an odyssey of vengeance for Wang and more so pure cinematic carnage for the viewers. For some THE FURIOUS may be an introduction for martial arts films involving the techniques of several style both past and present. It is this new introduction that also brings such an excitement from THE FURIOUS early on. Those familiar with films from Hong Kong in the 60’s and 70’s are in for a treat in seeing that the film is more interested in being an international blend rather than homage. Sure watching Wang dodge fists and objects while giving his own blows can bring back the films of Chan and Lee but Japanese director Tanigaki wants every movement and setting to be full blown anarchy playing in a manner that allows the fights to feel both cleanly choreographed one moment and dangerously sporadic the next. In a story mode sense we have to always feel the pain and fear that Wang now has for his daughter’s safety which is something that is successfully always felt as both Xie and Yang both carry the emotional weight that heightens your fears for this father daughter duo.

As exciting as an action film can get there is still a strong sense in needing to care for your heroes as well as being viciously entertained by its villains. THE FURIOUS boasts a cast that is not only up for the challenge but helps shape several distinct characters that feel more than alive or alive enough for the time they stay breathing…this is a ruthless film after all. Once Wang investigates deeper into the trafficking ring he meets Navin (an excellent Joe Taslim) who is on his own mission of vengeance involving the disappearance of his journalist wife Matia (Jija Yanin). THE FURIOUS never wants to be a buddy comedy film in the backdrop of the action but it is undeniable the joyful chemistry of Taslim and Xie. Ona physical level the two match one another’s fighting style that you believe if these two decided to battle it out to the death it would be an endless fight. As Navin, Taslim is able to bring his charismatic energy reminding an American audience how much these latest “Mortal Kombat” films have robbed us of a swoon worthy face and even greater sensibility. But a hero needs a villain or in this case endless villains. The role of trafficker is a filthy one and it wouldn’t be shocking if no audience member could get enjoyment out of watching any actor portraying one, but THE FURIOUS doesn’t need empathy for its villains but instead the evil to such an extent that you cant help but be so entertained by their madness. At the center is Joey Iwanaga whose fine suited Paklung is clearly the mastermind behind all holds a great restraint for the time being. Instead like any boss he has his cronies to do his bidding. Fan favorite Yayan Ruhian appears as a terrifying bow and arrow wielding killer but all roads lead to Brian Le as Ho in a showstopping role of physicality that can only be defined as groundbreaking. THE FURIOUS and its script doesn’t need to flesh out every inch the line is clear but seeing this villain performers clash with our heroes brings out such a wild combination of humor and the physical. The choreography from legendary artist Kensuke Sonomura and his entire stunt crew have allowed their performers to be able to create a dance that feels revolutionary in its execution. Sure tons of punches are thrown and knives are dodged but the way bodies begin to climb on one another to create a walking mega person of rage is jaw dropping. There are tons of films that try something new in their action but THE FURIOUS is the rare one that feels like it actually reached an impossible goal and crossed the finish line.

Where THE FURIOUS seems to have its cake and eat it too is in the sense that even when things seem to be wrapped up there is one or two tricks up its sleeve. In avoiding spoiling any of the fun it will just be said that THE FURIOUS holds a finale that needs to be seen to be believed. Less shocking in its plot outline and more so inspiring in its ability to utilize all the cinematic senses including cinematographer Meteor Cheung’s keen eye for knowing when to pull back and immediately cut into the chaos so the audience themselves will feel like getting in a kick or two. This finale can throw the earlier pacing off at times and unfortunately the film chose a dubbing over the more than needed subtitles but when throwing everything at the sun some things may fall short. But all this means almost nothing when you’re given nearly to hours of badass fighting that punches for a real cause. It pulls at the heartstrings just as much as it kicks you in the face. THE FURIOUS never feels the need to abide by traditional standards, not allowing every good person to walk away unscathed or so its acceptance that in any violent act there are always unnecessary casualties. THE FURIOUS in that sense shocks and its all the better for doing so.

Action films currently struggle to grow beyond franchise creation and while “from the world of The Furious” may seem exciting it is all the more enjoyable to know there is finite decision making at play. It allows you to want to come back to this film for repeat viewings maybe even inspire someone to try their own way of fists but more than anything THE FURIOUS proves that anytime a filmmaker wants their movie to throw a punch they better be able to prove their worth, then again throwing five more punches could do the job as well.

A-

THE FURIOUS WILL BE RELEASED IN THEATERS JUNE 12