The Furious

If you think you've seen it all in action movies, you need to check out The Furious.

Simple story, with characters you get invested in. The most unique use of props in fight scenes, the most variety of fighting styles, and the most intricate and dazzling fight choreography you are likely to ever see in a movie.

Takes the premise of Taken and turns it up to 11. I had to write a review because I only saw one other review, and that one seemed completely at odds with what 90% of the audience seemed to be feeling at the Toronto International Film Festival screenings this weekend. Only reason I didn't give it a 9 was the English dialogue. It's set in a generic "somewhere in Southeast Asia" locale, so seeing the majority of dialogue being in English took away from the authenticity for me.

I don't know if it will get a wider release, but if it does, I would definitely check it out again. Cannot imagine that I will see a better action movie this year.

Also saw it at midnight madness - was on the edge of my seat the entire time - and crowd gave it like a 2 min standing ovation after. Most fun I've personally ever had at a movie at TIFF in 7 years. To me, it felt like an asian version of Taken (goat movie), but better action and story. I couldnt stop buzzing after, my new fav movie, and cant wait to watch it again in theatres!

Caught "The Furious" at TIFF 50's Midnight Madness, what a ride! This film throws you straight into intense fight sequences from the get-go. The direction is tight, with beautifully crafted choreography performed by actors who clearly have serious martial arts skills. It feels energetic, raw, and convincing.

The camera work is slick, following the action smoothly and really enhancing the fight scenes. Each character has their own distinct fighting style, which makes it even more engaging. The editing is sharp I heard almost 2 hours were cut from the first version, but the final result flows so well you'd never notice.

Can't wait to watch it again when it officially drops!

I've been going to TIFF Midnight Madness for years (including The Raid 15 years ago) and I've NEVER seen a movie get more reaction or applause (a standing ovation no less). That's the biggest endorsement I can give the movie. "The Furious" says "watch what we can do" and BOY DO THEY DO STUFF. SO. MUCH. STUFF. It's insane!

You're NOT going for the story (which gets sacrificed for more action). You're NOT going for the dialogue (which TRIES hard but is... not good). You're NOT going for the acting. Yes they shoot young kids with arrows BUT if you're looking for The Raid, look elsewhere. This movie does indeed get silly, because it has to.

If you're looking absolutely preposterous jaw dropping 2025 action - IT'S HERE IN SPADES. I've never seen stunts like this... ever. Most of it feels VERY real (unsure if there was wires or CGI).

It took 5 martial artists at the top of their game, using 5 different styles, to pull those insane fights off. A veritable whose who of modern martial arts movies, each could star in one: Miao Xie (graceful and grapply), Joe Taslim (charming and brutal combat moves), Brian Le (huge, truly unstoppable), Joey Iwanaga (classy axe kicks), Yayan Ruhian (slick Silat, bonus arrows). That's just the CORE. Hundreds of others get injured (likely dead), but there's no space to list them all. The actors credited the director with giving them a lot of room to try things, and a lot of time to practice - which explains all that furious.

When the plot wraps up, and the movie has almost ended, they abandon all pretense in favour of: "CAN WE TOP THAT?" It turns out... THEY CAN. You MUST see this WITH people - either with an audience in a theatre or with friends at home. Do NOT watch alone because half the fun will be yelling "Did you SEE that?" and "HOW did they DO that?" Seriously, how did they do that. I STILL DON'T KNOW. No wonder this took 2 years to make.

The mute father (Miao Xie) is easily the coolest Dad in the history of cinema, and as iconic as Clint Eastwood in his prime. He silently runs down a truck in flip flops, and grapples people and limbs in increasingly disturbing ways (look for a human staircase). The actress who played his daughter (Enyou Yang) is ALSO awesome. Beware her INTENSE GAZE, it better not be in your direction. WHEW.

To finally answer your question: Yes, there are LOTS of hammers. And a pair of steel toe boots you'll never forget.

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

I like campy and non-serious action movies as they are highly entertaining. Unfortunately, this movie really was a big mess.

Hong Kong campy action flicks are my thing as I love their choreographs, action thrills and the tension. Throughout, there are some decent action thrills and some well-shot action fighting sequences. Especially the camerawork and sound designs. However, it ends up becoming repetitive as the fight sequences gets way too silly, at times poorly edited, and sloppy to the point it becomes boring, and dated. Scene from scene with constant action can be good but due to the messy direction, uninteresting and unfunny comedic tones and the poorly done story structure, it doesn't add any value or special moments to it.

Alongside with the wacky but unfunny performances, the dialogue is really bad. Whether it was intentionally bad, the movie still doesn't work because the atmosphere and tone is trying to be non-serious and funny, but unlike being clever, it feels forced and trying to be desperately funny.

Midnight movies are meant to be silly and dumb fun. But this one really was a slog to sit through.