Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is Energetic, Ambitious Filmmaking
What a Lovely Day!
Nine years ago, George Miller stunned the world with Mad Max: Fury Road, a film with more energy, creativity, and entertainment value than the next 10 Hollywood blockbusters combined. Now he's gone back to the world of his creation with the prequel Furiosa. He could have easily done a victory lap and simply given fans more of the same, but instead he's taken a more ambitious route.
The film is more of a character-driven epic than an action spectacle and while it doesn't reach the heights of cinematic perfection of Fury Road, it is still one of the most entertaining times at the movies you're likely to have all year.
The world changes for young Furiosa (Alyla Browne) after she's taken from The Green Place of Many Mothers and imprisoned by the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), who then sells her to the lord of the Citadel Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) in exchange for control of Gastown. As an adult (now played by Anya Taylor-Joy), Furiosa finds herself in the middle of a war between Immortan Joe and Dementus as she plots to find her own way back home.
Whereas Fury Road could be compared to The Road Warrior by telling its story through an extended action sequence, Furiosa is closer in feel to Beyond Thunderdome by focusing on world-building and character motivations. That's not to say that it isn't without its share of adrenaline-pumping, brilliantly choreographed action scenes. Miller takes his time establishing worlds and people that were previously only hinted at. The slower pace may not appeal to as many viewers, but it's perfect for those who want to explore Miller's fascinating world of fire and blood.
Directed by George Miller // Written by Miller and Nico Lathouris // Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Alyla Browne, George Shevtsov, Lachy Hulme, John Howard, Charles Fraser, Angus Sampson, Nathan Jones, Elsa Pataky, Josh Helman, David Field, Rahel Romahn, and David Collins // Warner Bros. Pictures // 148 minutes // Rated R
