Mad Max is one of the movies that has 90% action in it. It was written and directed by George Miller, and I consider this movie a masterclass in modern action cinema.
The movie was filmed in a post-apocalyptic desert, using the wasteland as one of its elements to symbolize a hypersaturated yet deadly arena, custom-built Frankenstein cars with skulls on them to function as a belief system built around machinery, oil, and combustion engines.
Summary
Max, haunted by the ghosts of those he failed to save, was captured by War Boys, the zealous armies of a tyrannical warlord, Joe. Max is then used as a blood bag for a sickly War Boy named Nux. The story kicks off when Furiosa, one of Joe's top lieutenants, goes rogue during an armor supply run in the heavily fortified war rig. Her intention was to smuggle Joe's five wives, who were his prized breeders, and travel through the desert to the Green Place, where she grew up. When Joe realized his five wives were taken, he sent out his entire army of War Boys in pursuit.
Max, who was caught in the crossfire, managed to escape and formed an uneasy alliance with Furiosa and the five wives. Together they embarked on an extended vehicular war in the wasteland.
The Review in Detail
The movie began with high momentum, an extended 45-minute multi-car chase through the desert and later settled for a brief respite where the cars stopped for repairs, allowing for character development and bonding between Max and Furiosa. Then the action begins again as they turn to face their pursuers in battle.
Despite the sparse dialogue, the movie conveyed character development through actions and choices. Furiosa, driven by guilt, hope, and a search for redemption, moved from being an escapee to a resilient leader fighting for human dignity. Max evolved from self-preservation and isolation to rediscovering his empathy and fighting for others to find a home he can no longer have. Nux, who started as a brainwashed fanatic eager to die in a glorified death for Joe, later learned the true value of life and self-sacrifice. The wives displayed courage as they adapted to the harsh reality of the wasteland.
The performances in this movie were iconic: Joe as a formidable antagonist, Nux bringing energy, innocence, and endearing charm to his character, Furiosa bringing intense physical presence, and Max conveying trauma, humor, and heroism through his body language and expressive eyes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The movie has exceptional practical effects with real stunts, customized vehicles, and real explosions. The movie also features sensational sound and music, driving the energy and rhythm of the battle, and finally, it has subtle world-building.
However, the movie falls short in these areas: The plot is simple,just a two-way chase across a desert, viewers who love heavy dialogue may not find it interesting. Additionally, with the continuous noise and explosions, some may find it tiring.
Mad Max: Fury Road stands out because it treats action as pure cinema. Instead of using action to break up dialogue, it uses action as dialogue. It is a rare blockbuster that balances practical stuntwork with a progressive narrative about hope, human dignity, and survival.
Rating: 85/100
