Man on Fire (1987)

A former CIA agent, John Creasy, is hired as a bodyguard for a girl in Italy, who becomes the daughter he never had. When she is abducted, Creasy's fiery rage is unleashed, and despite being badly wounded, embarks on a bloody revenge spree.

Director:

Élie Chouraqui

Writers:

A.J. Quinnell (novel), Élie Chouraqui (screenplay)

Stars:

Scott Glenn, Jade Malle, Joe Pesci

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Scott Glenn	...	Creasy
Jade Malle	...	Samantha
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

Storyline

A former CIA agent, John Creasy, is hired as a bodyguard for a girl in Italy, who becomes the daughter he never had. When she is abducted, Creasy's fiery rage is unleashed, and despite being badly wounded, embarks on a bloody revenge spree.

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Plot Keywords:

girl | bodyguard | cia | italy | faked death | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French English Italian

Release Date:

4 September 1987 (France)

Also Known As:

Absinthe

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Gross USA:

$519,596

Company Credits

Production Co:

7 Films Cinéma,Cima Produzioni,Embassy International Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer Arnon Milchan wanted Sergio Leone to direct Robert De Niro, while Tony Scott wanted either Marlon Brando or Robert Duvall as his leading man when he was slated to direct.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Remade as Man on Fire (2004)

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Soundtracks

Johnny B. Goode
Words and Music by Chuck Berry
Published by Isalee Music Co and 'Arc Music Corporation [us]' All Rights Reserved

User Reviews

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. ****