Furies Movie review 2023

Dynamic action filmmaking is a force to be reckoned with in "Furies," the latest Vietnamese martial arts film that serves as a prequel to the acclaimed 2019 film "Furie." While not directly related to "Furie," "Furies" shares the same universe, with the film's director, Veronica Ngo, taking a step behind the camera for the first time to tell the backstory of Thanh Soi, the scene-stealing baddy from the previous film.

Rather than focusing on Thanh, "Furies" turns its attention to Bi, a fiercely determined orphan who is determined to seek revenge against a group of human traffickers who have caused her so much pain. Along with a trio of vigilantes, including Thanh, Hong, and their leader Jacqueline, Bi sets out to take down the traffickers and put an end to their cruel and exploitative business.

While the action sequences in "Furies" are undoubtedly its strong suit, there are several moments when the characters are required to relate to each other beyond the confines of violence. It is in these scenes that the film pales in comparison to its predecessor, with the ensemble cast failing to leave a lasting impression. However, the action sequences, choreographed by Samuel Kefi Abrikh, who also worked on "Furie," are once again a standout feature, delivering plenty of jaw-dropping moments that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

The film opens with a haunting scene in which a young Bi witnesses the death of her mother at the hands of a drunken john. Fifteen years later, Bi has been adopted by Jacqueline and her two pupils, Thanh and Hong, and is now ready to exact her revenge. It is a testament to the filmmakers' skill that they are able to address the intense bond that exists between the women, all of whom have been sexually assaulted or raped, without ever resorting to cheap and exploitative tactics.

One particularly memorable scene sees Bi return from a brutal altercation, triggered by memories of her mother, with an out-of-control fight-or-flight response that sees her lashing out at anyone and everyone around her. It is a powerful moment that highlights the character's raw emotion and determination, and serves as a reminder that she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the film's villains, who are largely forgettable and fail to leave a lasting impression. Thuan Nguyen delivers a lackluster performance as Mad Dog Hai, a reputedly demonic pimp, while the other traffickers are equally underwhelming. A last-minute twist adds an extra layer of complexity to the film's narrative, but it is not enough to elevate the villains beyond their one-dimensional portrayal.

The fight scenes, while consistently impressive, lack the same spark and ingenuity that made the action in "Furie" so unforgettable. There are moments when the action scenes feel like they are simply rehashing what has come before, and the film's relatively indecisive melodramatic thrust does little to help matters. However, Ngo and her five screenwriters are at their best when their characters are at their lowest, with several scenes showcasing the deep bond that exists between the four main protagonists.

Despite its flaws, there is a considerable nasty streak that runs throughout "Furies," with the film unafraid to embrace its pulpy substance and deliver moments of unbridled violence and gore. Whether it is Bi attempting to bite Thanh's torso during a fight or Hong saving Bi from a would-be rapist by knifing him in the side, "Furies" is a film that revels in its excesses and is all the better for it.

In conclusion, while "Furies" may not be as memorable as.