A Man of Action - A Movie Review

In 2002, Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can captivated audiences with the story of Frank Abagnale, a masterful forger who evaded US authorities. The film's witty tone, likable characters, and solid premise have kept it a fan favorite even today. Over the years, many other movies and shows have depicted the cat-and-mouse game between rebels and authorities, the Robin Hood-esque story of taking from the rich and giving to the poor. It's a tough genre to break into, and A Man Of Action, a Spanish film currently streaming on Netflix, faces an uphill battle to stand out.

The movie is loosely based on the life of Lucio Urtubia, an enigmatic Spanish anarchist who orchestrated a legendary counterfeiting operation in Paris. He distributed fake Traveler's Cheques, and the largest American bank, City Bank, took notice and attempted to bring him down. However, before this thrilling adventure takes place, the film spends a considerable amount of time introducing Lucio and his backstory. The story begins in the 1940s, with Lucio's upbringing and his deep-seated hatred for the system. After his father's death, Lucio meets Quico, a charismatic anarchist who teaches him the tricks of the trade and gives him a crucial piece of advice - never trust a stranger.

Most of the movie moves along at a fast pace, but unfortunately, this doesn't bode well for the characters. While Lucio is consistently engaging and watchable, the supporting cast feels underdeveloped and half-baked. Anne, in particular, isn't given much time in the spotlight, which is a shame, considering it would have been interesting to see her reaction to everything that's happening without Lucio around.

Visually, the film is impressive, and the shots of Paris are a highlight. The costuming and dialogue are both believable and compelling, while the music is perfectly suited to the film's tone. A Man Of Action is a straightforward, uncomplicated biopic, but there's still plenty to enjoy. The fast pace and energetic time jumps help to give the movie some much-needed momentum. It's not without flaws, but it's a decent way to spend a few hours nonetheless.

One of the biggest strengths of A Man Of Action is the charismatic portrayal of Lucio by actor Luis Tosar. He manages to convey the anarchist's convictions and charm in a way that makes him incredibly likable. It's easy to root for him as he outwits the authorities, and his journey from a young man disillusioned with the system to a seasoned counterfeiter is fascinating to watch.

The film also succeeds in capturing the essence of the anarchist movement and the ideals that drove it. Lucio's disdain for the capitalist system and his desire to create a fairer, more equitable world is palpable, and the movie doesn't shy away from the violent tactics used by some anarchist groups. However, it also shows the humanity of the movement, and the sense of community and camaraderie that existed among its members.

Where the movie falls short is in its pacing and character development. As mentioned earlier, the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and their relationships with Lucio aren't explored in enough depth. The fast pace of the movie means that some scenes feel rushed, and the jumps in time can be jarring at times.

Despite its flaws, A Man Of Action is an entertaining movie that sheds light on an interesting and little-known figure in history. It's a story of rebellion, idealism, and the power of conviction, and it's sure to appeal to fans of heist movies and biopics.

In conclusion, A Man Of Action faces a tough challenge in a genre that's been explored extensively in movies and TV shows. However, the movie manages to carve out its own identity through its charismatic lead performance, impressive visuals, and a compelling portrayal of the anarchist movement. While it's not a perfect film, it's certainly an enjoyable one and well worth a watch for anyone interested in the genre.The movie also raises interesting questions about the morality of counterfeiting and whether it can be justified as a means of fighting against the system. Lucio's actions are clearly illegal and he faces consequences for them, but the film portrays him as a sympathetic figure who is driven by a desire to challenge the status quo. It's a complex issue, and one that the movie handles well without offering any easy answers.

Another strength of A Man Of Action is its portrayal of Paris in the 60s and 70s. The city is shown in all its bohemian glory, with shots of cafes, bookshops, and art galleries evoking a sense of the cultural ferment of the time. The movie also captures the tension and upheaval of the era, with protests, police brutality, and social unrest providing a backdrop to Lucio's exploits.

Overall, A Man Of Action is a solid addition to the heist movie genre, and it's refreshing to see a story about a lesser-known figure like Lucio Urtubia. While it's not as polished as some of the classics of the genre, it's an engaging and entertaining film that manages to tell a compelling story while raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of rebellion and the role of the individual in effecting social change.

In summary, A Man Of Action is a movie that's well worth watching, particularly for fans of heist movies and biopics. While it has its flaws, including underdeveloped characters and a somewhat rushed pace, it manages to tell an engaging story and shed light on an interesting and little-known figure in history. With a charismatic lead performance, impressive visuals, and a compelling portrayal of the anarchist movement, it's a movie that's sure to entertain and provoke thought