In a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, two rebels just
might be able to restore order: Max, a man of action and of few words,
and Furiosa, a woman of action who is looking to make it back to her
childhood homeland.
Director: George Miller
Writers: George Miller,
Brendan McCarthy, 1 more credit »
Stars: Tom Hardy,
Charlize Theron,
Nicholas Hoult
Storyline
An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a
stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and almost everyone is
crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two
rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order. There's Max,
a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind
following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos.
And Furiosa, a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to
survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to
her childhood homeland.
Mad Max: Fury Road Movie Reviews
Overall
Rating: 4.5 stars Cinematic value: 4.5 stars Big questions value: 4
stars Family value: 2 stars (This film has a mature rating due to the
violence, take this into consideration before viewing)
We have
not seen Max Rockastansky (Tom Hardy) on movie screens in 30 years. This
is a welcome return to Max and the crazy, post-apocalyptic world of
George Miller (Mad Max, Babe). Max lives an existence of sheer survival.
As a former police officer and family man, he is now a tortured shell
of the man of justice he used to be and merely wants to survive. After
being captured by the leading cult forces of this futuristic wasteland,
he finds himself in the middle of a pursuit of Furiosa (Charlize Theron)
and the wives of the masked Immortan Joe (Hugh Keyes-Byrne). Max
becomes the pivotal force to assist in Furiosa's escape and redemption.
Mad Max: Fury Road becomes a race for life, redemption and hope. Shot in
the barren desert of Namibia, the fight for life becomes an adrenaline
charged chess match that in making the wrong move will cost you your
life. No summary can do the action justice, except to say to is a new
visual standard that needs to be experienced.
Mad Max: Fury Road
is a lesson in conveying depth with minimal dialogue. George Miller
delivers a masters class in story telling and stunt driven effects that
successfully convey back story, cultural nuance and the justification of
these desperate acts of disobedience and violence. Even as the fourth
outing for this character, we are given a fresh storyline and wealth of
new characters for a new generation. It is not necessary to see the
original films to enjoy this chapter in Max's adventures, but it might
be worth going back to watch the first two films in this anthology. The
cast is captivating and effective in their roles, but they have to take a
back seat to the energetic stunt work and effects. This world seems to
be a maniacal and messy existence, but becomes an enjoyable,
orchestrated primal experience. Who would have thought that through the
Mad Max franchise Miller would be able to convey his cinematic
brilliance and deliver this visceral masterpiece. Not to dismiss the
acting, Hardy is brilliant as the tortured lead character and delivering
a believable portrait of his desire to survive the present while
mentally enduring his past. He is given minimal dialogue, but is able to
become the heart of this post-apocalyptic tale. Interestingly, Hardy is
not the primary lead in the film that bears his name. Charlie Theron's
shining portrayal of Furiosa is the literal and figurative driver of the
film. She manages to redefine feminine heroism for film makers. She has
strength, purpose and a sacrificial depth that presses the story beyond
a mindless chase scene. In a genre that tends to victimise or sexualise
the female leads, Miller portrays a strong female led without any
unnecessary feminist underpinnings. In masking her natural beauty,
Theron is allowed to develop her strengths and vulnerabilities without
making a political statement. Both Hardy and Theron are supported by an
excellent supporting cast that moves this experience from a mere
adrenaline rush to a story of fighting for your right to live, seeing
that sacrifice is part of freedom and ultimately for the hope for
redemption.
On many levels, Miller seems to realise that action
without reason loses its purpose. In adding a spiritual component to Mad
Max: Fury Road he allows for a narrative depth in the script. Immortan
Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) is the cult leader in this dark, twisted world.
His character delivers a dark and demented message of the need for
effective leadership and that leaders need to provide people with
purpose for their sacrifice, even if it is misplaced. This story shows
that there is basic need for something beyond our material needs that
gives society drive and direction. Also, the flower on this desert
wasteland is hope. Even the jaded heart of Max is turned and assists in
getting those under his charge to their promised land and in giving them
hope in the bleakest of moments. This is an essential cinematic vehicle
when placed against the backdrop of the depravity of mankind. Miller
manages to capture this element and allows for the story to consider the
realities of mankind's history and future. If the film does have a
weakness, it would be in the conclusion. In all that they desire to
achieve and find through this film maker's journey, the finality has an
empty satisfaction. After watching a film like Mad Max : Fury Road it
might be worth reading through Revelation. Fortunately, with the God of
the Bible there is more we can hope for in the future.
Reel
Dialogue: What are some of the bigger questions to consider from this
film? 1. Where is real hope found? (Deuteronomy 31:6, Romans 5:2-5) 2.
Can we find true redemption? (Psalm 111:9, 1 Corinthians 1:30) 3. Can we
exist without others? (Proverbs 18:1, 1 Corinthians 12:14)
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