Monkey Man

 

“If a man wishes to challenge the gods, he must become more than a man. He must become a beast.”

Violent, intense and bloodthirsty, Monkey Man is a fierce and ferocious film, dripping with blood, sweat and tears, in a Hanuman-inspired quest of revenge and redemption set against the backdrop of India’s dark underbelly that is furious, fight-fuelled and fast-paced.

Discussion Points:

My name is Monkey Man. You killed my mother. Prepare to die. Dev Patel delivers one of the most dazzling, grimy, confident and impressive directorial debuts I have ever seen. He has so clearly poured his everything into this and it shows. Taking influence from recent action films, and classic quests of revenge, Patel imbues a deep Hindu mythology and spirit to his protagonist’s quest for justice. I’m fascinated by the films theology with his characters last line being “Only god can forgive you” and the films final line being “Oh god, I worship you.” Which seems at odds with how violent and vengeful the film is as it unafraid to be bloody, brutal and explore the dark criminal enterprises in India as it examines the corruption of political, economic and religious institutions. Patel’s protagonist is a man at war with himself, driven by his mother to both love and pursue justice, and by his trauma to pursue bloodthirsty vengeance and destruction. And it’s a fist filled journey that features some of the most exhilarating fight choreography in recent memory. The use of shaky cam early on mirrors Patel’s shaky skills and impromptu fighting thats frazzled and adrenal before transitioning into choreographed fight scenes with smooth camerawork that demonstrate the new found confidence and collected demeanour his character finds by the end of the film. With pertinent social commentary, some of the most scrappy and brutal action in a while, and a fiercely committed Patel at its helm, Monkey Man is a Slumdog x Inigo Montoya x John Wick x Karate Kid action packed thrill ride.