A little-seen Jason Statham film, hailed by fans as his 'best ever' performance, is set for a primetime television screening this evening. The 2021 action thriller Wrath of Man will air on Film4 at 9pm on Tuesday 23 December.
A Long-Awaited Reunion for Statham and Ritchie
The film marks a significant cinematic reunion, being the fourth collaboration between star Jason Statham and director Guy Ritchie. Notably, it was their first project together since the 2005 film Revolver, ending a 16-year gap. The cast also features Holt McCallany, Josh Hartnett, and Rocci Boy William.
In Wrath of Man, Statham plays a mysterious and quiet character known only as 'H'. He takes a job with a Los Angeles cash-in-transit firm, Fortico Security, following the murder of his son during a heist. His true motive is a brutal, calculated quest for revenge.
Praise for a 'Not Your Typical' Action Film
Fans and reviewers have celebrated the movie for subverting genre expectations. On Rotten Tomatoes, one five-star review described it as 'not your typical action movie', calling it an 'absolute banger' that is 'dark, cold, mysterious, [and] gangster'. The reviewer ranked it among Statham's top three films, alongside the Transporter and Crank series.
Another fan echoed this sentiment, labelling it their 'favourite Guy Ritchie movie' and praising its non-linear timeline and memorable one-liners. The film's technical prowess has also been highlighted, with specific commendation for its cinematography, editing, and ominous musical score that sets a gripping tone.
A Violent and Personal Showdown
The narrative employs a timeline that jumps back and forth, gradually revealing H's deadly precision as he eliminates robbers targeting his armoured truck. His mission escalates as he infiltrates the criminal underworld to hunt down the specific individuals responsible for his loss, culminating in a violent and personal showdown.
The film has been praised for delivering a brand of 'beautifully bad ass masculinity' that fans feel is rare in modern cinema. One review noted that the entire cast was convincing, and the film provided a 'fast paced and thrilling ride' with Statham 'pulling out all stops'. Another viewer admitted the film was a big surprise, exceeding their expectations of a standard low-budget shooter.
For those seeking a gritty, well-crafted revenge thriller featuring one of Statham's most acclaimed performances, Wrath of Man on Film4 tonight is an unmissable event.
