I just walked out of The Furious and my heart is still pounding. I went in expecting a decent action flick, but this one grabbed me by the collar and didn't let go. The theater was buzzing as the credits rolled, and I couldn't help but grin at the sheer intensity of it all. Honestly, I wasn't prepared for how emotionally charged this ride would be—beyond the kicks and punches, there's a raw fury that sticks with you long after you leave the seat.
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What's The Furious About?
The Furious follows Wang Wei, a desperate father whose daughter gets kidnapped by a ruthless criminal network. When the corrupt police refuse to help, he teams up with Navin, a journalist whose wife has also vanished. What unfolds is a gritty, explosive martial arts showdown where vengeance drives every punch and every decision. It's a simple setup, but the execution packs a wallop.
What Works in The Furious
- ✓ The fight choreography is insane. I was gripping my armrest during the warehouse scene where Joe Taslim's character takes on a dozen guys—it felt so raw and personal, like every hit mattered.
- ✓ Xie Miao's performance as Wang Wei is surprisingly emotional. There's a moment where he breaks down quietly after a failed lead, and it hit me right in the gut. He's not just an action hero here.
- ✓ The pacing is relentless. At 113 minutes, it never drags. I actually checked my watch once, but only because I couldn't believe how fast it was going. It's a tight, focused story.
- ✓ Yayan Ruhian brings this menacing calm to his villain role. His presence alone makes every scene tense, and the final confrontation with him is a masterclass in building dread.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The plot is pretty straightforward—if you've seen one revenge story, you'll guess a few twists early on. It doesn't try to be clever, which is fine, but it might feel too familiar.
- ✗ Some of the dialogue feels a bit clunky, especially in the first act. The emotional moments work, but the banter between the leads could have used a sharper pen.
- ✗ The corrupt police subplot feels underdeveloped. They're set up as obstacles, but then fade away without much payoff. I wanted a bit more closure there.
Standout Moments & Performances
One scene that really stuck with me is when Wang Wei finds a clue in an abandoned factory. The lighting is dim, and you can hear his breathing as he moves through the shadows. It felt like I was right there with him, holding my breath. Then there's a fight on a rooftop near the climax—the rain, the slick moves, and the raw emotion made it unforgettable. And the ending, without giving anything away, left me with this mix of relief and sadness. I actually teared up a little, which I didn't expect from an action movie.
Main Cast: Xie Miao, Joe Taslim, Yang Enyou, Yayan Ruhian, JeeJa Yanin
Direction, Music & Visuals
Kenji Tanigaki's direction is sharp and focused. He knows how to frame a fight to maximize impact, and the cinematography by the team captures the gritty urban setting beautifully. The music by a composer whose name escapes me right now uses a blend of traditional instruments and electronic beats that amplify the tension without being overbearing. The sound design during the action sequences is crisp—every punch and kick lands with weight. Performances-wise, Xie Miao and Joe Taslim have genuine chemistry as the unlikely duo, and JeeJa Yanin steals a few scenes with her fierce presence as a supporting fighter. It's technically polished without feeling sterile.
Director: Kenji Tanigaki
Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
Who Should Watch The Furious?
If you're a fan of martial arts movies like The Raid or John Wick, you'll love this. It's perfect for anyone who wants a no-nonsense action thriller with emotional stakes. Also, if you appreciate tight choreography and performances that go beyond just fighting, this is your jam. Grab your friends who love high-octane cinema.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you need complex plots or deep character arcs, this might feel too straightforward. Also, if you're squeamish about intense violence or prefer your action with a lighter tone, skip it. It's unapologetically brutal.
Final Verdict
The Furious is a solid, satisfying action movie that delivers on its promise. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it respects the genre and gives you characters to root for. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling evening at the movies. Would I watch it again? Absolutely—especially for those fight scenes. It's a 7.5 in my book, a good time that doesn't overstay its welcome. Just don't expect it to change your life.
