Elyas, el protector

If the movie starts a bit slow, is to get more into the characters, so contrary to most action movies, you at least get to know the main characters.

The movie gets then faster and faster. Not a moment you are bored. Not by the action only, as there are also still slower parts, but because there is a real story and surprises.

The last part, is a bit less realistic and indeed, let you think about John Wick. But that makes the movie more entertaining.

It is refreshing to see an action movie, with less nonsense. No super powers, not an idiotic story for 13 year old. With a bit more realisme, some scenes can be a bit hard.

It is entertaining, not stupid, maybe just not inventive. It entertained me well.

Yes, that's the two only films which plots are the closest to this one. One starring Denzell Washington the other one Mathias Schoenaerts; two are told in two different manners but are still solid, riveting; I mean you don't drop them before the end. Both are gripping too. Here, we can already say that Roschy Zem has something in common with Denzell Washington, because both were convincing true, authentic actors before performing this kind of action flick. They were definitely not action men like for instance JCVD, Jason Statham or why not Arnold Schwarzenegger or Bruce Willis. See Denzell and his Academy Awards statuette for TRAINING DAY, compared with his EQUALIZER film series character. Of course, here, the Roschdy Zem's performance is closer to MAN ON FIRE - itself a remake from a French 1986 film - than EQUALIZER; closer not only because of the plot but also of the realism. And speaking of the director Florent Emilio Siri, never forrget that he gave us NID DE GUEPES, back in 2002, the greatest French action film ever made. But Siri seems to have lost much of his inspiration, compared to NID DE GUEPES, L'ENNEMII INTIME or HOSTAGE; except in a few scene, action scenes - in the camping van, which looks very like EQUALIZER - or in the tower. The only Siri's trademarks.

It would it would probably surprise many people how many absolute great films and more than one in English like, Cliffhanger were produced by French companies.

Or the absolutely incomparable Luc Besson and one of his movies everyone will recognize The Fifth Element.

This movie will not disappoint , the action is great, the pacing is uniquely French or ,European.

I'd say the characters are believable, it has to feel of a bigger budget film then it probably is. Unfortunately , many people in North America will never see it, as with so many other great films coming out of Europe you may want to try looking at Belgian for for Movie and TV series some absolutely great stuff there and really good product coming out of Turkey.

Elyas is a film that tries to tell a story but fails in execution. It attempts to create tension, explore character depth, and deliver visually striking scenes, yet it falls short in every aspect. Instead of a gripping thriller, it feels like a weak imitation of better films, lacking originality and impact.

While the plot moves forward, it lacks coherence and emotional weight. Most scenes feel hollow, failing to build tension or engage the audience. The movie tries to tie its ending back to the beginning to add meaning, but it comes off as forced and pointless.

It also struggles visually, attempting to replicate successful films but ending up as a cheap knockoff. The characters lack depth, and the antagonists remain vague and uninteresting, making the conflict feel meaningless. Pacing issues only add to the frustration, dragging in some moments and rushing through others.

Elyas wants to be intense and meaningful, but it fails on all fronts. Its weak storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and hollow message make it a forgettable and ultimately pointless experience.

Did they just copy (man on fire)🤔 Elyas isn't a terrible movie - but it is a frustratingly unoriginal one. With a story so closely mimicking Man on Fire, it never earns its own identity. What could've been a localized, emotionally resonant take on the bodyguard thriller genre instead feels like a pale imitation. If you've never seen Man on Fire, you might find Elyas engaging. But if you have? You'll spend most of the film thinking: "This has been done before - and done better. It's too close to Man on Fire for comfort. Not just in story - even key scenes (the training, the bonding moments, the torture-driven revenge spree) feel lifted from the 2004 film. But where Man on Fire was infused with Tony Scott's feverish energy and raw emotion, Elyas feels more like a shadow play - the moves are the same, but the soul is missing.