Featured Image Credit: 20th Century Studios
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity
Emily Brown
If you're in need of a break from Christmas movies then Netflix has got you covered with a Denzel Washington flick that fans describe as truly 'underrated'.
From Training Day to The Equalizer, Flight to American Gangster, Washington has all sorts of epic dramas that you could sink your teeth into this weekend.
You could have a whole Washington marathon if you wanted to, and if that's how you choose to spend your weekend then make sure to include one of his early-noughties films, which fans think needs a little more love.
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Directed by Tony Scott, Man on Fire sees Washington take on the role of John W Creasy, a former CIA operative hired to protect a family as a wave of kidnappings take place in Mexico City.
Just as Creasy is growing close to the young girl he's looking after (Dakota Fanning), she's kidnapped by a bloodthirsty gunman, forcing Creasy to seek vengeance on those responsible.
Co-starring Christopher Walken and Radha Mitchell, the film was first released in 2004 but is now available to stream on Netflix, where users are being urged to give it a chance.
Man on Fire hasn't received the best ratings from critics, earning a score of just 39 percent on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer as reviews claim the movie is 'average'.
However, other film fans disagree.
Viewers have given the movie a much more positive Audience Score of 89 percent, and they've been singing its praises online.
On the r/movies subreddit, one fan posted: "Sat down today and watched Tony Scott's Man on Fire for the first time in years and I have to say that its absolutely fantastic.
"It encompasses his style perfectly; the acid trip cinematography, the grimy down-to-earth setting. Scott really makes you feel like you're in the heart of Mexico. And Denzel gives one of the best performances of his career in this movie."
The Reddit post continued: "I also admired the dynamic between Denzel and Dakota Fanning; their chemistry felt natural and Scott's direction sells the emotional all the way towards its tear jerking climax.
"I know many on this sub scoff at the term "underrated" but Man on Fire truly is underrated in my book. I mean a 47 on Metacritic and a 39% on RT? Criminal."
The poster isn't the only person calling for more love for the film, with other users responding to agree.
"God this movie is so f**king awesome. Still one of my favorite Denzel movies," one wrote.
Over on X, the praise continued.
"Denzel's acting in "Man on Fire" is just so good," one fan wrote. "He has truly subtle and vulnerable moments of caring that rises above race, gender, blood, and religion. He's struggling for redemption. What a legend."
While the film has picked up mixed reviews, it's clear that a lot of Washington fans think it's a hit.
With the film streaming on Netflix, you can find out for yourself whose side you're on!