Man on Fire (1987)

Director:

Elie Chouraqui

Writers:

A.J. Quinnell (novel)
Elie Chouraqui (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

4 September 1987 (France)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller | Action

Tagline:

For an ex-CIA agent, the job of bodyguard for a twelve-year old girl should have been a breeze...

Plot:

An ex-CIA agent is hired to protect the daughter of a rich American family. |

Plot Keywords:

Agent | Rescue | Kidnapping | Friendship | Murder

Cast

Scott Glenn	...	Creasy
Jade Malle	...	Samantha / Sam
Joe Pesci	...	David
Brooke Adams	...	Jane
Jonathan Pryce	...	Michael
Paul Shenar	...	Ettore
Danny Aiello	...	Conti
Laura Morante	...	Julia
Giancarlo Prati	...	Satta
Inigo Lezzi	...	Bellu
Alessandro Haber	...	Sandri
Franco Trevisi	...	Rabbia
Lou Castel	...	Violente
Lorenzo Piani	...	Bruno
Giuseppe Cederna	...	Snake

Also Known As:

Absinthe
L'homme de feu (France)
Man on Fire (France)
Un uomo sotto tiro (Italy)

Runtime:

USA:92 min | Germany:87 min (cut version)

Country:

France | Italy

Language:

French | English | Italian

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Finland:K-16 | Norway:15 | UK:18 (cut) | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Lake Como, Lombardia, Italy

Company:

7 Films Cinéma

Trivia:

Tony Scott was originally slated to direct. But the studio balked because at the time they felt he was not accomplished enough to pull off the project. He would go on to direct the remake Man on Fire (2004).

Quotes:

[first lines]
Creasy: And so. That's how I ended. A stiff in a body bag.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Vengeance Is Mine: Reinventing 'Man on Fire' (2005) (V)

Soundtrack:

Azzuro

Friends Like Us

Although several films are entitled "Man On Fire", this one (1987) has Scott Glenn playing the lead. This precision and talented actor has accomplished many a role in which he so personifies and brought to life the living essence of his character, that few can deny his superior ability. So much so, when we view any performance he exhibits, he is truly remarkable. Much the same can be said for the gifts of Europe's Elie Chouraqui. He proves to be an adroit, and successful director. With the combined talents of both and then add Joe Pesci as David, Jonathan Pryce as Michael, Paul Shenar as Ettore and especially Danny Aiello as Conti, the film becomes a unique stage upon which abundance talent is configured to provide an explosive outcome. Interweaving, both classic literature and stirring quotes between Hero and his young charge for whom he has been assigned as bodyguard, it's hard not to picture a restrained tiger on a leash which had been wounded and left for dead. As a result, it convinces this audience member that at anytime during the dark, moody and poignant tale, the screen will detonate and shake the foundations of the theater. Instead, Chouraqui restrains Scott and his pent-up volcanic anger until the climatic finale which is both dynamic and emotionally touching. All in all, a great vehicle for Glenn and his acclaimed resume. ****