Man on Fire is a 2004 action thriller film directed by Tony Scott, based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A.J. Quinnell. The film stars Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a former CIA officer turned bodyguard, alongside Dakota Fanning as Lupita "Pita" Ramos, the young girl he is hired to protect. The supporting cast includes Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Giancarlo Giannini, Marc Anthony, Rachel Ticotin, and Mickey Rourke.
The film is set in Mexico City, where Creasy is struggling with alcoholism and personal demons. He is reluctantly convinced by his friend Paul Rayburn (Walken) to take a job protecting Pita, the daughter of a wealthy automaker, Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony), due to a rise in kidnappings in the area. Initially despondent and contemplating suicide, Creasy finds purpose in his role as Pita's protector. As he bonds with her, teaching her life skills and developing a fatherly relationship, he begins to regain his sense of self-worth.
However, tragedy strikes when Pita is kidnapped despite Creasy's efforts to protect her. The kidnappers demand a ransom of $10 million, which Samuel agrees to pay. Unfortunately, the ransom drop goes awry, leading to Pita's continued captivity and the revelation that corrupt officials are involved in the kidnapping scheme. Devastated and fueled by rage, Creasy embarks on a violent revenge spree against those responsible for Pita's abduction.
The film's narrative is marked by intense action sequences and emotional depth as Creasy systematically hunts down the kidnappers and corrupt officials involved in the plot. His journey becomes one of redemption as he transforms from a broken man into a relentless avenger.
Released on April 23, 2004, Man on Fire received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for Washington's powerful performance and its gripping action scenes. The film grossed approximately $130 million worldwide against a production budget of $60–70 million. Dakota Fanning's performance also garnered acclaim, earning her nominations for various awards.
Overall, Man on Fire stands out as a compelling exploration of vengeance and redemption, showcasing Denzel Washington's ability to convey deep emotional complexity while delivering thrilling action.