In 2021, Jason Statham returned to the big screen to star in Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man. The movie had it all, from the excitement of the action and the nail-biting thrill of the heist to Ritchie’s signature comedic genius, and inspired this list of movies like “Wrath of Man.”
In 2021, Ritchie teamed up with writers Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies to create one of his many fan favorites, “Wrath of Man,” starring Statham. The British actor has made a name for himself as an action star, and he lives up to that reputation in this action-packed thriller.
Jason Statham plays armored car guard H, whose mysterious past and gun skills come in handy for his vendetta-laden mission. Loosely based on a 2004 French classic, the movie is a gem in a genre with other must-see films on this list.
“Wrath of Man” is an English remake of the 2004 French action film “Le Convoyeur”, or “Cash Truck” in English. The original starred French actor Jean Dujardin as a security guard for an armored car company out for blood.
Although the plot of “Le Convoyeur” is the same as Rithcie’s film, the French version features “brisk pacing, visceral action and nuanced performances” as it tells the age-old story of a man seeking revenge for his family in a much less convoluted manner.
Dujardin – the first French actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor – is joined by fellow French actor Albert Dupontel in an impressive performance. And fans of “Wrath of Man” should run, not walk, to see its French inspiration.
A History of Violence (2005)
Like “Wrath of Man,” “A History of Violence” tells the story of a man with a mysterious past that plays a role in his present. David Cronenberg directs the two-time Oscar-nominated film.
He departed from his usual directorial style for the project, which was written by John Wagner, Vince Locke and Josh Olson and stars Viggo Mortensen as an ordinary man who becomes a small-town hero through an act of violence.
Similar to “Wrath of Men,” “A History of Violence” explores why people “turn out the way they do” and choose violence. Although it is a little lighter on the action, it carries just as much weight in terms of suspense.
Cold Pursuit (2019)
Like “Wrath of Man,” “Cold Pursuit,” starring Liam Neeson, centers on revenge. In another Hollywood remake of a European original, Neeson plays a snowplow driver who slowly kills the drug cartel members responsible for his son’s death.
Adapted from the Norwegian film “In Order of Disappearance,” the Hans Petter Moland film received three award nominations and was praised for sticking to the twisted and dark humor of the original. Co-starring Laura Dern and Emmy Rossum, Cold Pursuit joins Taken on the list of Neeson’s best work.
Heat (1995)
While Robert De Niro is known for “A Bronx Tale” and “Casino,” Al Pacino made his name in “Scarface. These two acting legends showcased their incredible chemistry and talent when they teamed up in the action film “Heat,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann.
The film follows an LAPD lieutenant, played by Pacino, who becomes obsessed with the demise of a bank robber, played by De Niro, in a game of cat and mouse after De Niro’s on-screen crew unknowingly leaves a clue during their latest heist.
After this tense game of chess, Mann saw his efforts rewarded as his film received 14 film nominations. Heat” was nominated for Best Action/Adventure Film at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, Best Picture at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, and Best Stunt Ensemble at the Awards Circuit Community Awards.
Like “Wrath of Man,” “Heat” is generous with its action, with reports that the shootout sequence was so realistic it was used in Marine training. The two films also share a theme of heists and robberies, and “Heat” marks the first time Pacino and De Niro have worked together after appearing in separate story timelines in “The Godfather” series.
The Equalizer (2014)
Inspired by the classic 1980s TV series of the same name, director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriters Richard Wenk, Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim created the blockbuster action movie franchise “The Equalizer”.
The thriller stars Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a highly skilled assassin with a past who takes matters into his own hands and takes on the Russian mob after befriending a teenage sex worker.
Much like “Wrath of Man,” “The Equalizer” does not hold back on the graphic fight scenes and follows the story of a seemingly ordinary man on a quest for justice, taking down one bad guy at a time.
Lady Vengeance (2005)
“Lady Vengeance” is the final installment of director and writer Park Chan-wook’s acclaimed “Vengeance Trilogy”, which was preceded by the critically acclaimed “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” and “Oldboy”.
Starring Lee Young-ae, the film revolves around a woman wrongly imprisoned for murder who embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth and find the real killer.
In a genre typically dominated by male protagonists, “Lady Vengeance” stands out by presenting a strong female lead, which adds a compelling twist to the dark and gruesome nature of the film. The film has received critical acclaim for its powerful action sequences and thought-provoking exploration of justice.
“Lady Vengeance” deftly questions the age-old adage of “an eye for an eye” and explores the moral ambiguities surrounding revenge. Critics have praised the film for its hard-hitting portrayal of a woman’s quest for redemption and its ability to challenge conventional notions of justice in an unflinching and gripping manner.
With its intense action and intricate storytelling, “Lady Vengeance” is a fitting conclusion to Park Chan-wook’s acclaimed “Vengeance Trilogy”. The film’s success lies in its ability to push boundaries and deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences while exploring the complexities of revenge, justice, and societal power dynamics.
