Man on Fire (1987)
Creasy, a traumatized ex-CIA agent, gets a job as a bodyguard for Samantha, the twelve-year-old daughter of a wealthy Italian family living in a swanky villa on the shores of Lake Como.
Details
Budget
$0
Rating
6/10 (77 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Sept Films Cinéma, Cima Produzioni, Embassy International Pictures
About Man on Fire
The 1987 film "Man on Fire" is a drama and thriller centered on Creasy, an ex-CIA agent dealing with trauma. He takes on a bodyguard role, protecting Samantha, the twelve-year-old daughter of an affluent Italian family. Their home is a lavish villa located on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. The story explores the bond that forms between the traumatized man and the child.
Key themes in the movie include an adult-child friendship set against a backdrop of organized crime and child kidnapping. The narrative is adapted from a book, focusing on Creasy's personal struggles and his commitment to protecting Samantha. The film's setting in Lake Como adds a layer of visual context to the unfolding drama.
Why you might be searching for Man on Fire
People search for "Man on Fire" (1987) often trying to differentiate it from the more widely known 2004 remake, or recalling its specific plot points like the ex-CIA agent becoming a bodyguard for a child in Italy, or the element of child kidnapping that drives the plot.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer felt that the 1987 version was a typical 80s action thriller that did not stand out, finding the execution flat and failing to connect with the characters or performances, which seemed stiff.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Man on Fire" on Netflix. It is available with a standard Netflix subscription or Netflix Standard with Ads. There are currently no free streaming options for the series. justwatch.com
No, "Man on Fire" is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of A.J. Quinnell's 1980 novel of the same name. decider.com
In the series finale, Creasy kills Tappen and Soares. Creasy is shot but survives, and is later seen attending Poe's memorial speech for her family. His name is cleared, and he receives a call from Director Moncrief offering him a new mission to hunt down those responsible for his team's deaths in Mexico City. netflix.com/tudum
Some critics suggest that while the series features a strong central performance by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the pacing might be slow due to expanding a movie-length story into seven episodes, leading to filler between action scenes. decider.com